Kitab al Bawabab
Title: Kitab al Bawabab (The Book of the Gateway)
Author: Magus Portius of House Mercere
Language: Arabic
Type: Summa
Arts: Rego, Corpus, Vim
Skill: Magic Theory
Quality: 14
Max Level (Magic Theory): 8
Max Level (Arts): 10
Description
"Kitab al Bawabab," also known as "The Book of the Gateway," is a practical manual written by Magus Portius of House Mercere. This tome aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the creation and maintenance of the Hermes Portal, a powerful and complex spell used for instantaneous travel between distant locations. While the book offers valuable insights, its quality is modest, reflecting Portius's hurried and somewhat haphazard compilation. Readers are cautioned that failure to fully understand the necessary Magic Theory (minimum level 8) can result in significant mental strain, causing 3 points of mental damage per level below the required threshold.
Appearance
The book is bound in plain, dark brown leather, showing signs of wear and age. The cover is unadorned except for the title, which is etched into the leather in an elegant Arabic script. The pages are of rough parchment, yellowed with age and stained in places, making some sections difficult to read.
Inside, the text is written in a cramped, dense script with minimal illustrations. The few diagrams present are rudimentary, providing basic visual aids to accompany the textual descriptions. The margins contain sparse annotations, likely added by previous readers attempting to clarify or expand upon the original content.
Content and Teaching Quality
Despite its modest quality, "Kitab al Bawabab" covers several important aspects necessary for understanding and casting the Hermes Portal spell:
Introduction to Hermes Portal:
The book begins with a general introduction to the concept of the Hermes Portal, its history, and its significance within the Order of Hermes.
Magic Theory:
Portius includes a section on the basics of Magic Theory, tailored specifically to the comprehension of the Hermes Portal. This section is crucial for readers, as insufficient understanding can lead to significant mental strain.
Rego, Corpus, and Vim Arts:
Detailed descriptions of the Rego, Corpus, and Vim Arts are provided, with practical examples and theoretical discussions on how they interact to form the basis of the Hermes Portal spell.
Ritual Components and Procedures:
The book outlines the necessary ritual components, including rare vis and specific incantations. Step-by-step procedures are given for the preparation and casting of the portal, though some instructions may be vague or incomplete due to the book's modest quality.
Common Pitfalls and Solutions:
Portius attempts to address common issues encountered during the casting process, offering practical solutions and troubleshooting tips. However, these sections are often brief and lack detailed explanations.
Case Studies:
The book includes a few case studies of successful and unsuccessful attempts to create Hermes Portals, providing valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of the spell.
Special Warning
Mental Strain Risk:
Readers who attempt to comprehend the book's advanced concepts without a sufficient level of Magic Theory (minimum level 8) risk significant mental strain. For each level below the required threshold, the reader suffers 3 points of mental damage.
Legacy and Impact
"Kitab al Bawabab" is a useful but challenging text. Its practical approach to the Hermes Portal makes it a valuable resource for those looking to master this powerful spell, though its modest quality and occasional lack of clarity demand careful study and supplementary learning. Despite its flaws, the book remains a respected work within House Mercere and among magi who specialize in teleportation and travel spells.
Splitting the Codex for Practicality
Given that the total thickness of the book would be approximately 10 inches (1 inch per level), it would be practical to split "Kitab al Bawabab" into five volumes for easier handling and study. Each volume would be about 2 inches thick, making them both portable and readable.
Volume I: Foundations of Hermes Portal
Thickness: 2 inches
Content: Introduction to the Hermes Portal, its history, and basic principles.
Volume II: Magic Theory Essentials
Thickness: 2 inches
Content: Basic to intermediate Magic Theory necessary to comprehend the Hermes Portal.
Volume III: Rego and Corpus Arts
Thickness: 2 inches
Content: Detailed descriptions and applications of Rego and Corpus Arts in relation to the portal.
Volume IV: Vim Arts and Ritual Components
Thickness: 2 inches
Content: Advanced discussions on Vim Arts, ritual components, and procedures for casting the Hermes Portal.
Volume V: Practical Applications and Case Studies
Thickness: 2 inches
Content: Practical troubleshooting, common pitfalls, solutions, and case studies.
By dividing the book into five volumes, "Kitab al Bawabab" remains accessible and user-friendly, ensuring that magi can comfortably carry and study this essential text. This structure also allows readers to focus on specific aspects of the Hermes Portal spell, facilitating a more organized and effective learning experience.