The Adverse Effects of the Improper Use of Magic

Those who have unlocked the secrets of the universe have discovered a number of magical hand signs - gestures that virtually anyone could make and that would activate powerful magical effects. One such hand sign is made by putting the fingers of one's right hand together and keeping them straight, all but the thumb and the pinky finger; the little finger is held curled by the thumb, which diagonally crosses the palm. The three longer fingers are aligned with the forearm, which is held vertical while the upper arm is held horizontal. This hand gesture channels cosmic energy to entrance most people who see it, causing them to fall silent. In addition, those who see the sign are compelled to make the sign themselves and to hold still and silent until the original maker of the sign lowers their arm. This mystical gesture is called the Scout Sign because it's most particularly effective on members of the Boy Scouts of America.

However, this magic has its limits. Though it can impose a profound silence and stillness on those who are normally noisy and rowdy, if an individual is exposed to the sign too frequently or too long, they can become resistant to its effects. I've seen this happen before. I was recently traveling with a camp of young and older men, all of whom were susceptible to the magic of the sign. Those with whom we were camping knew the secret of this sign, and they used its magic often. For the first few days, the power of the sign frequently held us in thrall, but gradually, its power over us began to weaken. Over time, the young men were able to resist the sign's magic for successively longer periods of time before falling silent and returning the sign. By the end of the week, we had become so desensitized to the power of the Scout Sign that when we were exposed to it one final time, by a powerful arch-mage, a respected member of our own clan no less, we all completely resisted its magic without even trying.

This cautionary tale is given to serve as a warning to anyone who would use this sign, or any other magical power, improperly. It was because the camp leaders used the sign too often that we developed a resistance to it. Similarly, there are many other magical powers that stand to face far harsher penalties than eventual ineffectiveness if they're used incorrectly. Magic, if not carefully handled, can have devastating, destructive, and even damning effects on those who use it, if they use it poorly. We must use the powers we've been given wisely, or we'll be stripped of them - or worse.

Thankfully, I believe that no permanent damage has been done. Over time, our resistance to the power of the Scout Sign will fade, and it will once again be as potent as it had been. However, when other powers are used equally badly, the results can be far more terrible and far more permanent. There are other gestures, actions, and words of power that can bring about powerful effects, for good or ill, depending on how you use them. So be cautious of what magic you use, and how and when you use it. If we use it properly, such magic can do a tremendous amount of good. If we use it improperly, we will be lucky if failing to function is the magic's only adverse effect.