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 of the existence of Nathr, much less knowledgeable of the laws that govern its usage, and then are capable of using that knowledge to wield nathr in more overt ways. Those who do are typically regarded as wizards. Those that do so as an extension of their innate abilities are called sorcerers. There are other groups and individuals that do not fit so neatly under those definitions that are also able to do this, such as spirit or totem shamans, or even the legendary Taur'Amandil, whose mastery of Nathr goes beyond what 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' illicits a wide variety of responses.

For example, A wizard in the Eldan city of Gala'miel using Nathr to cast a firebolt when set upon by thugs would raise eyebrows. Eventually, rumor would circulate, and might garner the attention of the more powerful clans. Likely that person would gain an invitation to join the Itavarir Academy, whose spellweaving abilities bend nathr to a much wider range of usages, such as sculpting or strengthening structures, imbuing weaponry and armor with uncommon strength or attributes, and of course for offensive purposes that are more geared towards the battlefield rather than small encounters. Should you refuse that invitation, there are many other opportunities for work, depending on the talents and abilities of that person. In essence, your status automatically elevates, even if you are clanless. Reactions among the other Elder Races are generally ones of curiosity, fascination, or caution. They view Nathr as a gift. Many of the more well-educated of the ruling classes are aware of Nathr, as well as a little knowledgeable of how it works for those capable of actively tapping into that power and using it for their own ends and means. The question remains, is the wielder of such a gift going to use it for good or evil? Is that person benevolent, kind, and generous, or are they greedy, malevolent, and selfish?

On the other end of the spectrum, given the same scenario in Ennesberg, you will likely scare everyone who 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 unless you are a registered wielder of Nathr in service to a recognized House. Those who run usually end up in The Crucible, if they are lucky enough to live that long.

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

Some groups in Beren'Dor, both public and secretive, 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, these groups afford 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 questionable 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.