Geomancy

Raw Emerald by macrovector

Ever tried to see the soul of a stone or in the earth beneath your feet? That’s the magic hidden in it—its life. Boulders, the ground, metals, it all moves and talks. You just have to listen and wait patiently to hear it, to feel the vibrations.
  And no, you can’t just extract the magic without destroying what you're taking it from. The magic flows through all earth, we just borrow it for a time.

— Kari Brokkr

  Geomancy is earth-based Literomancy: power over rock, the ground, and metals. The magic is usually applied to solids, but can on occasion deal with semi-liquids or particles in wind, such as quicksand, mud, sandstorms, and dust devils.
 

Manifestation

Typically, Geomancers start by having contact with the ground or substance they wish to utilize or manipulate. If the ground is a large continuous area, powerful Geomancers may affect many miles around them.
  The spell runes must be written on the implement or spoken (physically or mentally, though the latter is more difficult). This type of magic is vibration and harmonics-based and most often uses strength, whether it be strength of body, mind, soul, or will. So, you'll see it manifested with low stances, sliding steps, and quick strikes, stomping, jabs, punches, kicking, shouting, or a determined look.
  Since it is based on fast powerful movement, timing is essential. There can be no indecision in a Geomancer's mind for the spell to reach its full potential. They listen to the vibrations and harmonics of the earth and wait for the perfect moment to make their move.
  However, Geomancy also lends itself to slow, patient rituals that take time, with multiple participants (usually directed by a Master) and slow, gradual shifts. This form of Geomancy also requires determination, in the form of dedicated focus and patience.
  Effects include ripples, waves, a glow, flashes of light, cracking or breaking, and tremors. Colors witnessed range from cyan to Meles green.
  Geomancy is most powerful in a fairly dry and solid environment. It is more difficult to affect very wet ground or fine particles.
 

Geomantic Law

Earth cannot be robbed. If too much energy is pulled and transferred into or through you, the Earth—she will extract it with interest and you will crumble to dust.

Even powerful magic barriers will degrade over time and the energy in a crystal will return to the Earth. She is patient.

 

Areas and Types

 

Art

 

Literomantic Enhancement

They use the Earth's magic to protect the henge and those in it and to build a familial bond of those inside it (which returns harmonious magic back to the Earth)

To create portals or gates between the henge and another structure

 

Science and Engineering

War

 

Known Variants In Other houses

Most variations of Geomancy known outside of House Meles are crystal related and not as broad in scope.
 

She's inscribed gems and given them out

Squish's upgrade to Release used many gems

House Chiroptera also has a history of chiseling their literomancy into crystal or stone

The "Chompers" in The Cavern, which are animated stalagmites and stalactites that can act as weapons or portcullis doors, may also be considered Geomancy

 

History

Origins

Werebadgers and Badgerfolk are believed to be the first to use Geomancy. The first recorded user of this type of Literomancy was Kari Brokkr, the founder of the Meles clan.
 

Expansion of Use

Most aspects of modern Geomancy used to be reserved solely for the Meles Royal Family. The Literomancy school had only a few known practicing mages, because it was so powerful. The ability to create earthquakes should be known to only a trusted few.
  After the disappearance of Great Badger Darth Nikolas, his consort, and Prince Galakrond a few years before, Geomancy was considered to be extinct because none of the younger Forgelings had mastered this school of magic. When Nik returned, Princess ShyRedFox learned Geomancy from him.
  But in 2025 Shy, while researching with Librarian Charlie in the Meles Library System, discovered that Kari Brokkr likely had a group of Geomancers that helped him lift the ground beneath and around the Badger's Heart henge to make a plateau and they were likely not all from his family.
  She still worried that this Literomancy type might be lost if it's only kept to the Royal Line. With permission, she started teaching the Brocktrees the magic after The Sixth Word War.