Originally posted by xmarksthespot
Self-taught magic? Because he can't get help from others. A lone man is going to create a cosmic containment unit all by himself while teaching himself magic, and then somehow try and trap an incredibly powerful being into it (which in itself could potentially be interpreted as outside help), again all by himself?
Characters within the MU have done it, most specifically look at X-factor annual 1993 an ordinary boy teaches himself magic and summouns a powerful being. In the morbius series 1993 another guy taches himself magic. If I had my old comic collection I could probably give you loads of examples.
Even if summouning a being is considered outside help what if the force is semi-sentient also he could use magic to gather vast amounts of power.
We also know that magic enables people to make "shortcuts"
Heres another example of somebody teaching himself magic without any outisde help
http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/gargoylechristians.htm
Now an elderly man, Isaac locked himself in his mansion and studied books on the occult. He started toying with black magic and looking into ways that he could revitalize Christiansboro. He eventually called up the demon Avarrish, and made a deal that granted Christiansboro prosperity in exchange for Isaac's willingness to serve Avarrish. Isaac's soul was put into a demon's body (Isaac wouldn't learn for years that the body belonged to the demon Gargoyle, Son of Pan, who had displeased the Six-Fingered Hand and was being punished. Isaac also would not learn for years that the Gargoyle's soul had been placed into the body of Isaac Christians). Isaac adapted to his new body and powers, and began doing deeds for Avarrish. Christiansboro, in return, seemed to be thriving and prospering.
Originally posted by xmarksthespot
Specifying non-bulletproof characters limits the thread to non-bulletproof characters. That is all.
Your sure?