Magic

Magic is the essence of divine power left over from the world's creation, blended together so much that no single god can lay claim to it. Together, the gods agreed to leave it in Dálnaes for the use of their creations. Raw magic drifts throughout the Mortal Realm, waiting to be tapped by those with the ability to wield it.

Recent advances in magical handling and knowledge in Etherea have resulted in a standardized structure of magic that has been accepted by the rest of Dálnaes. There are a few rare exceptions to this structure, as well as anomalies that scholars are still attempting to classify. The standard magical structure is comprised of five categories, called Spheres. Each Sphere has distinct uses, though any or all of them can be combined as a mage wishes, provided they have the power and knowledge to do so. Some races have limitations, such as the elves' inability to create fire in any form besides light. Humans are the most versatile, though it takes them longer to learn and become as powerful as specialists of other races.

*Note - Most of the information below is specific to Etherea, where magic is so prevalent that it is well-organized. Other kingdoms acknowledge Etherea's standardized system, but have neither the means nor inclination to follow it as strictly.

 

The Five Spheres

• Elemental Magic - governs the manipulation of magic's primary physical forms: fire, water, stone, and air

• Life Magic - governs healing and the manipulation of living matter and energy

• Energy Magic - governs the manipulation of magic in its raw, unfiltered form

• Mind Magic - governs the manipulation of the mind directly through illusions, enchantments, and other thought-altering spells

• Soul Magic - governs the manipulation of an individual's spirit and identity

Chaos Magic

Chaos magic is the sixth and rarely known or studied Sphere. It is volatile and extremely difficult to control by nature, and mages who study or wield it usually discover its existence by accident. Because its nature opens one up to the potential influence of the Realm of Chaos, prolonged use often results in the insanity or corruption of its wielder. Formal study of chaos magic is strictly monitored by the High Sorcerer, and only masters can request to study it.

Magical Anomalies

Beyond the standardized system currently used throughout Dálnaes, there have been a few recorded anomalies.

• Resilience

• Shadowmancy

• Wild Magic

• Evokation
• Thought-speech 

Mage Rankings

There are ten ranks of mages in Etherea. The ranks are divided into five titles and depend on overall knowledge and skill. Special testing is required in order to rank up to the next title. Each title wears robes of a particular color, with hems or embroidery delineating their primary Sphere of study. All mages answer to the High Sorcerer.

Rank	Title	Color	Description
1	Novice	Beige/tan	New students, they study basics of magical control and use and have no established specialization.
2-4	Apprentice*	White	Students with an established specialization, they often serve under specific master.
5-7	Adept	Gray	Students skilled in their specialization and knowledgeable in others, they are allowed to do unsupervised research with a master’s permission.
8-10	Master	Black	Mages who have attained mastery in their specialization and high skill/knowledge in other Spheres. They are allowed to take on apprentices and supervise lessons or approve research projects for lower ranks.
**	Archmage	Solid color of Sphere with black hems	The most powerful master of a given Sphere. New ones are appointed by the High Sorcerer after the previous one dies or retires.

*Note: The apprentice of the High Sorcerer is a unique rank. They are selected through a series of vigorous tests organized by the High Sorcerer. Potential candidates can be from any rank and primary specialty, though candidates must have displayed skill or affinity for at least three Spheres before being considered, and they must have studied under each archmagi for at least a year. Once selected, the High Sorcerer’s apprentice wears a white robe with multicolored embroidery regardless of previous rank or primary Sphere. Once they achieve mastery in all five Sphere, a black band is added to the hems of their robe.