Perciperation was a specific type of magic used to aid in observation and collecting of obscure knowledge. It mostly utilized a specific method of scrying that enabled practitioners to witness visions and events of the past. Using this technique, a magic user skilled in perciperation could access the Ethereal Plane and glean information that was out of reach to all others. The ancient school of the I'dunal were masters at this, and were often called upon by other schools like the Eari and the Draol to assist in documenting history and key events. Perciperation also includes techniques to enhance the senses in order to better "perceive" things. These can be used in conjunction with historical scrying to great effect.
Utilization
Perciperation was achieved by first accessing the Dream Lay, whereby the scrying individual could transport themselves through time and space inside the lay. They did this by focusing intently on the target and honing in on it. Students were taught to first practice on "nearby" memories, meaning very recent and very close in spacial proximity. After much practice, they could learn to travel farther, both in time and distance. One key problem with accessing memories in this manner, was that it was necessary to view the same event from many different perspectives in order to get the truest picture, which was quite time-consuming.
Modern Usage
The hermit Master Ald uses perciperation from the safety of his cavern hovel to create his historical archive, which he then teaches to his apprentice, Gerrodine Marswan.