This is one section of Giltwist's Energetic Almanac. You can reach the other
parts of the Alamanac by clicking the following links or you can just continue
reading for the rest of this section.
Ok, this is quite probably the single most useful part of energy channeling
outside of basic defense. Constructs, quite simply, can do just about anything
you can figure out how to teach them to do. In general, the best way to describe
a Construct is to liken it to the golems of Jewish lore. In the tales of old,
men were able to build creatures of clay or metal to do their bidding, though
only with limited intelligence. Similarly, a Construct is a conglomeration
of energy designed to perform a specific task. Constructs generally fall into
two categories, the animate and the inanimate. Animate Constructs have a limited
ability to act independantly of the maker whereas inanimate Constructs are
simply tools. However, one thing that both have in common is that they both
start as a psi-ball. However, to make these Constructs last a little longer
than the flash-in-the-pan psi-ball you need to perform an extra step that
I like to call Binding.
So, your first Constuct is going to be the psi-ball revisited. As you might
imagine, the first step is to make a psi-ball. Now, make sure that you've
got some energy to spare; it might be a good idea to gather a little more
than you need for your psi-ball. Carefully channel this extra energy into
a rigid ring that belts the psiball. Repeat this process to make a second
rigid ring, but place this one so that it makes an X with the first. Make
a third ring which wraps around both without passing through the original
X. It is very important that your visualize the rigidity of these rings; the
rigidity of these rings is going to hold the psi-ball together. Visualize
these rings acting like a cage to hold in the energy of the psi-ball. If the
energy can't escape, the psi-ball can't dissipate. This cage-like behavior
is the reason that I refer to this process as Binding. Lastly, suck those
rings in as close to the psi-ball as you can, tightening the proverbial straps.
Your psiball should now last until you forget about it totally or until you
break the rings that hold it together. Try throwing the psi-ball. With a little
bit of practice, you should even be able to call the psi-ball back to your
hand.
When you have gotten the hang of Binding a psi-ball and traditional Shielding
yourself, you should be about ready to make yourself a Ward. If you can't
tell by the prerequisites, a Ward is an inanimate construct which generates
its own Shield. This is particularly useful for creating a long term haven
from the psychic noise of the waking world. The process is fairly simple,
start with your basic psi-ball. Personally, I like to ancher Wards on a physical
object like a crystal. You can do this by generating the whole thing around
the object. When you Bind the Construct, it will actually get "stuck"
to the physical object. Now, visualize the center of the psi-ball as becoming
like a whirlpool and gently sucking in the energy around it. Maintaining a
Shield takes energy, and if the Ward cannot collect it's own energy, it will
soon expire. Bind your Ward at this point. If you skip this step, the whirlpool
you've created will eventually consume the very Shield it is supposed to feed.
Now, channel a bubble of energy around your Ward. For those of you paying
attention, this is a form of the classic bubble shield. Carefully coax energy
from the center of your whirlpool outward in all directions to press gently
upon your bubble. Release your hold on the bubble and continue pulling energy
out of the center of your whirlpool to expand the bubble until it is the desired
size. At this point, Bind your Ward a second time. However, you aren't going
to want to try to encompass the whole Shield, as it could easily be as big
as a room by now. Instead, what you are going to do is Bind the energy that
is moving outwards so that it can not overextend your Shield nor let the Shield
retract too far. With any luck, your Ward should now be fully operational.
With practice, you can learn to filter out just specific energies, as it is
unwise to completely cut off energy flow to any one place for too long.
Animate Constructs, some of which are referred to as Servitors, involve a
similar process. The most notable difference, though, is that you imbue your
Construct with energy taken directly out of your Chakras to bestow a degree
of intelligence. This is a very advanced process which can leave your subtle
body fairly well damaged if not done correctly. Therefore, I suggest that
this only be attempted by those with extensive experience with energy work
and Constructs. Moreover, it would probably help to have a person physically
nearby capable of helping you unravel yourself from the mess you would make
if you made an error. Additionally, I feel that no animate Constuct is complete
without being given a name. It is my belief that giving a name to the Construct
gives you power over it so that it will not become completely independant
unless you desire it as such.
All in all, Constructs can do just about anything that can be accomplished
via energetic means. With time and practice, Constructs will act as a useful
supplement to most if not all of your energy manipulation.
