Spellsmiths

Spellsmiths specialize in unlocking the inherent potential of objects, setting them apart from other roles like Forgers or Infusers. Unlike Forgers, who replicate, or Infusers, who place external enchantments, Spellsmiths focus on improvement. They act as catalysts of change and guides, encouraging an object to refine its natural qualities. For instance, a Spellsmith might transform a simple sword into a powerful Memory weapon, not by imposing external magic but by helping the sword become sharper, stronger, and closer to its flawless, ideal form. This process hinges on the idea that the capacity for such transformation already exists within the object itself, waiting to be realized.^[2]

The philosophy behind Spellsmiths mirrors broader concepts of progress and evolution. Just as natural selection refines living beings through struggle and iteration, a Spellsmith fosters the process of improvement within an object. This perspective connects to the idea of awakening dormant potential, similar to how humans unseal their Aspects. The transformation does not involve external forces bestowing power; instead, it reveals something that has always been there. Spellsmiths embody the principle that progress stems from realizing inherent capacity, resonating with themes of craft, intellect, and the pursuit of perfection.^[2]

The Spellsmiths of Valor believed that objects, like humans, held infinite potential waiting to be realized, with Spellsmiths acting as catalysts to guide their transformation into Memories. They perceived this change as a refinement toward a superior form, facilitated by the Spellsmith's ability to sense imperfections and direct growth along a focused path, blending art and science. However, Sunny was skeptical of the notion that becoming a Memory represented a more flawless state. To him, it seemed a result of the Spellsmith's belief in its superiority rather than an inherent truth. He questioned the randomness of potential paths and argued that true mastery required deliberate guidance, much like the Nightmare Spell shaped human Aspects with purpose and alignment.^[3]

Spellsmithing is a meticulous and iterative process where a spellweave is formed within an object, guided by the Spellsmith's intent. Unlike instantaneous enchantments, the spellweave develops gradually, with initial patterns often crude and messy. These patterns dismantle and reassemble repeatedly, improving with each iteration, a process resembling the heartbeat of a living being. The direction of growth is shaped by the Spellsmith's vision, ability, and will, while the Nightmare Spell assists by translating intent into the language of weaving, enabling the creation of intricate enchantments. A Spellsmith envisions desired effects—such as durability, heat resistance, and friction control—and the Nightmare Spell translates these into patterns of essence strings. Without the Nightmare Spell, a Spellsmith could still imbue objects with qualities they personally understand, but without the complex weaving element, the results would lack depth.^[4]

• Spellsmiths came from Valor Bloodline; some were adopted into the clan as retainers.^[1] (Enchanters of Valor are called Forgemasters)
• Valor had been the dominant force in this field ever since the Nightmare Spell descended. They had systematically recruited similar talents both by patronage and marriage, aiming to monopolize all things having to do with forging Memories.^[1]
• In the case of modern humans, the catalyst of change was the Nightmare Spell. In the case of inanimate objects, it was the Spellsmith.^[3]