Who was Kilroy Bisset?

Magus Kilroy Bisset, a name now synonymous with arcane healing magic, was born in Candlekeep, one of the most famous bastions of knowledge in Faerûn. While originally trained in the family business of fabric and leather work, he incurred the loss of his left hand stopping an assassination attempt upon the life of the First Reader of the Avowed.  This ultimately let to Bisset's initial foray into magic training and became the catalyst for his focus on arcane healing magic, known as Vitamancy.

Bisset eventually relocated to Baldur's Gate to continue his studies.  Along this journey, he developed an intrinsic understanding of the frequencies that govern magic, a concept he would later popularize in his magnum opus, "Arcanum Frequens."

Bisset's deep-seated belief was that magic wasn't just a force to be wielded but a language to be understood. This foundational philosophy set him apart from his contemporaries. While others sought power, Bisset sought understanding. This pursuit led him to establish the School of Arcane Resonance, where he imparted his profound discoveries, emphasizing the importance of intent, willpower, and knowledge as the three pillars of effective spellcasting.

His explorations into vitamancy further solidified his reputation. While arcane magic was known for its potential in altering the world around, vitamancy revealed the possibility of healing and rejuvenating the very essence of life. Bisset's prowess in channeling arcane energy to mend wounds, both physical and metaphysical, became legendary.

However, Bisset's life wasn't just about successes. His deep delve into magic frequencies often took a toll on his well-being. Yet, in his challenges, he found revelations. His writings candidly speak about the perils of diving into the arcane without proper grounding and preparation. It is this mix of expertise and vulnerability that made him relatable and revered by his students.

Bisset's later years were spent in semi-seclusion, documenting his vast knowledge. His writings have since become foundational texts for budding spellcasters. Even after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire. Through "Arcanum Frequens" and his numerous other writings, Bisset's spirit endures, guiding and enlightening all who seek the depths of arcane magic.

Four of Bisset's writings have survived and continue to be studied as classic texts in the art of spellcraft.

The most well known by scholars is Arcanum Frequens. This seminal work delves into the intricate relationships between magical spellcasting and the frequencies inherent in the universe. Bisset proposes that both visual and audible frequencies play a paramount role in determining the efficacy and direction of spells. Using various case studies and examples, he illustrates the catastrophic consequences of misaligned frequencies during spellcasting. The book further elaborates on the foundational pillars of effective magic: the clarity and focus of the caster's mind, the strength of will, a profound knowledge of the arcane, and the emotional resonance that accompanies spells. Throughout the treatise, Bisset underscores the importance of understanding and mastering these principles for both budding and seasoned spellcasters.

The second book written by Kilroy Bisset, Interplanar Harmonics: The Symphony of Existence, focuses on the frequency of planes and the nuances of traversing and communicating between them. This work delved deeper into the metaphysical aspects of magic, expanding on the foundational concepts introduced in Arcanum Frequens. In Interplanar Harmonics, Bisset laid out advanced theories and practices to attune one's own frequencies with those of different planes, facilitating travel, communication, and mastery over interdimensional magics.

The third book penned by Kilroy Bisset, designed as a practical guide for his adepts, was titled Mystic Praxis: Cultivating the Triad of Arcane Mastery. This comprehensive handbook emphasized the hands-on approach to understanding the core tenets of magical practice. With a series of structured exercises, Bisset guided practitioners in honing their willpower, sharpening their intent, and deepening their knowledge. As a pedagogical tool, Mystic Praxis became instrumental for those serious about elevating their spellcasting abilities, cementing Bisset's legacy not only as a theorist but also as a mentor to the next generations of mages. The exercises found on this website are derived from Mystic Praxis.

In his fourth and final work, Vitamantic Lore: The Arcane Art of White Necromancy, Bisset delves deep into the rarely treaded realms of "white necromancy," shedding light on its principles, practices, and potential. Unlike traditional necromancy that often conjures images of malevolent sorcerers and dark rites, white necromancy, as Bisset explains, focuses on the positive, restorative, and life-enhancing aspects of the arcane art.

The tome begins with a historical context, tracing the origins of Bisset's personal desire to use arcane magic for healing and distinguishing it from its darker counterpart. Bisset then introduces readers to the fundamental principles underpinning vitamancy, emphasizing the core tenet that it should never be used to harm or exploit. 

Central to the book are the myriad techniques and rituals associated with vitamancy. Bisset meticulously outlines spells that heal, protective wards, methods to commune with benevolent spirits, and ways to draw energy from the ether to restore vitality. Detailed chapters focus on the importance of will, intent, and the mastery of frequency – themes consistent across Bisset's other works – and how they play crucial roles in the successful practice of vitamancy.

Another key element of the book is Bisset's exploration of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of arcane magic. He cautions readers about the dangers of overstepping boundaries between the arcane and divine and underscores the importance of practicing with wisdom, reverence, and responsibility. Vitamantic Lore stands as a testament to Bisset's dedication to expanding the horizons of arcane knowledge while also ensuring that such knowledge is wielded with care and respect. It remains an invaluable resource for those seeking to harness the life-affirming powers of the arcane.

There have long been rumors of a fifth work, Bisset's actual spellbook, in existence, but scholars have thus far been unable to locate more than references to it. It appears to be the genesis of much of Bisset's later works as well as serving as both a spellbook and possibly journal of his magical experiments. Over the past centuries there have reportedly been a few sightings of the spellbook:

1. Year 1703, Valeria's Grand Arcane Library: It was noted by one of the librarians, Elara, that she had stumbled upon Bisset's spellbook while reorganizing one of the higher shelves in the rare manuscripts section. She remarked on its unique binding and a gold leafed tree embossed on the front cover. Within a week, however, the book had mysteriously vanished from its place.

2. Year 1710, The Auction of Eldritch Relics: A private auction held in the city of Drakenholm had listed an item simply named "The Grand Spellbook of Bisset." The auction's records don't show who purchased the spellbook, and the book's provenance had not been verified.

3. Year 1728, The College of Arcanum: A professor claimed to have used the spellbook as a reference in one of his lectures on arcane frequencies. He had borrowed it from a traveling scholar, who had since disappeared without a trace.

4. Year 1745, At The Enchanted Alcove: A famed tavern for magicians and mages of all kinds, an elderly bard sang tales of a book he had once seen that matched the description of Bisset's spellbook. He spoke of intricate diagrams, annotations in Bisset's own hand, and spells that seemed to dance off the pages. His tale told of a wanderer who showed it to him one moonlit night, and then disappeared into the woods.

Each of these appearances is veiled in mystery, and all who claim to have seen or held the book can only provide ephemeral details about its contents. The spellbook's current whereabouts remain one of the most tantalizing mysteries in the world of arcane scholarship.