Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs

[Walrus Warwagon]

Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs: History, Mechanisms, Stabilization, and Applications

This paper presents a technical analysis of advanced Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs (EKFCs), exploring their mechanisms, applications, and the theoretical framework that governs their creation, stabilization, and manipulation.

Preamble

Prior to advancing to the theme of this publication I'd like to address a common misconception. The School of Evocation is often misunderstood, even by those who practice the arcane arts. Many mistake it as the "School of Destruction", associating it purely with offensive forces, volatile explosions and such. While evocation does wield considerable destructive potential, this is a reductive view. Evocation is, at its core, the school of energy creation and manipulation. The volatile nature of compressed energy simply lends itself to destructive applications as the most straightforward way of utilizing its capabilities. But the true breadth of this school is far more nuanced.

Introduction

In the realm of evocation, the Evocative Kinetic Forceform Construct represents a leap in arcane engineering similar to the advancement of clockwork mechanisms. As arcane scholars refine the principles of energy control, forceforms increase in complexity, evolving from simple manipulations to sophisticated, semi-autonomous forms. Over countless researches the forceforms were built upon layers of precise control, stability, and modulation. Just as each cog in a clock must work harmoniously to maintain time, the energies within forceforms must be meticulously calibrated to sustain their function without succumbing to the entropy inherent in a creation of pure energy lacking a physical anchor.
This publication explores the mechanisms behind EKFCs, unifying spells such as Mage Hand, Bigby's Hand Line, and Shelgarn's Line under a single scientific framework.

Definition

An Evocative Kinetic Forceform Construct is an arcane construct that channels pure energy into a physical form capable of interacting with the environment. This is achieved through an evocative field matrix, stabilized in a way of mentally-controlled unseen entity, utilized to apply kinetic energies to the target of indirect manipulation. In simpler terms, EKFC is harnessed to perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, or striking objects. The construct does not require a physical anchor, which introduces the problem of entropy - lacking a physical anchor, energies within the inner components of a construct tend to bleed within the inner structure, causing the whole system to dissipate through the loss of integrity. Entropy manifests in the form of energy leakage, causing instability and degradation of the construct's structure, analogous to the decay of isolated systems in natural law. Each iteration of EKFC addresses this issue to varying degrees.

As already mentioned, the central component of EKFCs is an evocative field matrix that defines the construct's ability to exert kinetic force. The durability, precision, and power of the construct vary based on the complexity of the matrix, while lifespan depends on the methods used to reinforce the matrix, often utilizing abjurative barriers methodology to stabilize and extend the life of the construct.

Mage Hand: The Foundation of EKFC

The cantrip Mage Hand represents the most rudimentary form of an EKFC. It is a simple arcane construct derived from an evocative field matrix, forming a barely structured forceform that can manipulate small objects within a limited range. The lack of an abjurative component means the construct is highly susceptible to dissipation due to entropy, leading to its vanishingly short lifespan. Despite this, Mage Hand lays the groundwork for more complex EKFCs by demonstrating how energy can be shaped into a forceform for the kinetic application, allowing for interaction with the environment. However, its limited precision, lifetime, and inability to carry significant weight highlight the need for more advanced EKFC.

Bigby's Hand: Scripted EKFC

Bigby's Hand spells represent an application of EKFC centered around specific, predetermined actions. Each spell in this line generates a kinetic forceform designed for tasks requiring significant energy output, such as grappling, pushing, or striking. The EKFC are formed through an evocative field matrix that channels large amounts of kinetic force into a tightly scripted set of actions. This limited complexity allows for the creation of highly forceful, though transient, EKFC.

The duration of Bigby's Hand EKFC is inherently limited due to the absence of advanced abjurative stabilization. Once the pre-scripted action is completed, the forceform dissipates quickly, as the inner structure of the matrix cannot sustain itself for extended durations. This is intentional, as most of Bigby's Line is designed for immediate, high-impact interactions, not prolonged manipulation. Lacking the versatility for prolonged manipulation, this makes most efforts to extend their existence inefficient. This is in contrast to more stabilized EKFC that can recalibrate and maintain their integrity over time.

One exception within Bigby's line is Bigby's Interposing Hand, which incorporates the potential of abjurative application. Spell acts by stabilizing itself upon clasping a target, thereby increasing its duration as it functions as a temporary obstructive barrier. With sufficient knowledge of abjurative methods, practicing arcanists could modify the structure of said construct to extend its lifespan for twice the duration.

Shelgarn's Line: Precision and Longevity

Shelgarn's line of spells, by contrast, are designed to address the limitations of entropy within EKFCs by introducing advanced structures of abjurative barriers within the system from their inception. The evocative matrix in Shelgarn's EKFC is continuously reinforced, allowing for long-term stability and more precise control. This reinforcement mitigates the dissipation of energy that typically plagues unanchored forceforms. Application of the next circle baseline matrix to the spell allows the construct to operate for up to a full cycle of twenty four arcane hours.

This method requires a higher degree of preparedness from practicing arcanists, at the same time greatly exceeding the typical metamagical effect of Extend-optimization. In contrast, Shelgarn's line, due to its complexity, is not compatible with Extend-optimization - simply speaking these spells cannot be Extended. Any attempt to enhance the lifespan of the construct through metamagic would disrupt the matrix's structural integrity, resulting in failure making the spell impossible. At the moment of publication practitioners of arcane sciences have not found a way to apply Extend-optimization to the Shelgarn's Line. Empower-optimization is applicable through the compatibility of the spell structure, but does not yield any beneficial effect.

In addition, Shelgarn's EKFC incorporate an enchantment feedback system that enables a limited degree of self-sufficiency and decision-making. This system allows the construct to adjust its actions based on external stimuli and identify friend or foe, or receive mental order. This contrasts sharply with Bigby's line, which operates on a predetermined script.

Intense focus on the control through this feedback system would make it feel like a practicing arcanist is in possession of extra limbs. As such, controlling larger quantities of EKFCs is taxing, and would require a higher degree of expertise. Directing them to act as one will always be an issue. One advice I could give to aspiring Shelgarn-practitioners is utilize their own limbs to perform an action you expect from Shelgarn's EKFCs. This way, instead of mentally transmitting the sequence to each of the EKFC you could achieve subconscious control.

Through this framework, Shelgarn's EKFCs exhibit high dexterity and adaptability, enabling the manipulation of multiple objects such as weapons or tools with a high degree of precision. The combination of prolonged stability and kinetic versatility makes Shelgarn's EKFCs ideal for sustained use in both combat and utility applications.

Conclusion

The evolution of Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs reflects the increasing mastery of energy manipulation within the school of Evocation. EKFCs illustrate the versatility of evocation beyond mere volatile destruction. By incorporating abjurative stabilization, the future of EKFCs leads to even greater precision, durability, and complexity, potentially crossing the line of a single discipline and becoming a specialization by itself. Currently, this exploration highlights the potential of Evocation as a school not just of raw power, but of creation and control.
 
Potential future advancements include a perpetual ritual serving as an anchor allowing non-initiates of arcane sciences to command persistent Shelgarn-manipulated utility-EKFCs  within the area of the ritual. Alternative area of advancement is locomotion. Potential application of kinetic energy through persistent EKFC, in a wind-up manner, within a clockwork engine of sorts. Or through directly carrying an object in a manner similar to flying carpet.

Possibilities are countless as this particular area of applied arcanism deserves recognition and attention of the arcane scientific community all across the Disk.

Cogsworth Clockhand
Clockmaker and Evoker
Arcane Engineer
Graduate of Sandstone College
Palatial Engineer of Sublime Garden
Veteran of Arslan Battle