The Magic of Beren'Dor

The Magic of Beren'Dor is infuses everything. It is the raw force of life, called Nathr (Nath-er), subject to its own laws. When at work, Nathr is subtle. For example, a plant growing in a few minutes rather than days or weeks, a Keldar infusing her axe with the bite of frost, or perhaps the subtle influence of the abundant life force of an old forest that allows a group of injured travelers to heal their wounds more quickly while resting.

Most sentient races are ignorant to the existence of Nathr, much less knowledgeable of the laws that govern its usage, and then using that knowledge to shape it and use it. Those that do are typically regarded as wizards. Those that do so as an extension of their own innate abilities are called sorcerers. There are other groups and individuals that does not fit so neatly under those definitions that are also able to do this, one of which is the legendary Taur'Amandil, whose mastery of Nathr goes beyond that which any others can hope to match.

How Nathr is Regarded

Generally speaking, someone actively using Nathr in ways that go above and beyond what is 'natural' will illicit a wide variety of responses.

For example, A wizard in the Elda city of Gala'miel using Nathr to cast a firebolt when set upon by thugs would definitely raise eyebrows. Eventually, rumor would circulate, and might garner the attention of those in the ruling class, which most likely would culminate in offers for work, or invitations to gatherings, feasts, or parties during which they no doubt would either seek to use you, or size you up…or both, depending on who you were, and whether or not you had any ranking among the Elda Clans. Reactions among the other Elder Races are generally ones of curiosity, fascination, or caution, mostly due to the fact that many of the more well-educated of the ruling classes are aware of Nathr, as well as knowledgeable of at least a little of how it works for those capable of actively tapping into that power and using it for their own ends and means.

However, given the same scenario in Ennesberg, you will likely scare everyone that sees you throwing around firebolts. The city guard may try to lynch you without asking questions first, or even worse, they'll report the incident to the Order of the Iron Cross, which will then do its best to hunt you down and either detain you, or kill you.

In backwater villages, the reaction most would get is as varied as the villages themselves. While most have heard stories of people able to do this, it is not likely they have ever encountered one such person themselves. Generally speaking, most villages have historically had a neutral response to such people, preferring to decide for themselves, though there are some villages that have stronger reactions, both positive and negative, to someone capable of wielding Nathr. While some may response with wonderment and fascination, others may react poorly, refusing to serve you, accusing you of being a 'demon', or even collectively attempting to run you out of town.

Learning to use Nathr

There are those groups in Beren'Dor, both public and secretive, that seek out those capable of shaping Nathr, or bending it to their will. These groups offer much in the way of learning, employment, and resources. In some cases affords members of these groups protection from powerful political forces across Beren'Dor. However, being a member of these groups also means that you are subject, at least in part, to their various agendas. Some groups have the most noble of intentions, while the agendas and motivations of other groups may lead to far more nefarious ends.

The Inborn Spark, or Talent

Not everyone can decide to become a wizard, nor does just anyone choose to become a sorcerer. For a wizard, it takes a certain strength of will, and a certain alacrity of mind to learn the laws that govern Nathr, and how to use those laws to shape or bend it to your will. The act of a wizard wielding such power is called casting, or shaping. Both terms are typically used interchangeably.

For sorcerers, their abilities come as innately as the abilities they were born with. While they are subject to the same laws that govern Nathr, the method they use to tap into and use Nathr comes innately from within rather than as a product of the learned, formulaic approach of the wizard. When a sorcerer uses Nathr, it is called channeling.

Types of Nathr

There are two kinds of Nathr that permeate Beren'Dor: Duinno and Redhi.

Duinno

Imagine a land in which many rivers flow, ranging in size from a small stream to one that is wide, deep, and whose current is impossibly strong. Now imagine that these rivers are unseen, and its waters the raw creative forces of the universe. This is Duinno. An arcane network of rivers that flow throughout Beren'Dor. Very few can sense these rivers of raw power, and even fewer still that can tap into them, and shape that power into a use of their own choosing. Those few who can are often called wizards, sorcerers, and other such things.

How those that can tap into and manipulate Duinno are regarded can vary drastically, depending on where you are. In most human lands, for example, Duinno are regarded with suspicion, distrust, and at times even outright hatred. The Order of the Iron Cross in particular, view those that tap into Duinno as a danger that must be either controlled, imprisoned, or - most often - eliminated. At the other end of the spectrum, the Elder Races view such ability as a gift. The Tuar'Amandil in particular seem drawn to them, often seeking to recruit them to aid in their efforts to advance their secretive agenda. In some cases the Tuar'Amandil fine within them "inborn spark" that signifies they are also a newborn Tuar'Amandil, and not just someone capable of tapping into Duinno.

Optional Rules

Redhi

Redhi is the primal power found in plant life, geological formations, and the world around you. Those capable of feeling the life around them while sitting in meditation, or being able to become a part of the forest itself as they move through it are typically those able to use it to bend nature to their will. Those that do so are typically called witches, druids, rangers, and other such things.