Symbol Theory

You are reading The Personal Notes of [Redacted] Pip on Symbol Theory, a record of experimentation and intriguing accidents.

This book is intended for intermediate to advanced symbologists. If you are just starting, please consider reading A Little Bit of Symbols for Dummies by Bart or The Art Symbols by Shun Li.

Disclaimer: There is no full record of symbols. It’s an evolving art with evolving risks. Always practice symbol magic away from others using a small amount of mana or essence first, and please remember to wear eye protection.

I have painstakingly tested all of these symbols on Fred, my giant tortoise. Forewarning—and as an unfortunate hindsight—fire symbols should not be used on living things.

Sorry, Fred.

Types of Symbols

What you use to create a symbol matters. I have only tested mana-based symbols, but depending on how well this book sells, I will consider diving into the dark arts of blood magic.

The things I do for my readers. . . .

That said, if you have mana and fourth-grade reading comprehension, this book is for you. For those unfortunate to not have mana—Berserker (rage), not that a Berserker knows how to read; Vampire (essence), Light Warrior (light), and Monk (martial marks)—you can still power symbols using your given resource. However, you cannot write them without the use of a resource transmuter or mana crystal.

Symbol Basics

Again, this book is intended for intermediate to advanced symbologists, but for the idiots among you, I feel it would be irresponsible of me to not include the basics lest one of you blows something up (again, sorry Fred, at least it wasn’t fire this time).

Symbols is a logical language, much like math. You have your constants (representing fixed values), variables (representing values that can change), conditionals (do something if a condition is met), control statements (iterative or recursive; repeat an effect), operators (add, subtract, multiply, divide, modulus, etc.), and functions (a set of reusable symbols that can be adjusted using parameters).

Did I lose you? Good! That’s a sign you should be reading the book for dummies, Dummy! This should only be a reminder. I can’t stress that enough. Use the wrong symbol or place it in the wrong logical order, and you’ll find yourself with half a Fred.

Materials & Tools

Even if you come from a mana-producing class, tools can greatly improve your work. I highly recommend the Magicka G-2 07. Great company, great product. It comes with a refillable mana crystal, and the tip simply glides when using the correct materials for symbol work.

Alternatively, and if you’re a poor sod, a simple MIC will be infinitely better than your finger. I’ve gotten a lot of pushback recommending these cheap, mass-producible mana pens, but every tool has its use, and we symbologists should not be elitists.

If your resource is not mana, using a transmuter might be ideal. This clever device takes your type of resource and turns it into mana. Brilliant!

Of course, some classes might benefit from this more than others. The reason Berserkers are banned from libraries is not because they eat the books—but they really do; I’ve seen it—it’s because they are always screaming in order to generate rage so they can write their symbols. Very disruptive!

Now, what you write on is important. Beyond the basics of a smooth and flat surface, the material can affect the efficiency, potency, and longevity of your work. This is so important, I have dedicated an entire chapter to it.

I will discuss Spell Vellum (high potency, low longevity), rock or slate (high longevity, terrible efficiency), Phantom Glass (high efficiency and longevity, lacks in potency, but is great for symbol tracing for learners), and Mana Mat (poor-mans Spell Vellum), among others.

Knowing what material to write your symbols on is part of being an intermediate to advanced symbologist. That said, most symbols can be written on anything solid unless a blocking symbol is used to prevent such things.

Contribution

Once you are past the beginner stage, it is time to make your mark on the world of symbols! We have a rich community of practitioners who are always up for a good debate. Contrary to popular belief, we only sometimes bicker, such as the never-ending talk about flourishes and how to space your symbols.

If you discover a useful new symbol, be sure to register it with the Symbologists Guild. For a small 75% cut, the guild will manage who can learn and practice your symbols, sending MMCA—Magical Millennium Copyright Act—notices and collecting fines on your behalf.

Be sure to inform them that [Redacted] Pip sent you. My referral fee helped fund this book and my adventure to the Mad Queen’s realm to study how symbols change in different worlds. More on that in chapter 57.

Please note that taking on students before you’re officially recognized as a master is strictly prohibited. The saying “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach” is not recognized in this field. If you cannot do, you cannot teach. And to ensure you can do, you must take the guild’s test of advancement.

I sell study guides, so please reach out if you wish to become a master! Of course, as an owner of this book, I’d be happy to give you a 5% discount if you sign up for my newsletter.

One Last Thing

Thank you so much for your support. The art we practice is vital to our reality and making lives better! One day, symbols will help us escape from [redacted redacted redacted].

Now, with that out of the way, let’s learn how not to blow up your tortoise!