"All living beings are born with magic energy flowing through their body. Even animals have this energy. In mortals, it traces the path of the nerves, for both the electricity of the nerves and the magic of the body are part of the same force, and flow around each other in harmony. In fey, magic energy permeates every cell of the body, replacing the electricity as the power of the senses. Not everyone can use this energy, but those who can use it project it beyond their bodies to manipulate their environment. Mind, body, and soul come together to manipulate this energy to nearly limitless ends. It can be a powerful tool, and like any tool can be used for all purposes, whether wrong or right. But listen to me, Amber; magic is a gift, and it is one we must make sure to never misuse."
An Overview of Magic
There are, traditionally, four "energies" of the mortal body. The first energy is the Lifeblood, the flow of blood within veins. The second is Senses, the nervous system. The third is Magic, the flow of magic energy around the nerves. The fourth is Mind, the thoughts, personality, and feelings that make a person who they are.
The Science of Magic
In recent years, scientists have made great strides towards understanding magic energy. It is now widely regarded to be part of the electromagnetic force, but a unique manifestation of this energy that can be controlled even after leaving the body, and even, to some extent, after connection is broken off. It can retain simple instruction, much as a computer can be coded to respond to stimuli, and is highly malleable. Some scientists have suggested that magic is a "smarter" form of electricity. This hypothesis is supported by the incompatibility of magic with electricity - where one is, the other is pushed away. Sufficient application of magic can disable electronic devices, and sufficient electricity can disrupt the flow of magic.
The Study of Magic
Unlike scientists who seek to understand the how of magic, mages seek to understand the why and the what. Ever since the first person sparked a bolt between two fingers, mortal and fey alike have sought to make use of this naturally occurring energy.
Magic: The Difference Between Mortal and Fey
Practical Applications
Usage, capabilities, ritual/pact
Limitations and Cautions
mana burn/mana drain, aestus use
Terminology
Mage/magician/wizard/witch/sorcerer/sorceress
magic/magic energy/mana (magma/lava - inside vs outside)
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