D.A.M.M. - Monday 1st Period - Apotropic Items
"Greetings students. Today we're going to start talking in earnest about... Apotropaic Magic!"
Horns, glowing, you know the drill by now.
"'Apotrope' refers to objects such as amulets and talismans and other symbols or observances intended to 'ward off evil' or 'avert or combat evil'.
The word is of Greek origin and literally means 'turning away'. One example is the apotropaic eye, an exaggerated eye painted on drinking vessels in the 6th century BC to ward away spirits while drinking. Curiously, eyes were often painted to ward off the evil eye. The word is also used in fiction in reference to symbols such as crucifixes, the Holy Sacraments, silver bullets, wild roses and garlic that can ward away or destroy vampires. Other examples would include touching or knocking on wood, throwing salt over your left shoulder, and lucky rabbit's feet... Not so lucky for the rabbit..."
A handout about Amulets and Talismans is passed out.
"I suppose some of you might be given to wonder if such trinkets as a hand with an eye painted on the palm or a pair of sticks held perpendicular to each other really could hold anything resembling true cosmic power.
I assure you, they can. In many cases, the symbols themselves do carry inherent power. However, to create Apotropia of a power that really makes any baddy you happened across to WET HIS PANTS SHOULD IT BE WEARING ANY! ... The key to this is the same as the key to success in just about any endeavor... Attitude, ladies and gentlemen, is everything. FAITH! Faith in the symbols, faith in a higher power... These are good things. BUT MORE IMPORTANT THEN EITHER OF THOSE!!!
Faith in yourself.
Much of the Arcane Arts is about force of will. If you sit there creating a talisman and thinking to yourself..."
A small figure poofs into existence in the air before Byron, holding construction paper and a pair of safety scissors. Anybody looking at the figure sees themselves as the figure.
"This is stupid!" the little figure before poofing out of existence again.
"... Then that is exactly what it will be." Byron finished. "Stupid. If you can not have faith in yourself, or in an object that you create for the protection of yourself and those around you... Well, then you probably have no business combating malicious magics... Barring that, find somebody you do have faith in, or can accomplish the simple task of having faith in themselves and have them make an amulet for you."
Byron waved his hand to indicate a number of books on a shelf to the side as well as a table of art supplies.
"Your homework will be to create for yourself a protective item. You may use the rest of the period to check these reference materials. I would like a preliminary sketch by the end of the period of what you intend to make."
[[ooc: Please wait for ocd Open!
Horns, glowing, you know the drill by now.
"'Apotrope' refers to objects such as amulets and talismans and other symbols or observances intended to 'ward off evil' or 'avert or combat evil'.
The word is of Greek origin and literally means 'turning away'. One example is the apotropaic eye, an exaggerated eye painted on drinking vessels in the 6th century BC to ward away spirits while drinking. Curiously, eyes were often painted to ward off the evil eye. The word is also used in fiction in reference to symbols such as crucifixes, the Holy Sacraments, silver bullets, wild roses and garlic that can ward away or destroy vampires. Other examples would include touching or knocking on wood, throwing salt over your left shoulder, and lucky rabbit's feet... Not so lucky for the rabbit..."
A handout about Amulets and Talismans is passed out.
"I suppose some of you might be given to wonder if such trinkets as a hand with an eye painted on the palm or a pair of sticks held perpendicular to each other really could hold anything resembling true cosmic power.
I assure you, they can. In many cases, the symbols themselves do carry inherent power. However, to create Apotropia of a power that really makes any baddy you happened across to WET HIS PANTS SHOULD IT BE WEARING ANY! ... The key to this is the same as the key to success in just about any endeavor... Attitude, ladies and gentlemen, is everything. FAITH! Faith in the symbols, faith in a higher power... These are good things. BUT MORE IMPORTANT THEN EITHER OF THOSE!!!
Faith in yourself.
Much of the Arcane Arts is about force of will. If you sit there creating a talisman and thinking to yourself..."
A small figure poofs into existence in the air before Byron, holding construction paper and a pair of safety scissors. Anybody looking at the figure sees themselves as the figure.
"This is stupid!" the little figure before poofing out of existence again.
"... Then that is exactly what it will be." Byron finished. "Stupid. If you can not have faith in yourself, or in an object that you create for the protection of yourself and those around you... Well, then you probably have no business combating malicious magics... Barring that, find somebody you do have faith in, or can accomplish the simple task of having faith in themselves and have them make an amulet for you."
Byron waved his hand to indicate a number of books on a shelf to the side as well as a table of art supplies.
"Your homework will be to create for yourself a protective item. You may use the rest of the period to check these reference materials. I would like a preliminary sketch by the end of the period of what you intend to make."
[[ooc: Please wait for ocd Open!