Magic

Magic is a powerful and mystical force that can be harnessed by certain living beings to manipulate reality and produce a desired effect. It is fueled by a supernatural energy called "aether", which exists in a parallel Ethereal plane, and permeates the entire universe. To use magic, one has to reach out to the Web, a construct that connects the user to the Ethereal plane itself. Such connections may also exist in nature, in the form of inter-dimensional rifts through which aether can flow into the physical world.
Magic can have many different uses, depending on how it is wielded. Magical and many other beings can instinctively use magic as a form of defense or attack mechanism. This kind of magic is dangerous and highly uncontrollable. More intelligent beings can learn to control their magic and focus it for more specific results, which requires considerable effort and willpower.
Anyone who can cast any form of magic is called a "mage". Those who use magic professionally are usually referred to as a "sorcerer/sorceress", while those who have a formal education carry the title of "Wizard". Other cultures and some organizations may use different terminology and titles.

Manifestation

Magic can manifest in many different ways, dependent on whatever tools and techniques are used to cast it. At its simplest, magic manifests either instinctively or consciously. Instinctive magic results from primal emotions or as part of a natural defense or attack mechanism. It is raw, powerful and almost impossible to control. Alternatively, mages can focus their magic through effort, willpower and certain artifacts, and consciously control it to complete specific tasks. This is done using capaxia crystals, which can store or channel aether.

Localization

Aether permeates the entire universe, and thus magic can be used nearly anywhere. But the Web varies in density, which affects the power and intensity of magic in various regions. In some areas the Web can be incredibly dense, which severely limits how magic can be used, whereas in other areas it can be so thin that magic becomes incredibly powerful.
In areas where the Web is especially thin, rifts may form through which aether from the Ethereal plane flows into the physical world. In these areas magic can even manifest naturally in one form or another, directly affecting the environment. Such "places of power" are often used for spiritual or magical healing, as places of worship, or more notably as the base of operations for larger organizations of mages. The most notable of such places is the Nexus.
Certain areas can even be devoid of magic altogether, though it is not impossible to use magic if one is able to access aether through different means.

Type

Natural