Magic
Magic is the practice of manipulating supernatural energy to enact change in the world. The phrase "Magic" is used to refer to both supernatural ("magical") energies and the study of those energies, as well as the actual manipulation of said energies.
Magic is absolutely inherent to the Four Kingdoms of Anacra. It is as fundamental as matter itself. Magic is everywhere and in everything, and it comes in many forms and manifestations.
While "supernatural energy" (magic) is present in all objects, creatures, elements, motion, space and time, this magic is often bound up in the substance or motion of a thing. For example, an average human is not a readily available source of magic, because their supernatural energies are bound up in the processes that keep them alive. They can eat, breathe, speak, move and think, and those activities are indeed in their own way magical, but they cannot directly project the energy that animates them aside from by actually moving heir bodies.
Some creatures are capable of "wielding" magic. Such entities have access to "free" magic, which is not bound up in the everyday functionality of the universe, or they have studied methods by which to access free magic or liberate "bonded" magic. The most common use of magic is in casting "spells." Spells are formal patterns of magic applied to achieve specific results. Other creatures simply "wield" magic, which is far more unpredictable.
Spellcasting
All spellcasting follows the same basic process, regardless of individual tradition, method, technique, or style.- Tap into a source of power. Every spellcaster has one or more source they tap into. The nature of this power, the process by which they tap into it, and what they feel when they open that connection, varies widely from one caster to another.
- Accumulate power in a vessel. The more powerful the spell, the more magic must be gathered. All of it must be collected at once in order to shape it into the spell. This vessel may be internal (within the spellcaster's mind, body and soul) or external (within an external matrix, focus object or array of some kind).
- Shape the accumulated energy into a spell matrix. Raw energy will not produce the precise effects desired in a spell and could inflict backlash. A Spell Matrix is a pattern of magic, and like a vessel it can be either internal or external. The more powerful the spell, the more complex the spell matrix.
- Unleash the shaped spell. Each spell matrix has its own release mechanism that activates the spell's intended effect. Shaped spells are unstable and want to be cast. It can be difficult to maintain a spell matrix once it's complete.
Types of Magical Energy
- Dawn Magic
- Elemental Energy
- Infernal Energy
- Vital Energy
- Psychic Energy
- Alchemical Energy
- Celestial Energy
- Necrotic Energy
Compound Magical Energy Forms
- Wild Magic
- Spiritual Energy
- Fey Magic
- Shadow Magic
Non-Energy Magical Forms
- Void Magic
- Primal Music
Magical Practices & Traditions
- Circle Magic
- Pact Magic
- Wizardry
- Sorcery
- Druidism
- High Magic
- Spellsong
- Draconic Rune Magic
- Ring Magic
- Blood Magic
- Hedge Magic
- Quest Spells
- Cooperative Magic
- Rune Magic
- Realm Magic
- Collective Ritual Magic
- Alchemy
- Artifice
- Divine Rituals
- Sacrificial Magic
- Profane Rituals
- Spellcasting
- Chirurgy
- Pain Harvesting
- Fey Bargains
- Infernal Bargains
- Geomancy
- Lichdom
- Cartomancy
- Diabolism
- Witchcraft
- Oneiromancy
- Necromancy
- Alienism
- Mirror Magic
- Arcane Botany
- Abjuration
- Conjuration
- Evocation
- Enchantment
- Divination
- Transmutation
- Illusion
Magical Phenomena
- Fey Mysteries
- Elemental Veins
Type
Metaphysical, Supernatural
Comments