Literomancy (LIT-er-uh-man-see | / 'lɪt ər rəˌmæn si /)

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.

— George Bernard Shaw

  Literomancy is the art of using words and story to create sorcery and other magical effects in the GoTverse. In simplest terms, the power of a story created with invested intent alters the fabric of reality. The more compelling the story, the more effective the magic.   Literomancy is practiced exclusively by Literomancers and the ability to practice it is the defining characteristic of a literomancer.  

Invocation

To invoke literomancy, a Tome Knight, or other literomancer, must tell a story. However, there are numerous ways in which to tell a story, and it is by no means limited to prose. Poetry, music, visual arts, interpretative dance, tapestries and murals, creative non-fiction, RPG creation and raw worldbuilding are some of the many forms of practice utilized by Tome Knights. Even computer coding, or altering or reinterpreting creative works can draw upon literomantic energy, as long as the end goal is a creative project, although coders, editors, and translators are less common among Tome Knights. Some of these methods are very personal and specific to a given Tome Knight.   The only stipulation is that literomancy must utilize some form of creative writing, and use of the written word must be involved, although language doesn't seem to matter. Non-creative forms of writing lack sufficient inspirational impact to invoke literomantic power (so accounting, for example, is ineffective.) Literomancers using a form of art that does not typically involve the written word, such as dancing or making a tapestry or mural, typically incorporate runes or other forms of writing into the work.  

Manifestion

Effects can vary broadly. It is perhaps most common for literomancers to "buff" themselves with powers or magic, talents or skills, prior to engaging in combat. For example, the Owsla might tell a story of their combat prowess, their magical weapons, or their innate sorcerous powers before hitting the battlefield, and then find those powers available to call upon at will.   Less common is "combat literomancy" -- that is, rewriting reality while engaged in combat. This requires the implements of a story's creation (ie. pen and ink, laptop, tablet, musical instrument) and focus and concentration. Disarming a literomancer by taking or destroying these implements can put a halt to their literomantic enchantments, so there is an extra element of risk. However, the advantage of practicing combat literomancy is that the Tome Knight can adapt to the changing conditions of the battlefield; either by creating new effects, events and abilities on the spot, or by countering other literomantic enchantments.   Does my character practice combat literomancy?  

Limitations

And guys? Be careful! The tropes of this plotline don't tend to end well for the parental units.

— Sable Aradia to Darth Nikolas and Realm of Music, re: Lord Galakrond having been taken by the Undead Horde

  Literomancy's effectiveness is determined by how compelling the story is that the Tome Knight is telling. As a result, it is bound by the needs of the story.   Breaking free of literary tropes, plot beats, and narrative structure is not impossible, but reality resists such efforts. It is unlikely that a Tome Knight will be able to escape literomantic enchantments unscathed, things tend to happen in a logical order, and the rules of Chekhov's gun apply. A literomancer is most effective when they can make the craft of writing work in their favour to tell a truly memorable tale.   In addition, it is easier to build on an established story than create a new story entirely out of the ether, as long as one is able to obey the already-established rules in play. This is why literomantic houses develop traditions, and then build on those traditions, rather than reinventing themselves every generation. A story works best, after all, when it has continuity.    

How is Literomancy Learned?

The most common method (if anything can be said to be "common" with literomancers) is to be born into a literomantic family line, such as most of the Great Houses and some of the Minor Houses. But it is possible to learn it through other methods as well -- natural talent, less-than-above-board acquisition of study material, or raw determination and discipline. Tempest Kwake claims they learned literomancy in back alleys and other maverick, on-the-fly environments, and Lord Galakrond was demonstrably studying literomancy on his own long before his formal instruction began (there is a rumour that the same is true of Sable Aradia.) Nor does being born into a literomantic line necessarily guarantee that one will have any literomantic capabilities. The ability to tell a good story forever eludes logic or definition.