Regarding SCH and SMN books

[Ninster]

I understand that SCH and SMN books are split after 50 for stat and role reasons. But from a lore perspective, what makes them so different?

Furthermore, I've noticed that SCH books tend to be "copies of" (indicating more than one book exists) where as I don't remember seeing that notation for any of the SMN books. Is there a particular reason for this?

[Anonymoose]

I understand that SCH and SMN books are split after 50 for stat and role reasons. But from a lore perspective, what makes them so different?

Lore-wise? I would imagine the content-focus, or how much time is spent talking about what functions of the art.
If you look at the books in-game, the insides are different. Let's list those:

1 (L) Angle measurements (R) Mirrored Angle Measurements
ACN SMN (SCH)

2 (L) Circle Diagrams (R) Text
SCH

3 (L) Text (R) "Man" Diagram
SMN

Modern arcanism books are likely based on Lominsan texts, which likely derive their focus on battle strategies from the Nymian arts while being extremely focused on mathematics, from the sacred geometry of the summoning to the probabilities of each strategy working in a given scenario.

Books based on the ancient Nymian arts seem to contain less math (given that the fairy is bound to the soulstone once fashioned). The text and diagrams likely focus more on not only scenarios, but fairy behavior and use.

Most books on Summoner would either be extremely old or very recent. The very old ones feature the "man" diagram, likely a representation of the flow of aether within the body and how to tip it towards certain aspect-balances or how to siphon it off to create an avatar. The newer ones are pretty much arcanist books.

Furthermore, I've noticed that SCH books tend to be "copies of" (indicating more than one book exists) where as I don't remember seeing that notation for any of the SMN books. Is there a particular reason for this?

I don't think that's actually a thing, so you might be able to throw that concern right aside.

You try on the copy of Ona Ramuhda.

[Cilia]

The information contained within the books?

SCH is more about tactical planning and strategy, while SMN is more about mysticism. I'd argue the books' contents are dependent on the role.

... and yes, there are two different interiors for both kinds of books to denote this.

[Ninster]

The information contained within the books?

SCH is more about tactical planning and strategy, while SMN is more about mysticism. I'd argue the books' contents are dependent on the role.

... and yes, there are two different interiors for both kinds of books to denote this.

Thanks guys, I'm slapping myself for not noticing this, considering how many times I've taken a moment just to admire the book models. It makes sense though. I'm also slapping myself regarding the other question. SMN main here, and yet I haven't actually held even most of the books in game. =/

[Anonymoose]

I'm slapping myself for...

Never slap yourself for curiosity, even if the answer was doing the Manderville in your blind spot. That's what we're here for!

If I had a gil for every time an answer was mocking me from but yalms away...

[Kotemon]

I have noticed that the Sch and Smn books have different things written inside them apart of the diagrams. The text looks like the common writing in the game but is there any idea what is being said in either book? I'm assuming its either gibberish or an obscure Easter egg like referencing a person, place or location for the dev team. I'm hoping its not something like Smn "To summon say this name three times" or Sch "The wrist bone is connected to the elbow bone"

[Anonymoose]

....is there any idea what is being said in either book? I'm assuming its either gibberish...

As far Ias I could tell, it's the same gibberish font that turns up on the map after the font gets small enough.

There's this warped N I always look for that gives it away, lol.