Magic
Magic in Astria is a wild and often unpredictable force that occurs naturally. Those capable of wielding it can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, but these people are few and far between. While intensely powerful, it does not function as well in proximity to the artificial order of technology and industry. Mages can still wield it directly, but it is tiring and requires a great deal of focus. In the wild areas of Astria, magic knows virtually no limit and neither do those who wield it. For some, this is preferable and these mages often relocate to more remote locations or even to wild lands (such as Mystcourt in Ebonhearth ). Druids and others who channel Primal magic are limited to these areas to a large extent, with some exception.
Types of Magic
Outside of that which occurs naturally, often referred to as raw magic, scholars divide magic into three main categories: Arcane, Primal, and Divine. Each accesses the same force through unique means, granting unique abilities. Which category of magic one is skilled with depends largely on one's personal views and beliefs. A person raised in the faith of a deity, for example, is likely to develop skills in Divine magic related to that deity. This can create some dilemma when a person's beliefs begin to shift.
Those with any kind of magic abilities are referred to generally as mages, although in practice this term most commonly refers to those with Arcane magic. Very rarely, a mage may spontaneously gain access to new spells and abilities -- these mages are often differentiated through the title of sorcerer. Most sorcerers chose not to engage in any kind of academic study, instead focusing entirely on experimentation and practical experience in order to understand how to better wield and manipulate their powers.
Mages divide magic into several subcategories or schools:
- Abjuration - the magic of protection and wards
- Conjuration - the magic of transportation and creation
- Divination - the magic of perception and knowledge
- Enchantment (typically one of the most carefully regulated schools) - the magic of emotion and influence
- Evocation - the magic of elements and matter
- Illusion - the magic of perception and the senses
- Necromancy (another carefully regulated school) - the magic of life and death
- Transmutation - the magic of change and alteration
Arcane Magic
Arcane magic is one of the most common. While all mages have some innate knowledge and access to magic, this type of magic is most often advanced through rigorous study. Many Arcane schools exist across Astria where young mages can be taught to understand and control their abilities. Knowledge of Arcane spells is typically passed through written formulas, and one must be taught how to properly read the runes and diagrams in order to cast the spell. Many scholars liken this type of magic to mathematics or engineering, where understanding the building blocks allows one to create and manipulate more advanced formulas.
Divine Magic
(TBD) (see also: article on religion in Astria)
Primal Magic
(TBD)
Raw Magic
(TBD) wild lands
Special Considerations
(talk about multiclassing and changing classes)