Magic

The magic of Lazarus is a living, breathing force, constantly shifting and changing with the celestial tides. The ancient era of boundless arcane power may be gone, but the magic that remains is deeply woven into the fabric of the world, influenced by the mysterious and ever-changing moons that orbit Lazarus.

In Lazarus, the moons are not only celestial bodies but also the sources of thrilling and dangerous adventures. The rich and daring often commission expeditions to retrieve treasures from these moons, which are created by Solovian, the god of Dungeons, who spawns these structures for amusement. Each moon presents its own unique challenges and rewards:
Caelum (Arcane Moon): The surface of Caelum is nearly barren and blue-tinted, reflecting the arcane energies. Beneath its surface lies a mega dungeon of libraries and medieval architecture, teeming with high-tier arcane artifacts. It is rumored that liches secretly inhabit the deeper chambers, claiming small territories and farming magical resources that spontaneously generate.
Lucent (Chi Moon): A frigid, tundra-like moon haunted by ghosts and undead, Lucent is renowned for its necromantic treasures. The architecture is Eastern in style, and the artifacts found here are often related to necromancy. Some believe liches also dwell here, amidst the cold and spectral remnants.
Sanctus (Eiodolic Moon): Sanctus, a gas giant moon with floating platforms of condensed air, is perpetually windy and home to hostile celestial creatures, such as sky serpents. The moon's harsh environment makes it challenging to find valuable loot, but rare holy artifacts linked to various gods occasionally appear.
Noctis (Hexen Moon): A vast, black forest perpetually bathed in twilight, Noctis is populated by magical monstrosities like basilisks and chimeras. The surface is dangerous, but the real peril lies beneath, where fiends, devils, and demons lurk. Hag covens are said to secretly rule the moon, and the most powerful magical items can be found if one has the right belief and luck.
Mentis (Psy Moon): This crystalline labyrinth is haunted by aberrations, and its treasure vaults remain a mystery due to the few who manage to escape. The loot here often pertains to mental and psychic enhancements, reflecting the moon's connection to the mind.
Ignis (Vallarous Moon): A scorching, mountainous moon inhabited by draconic creatures like wyverns and salamanders. The intense heat under the surface makes it nearly inaccessible except to dragons. Here, banished dragonlords and ancient dragons guard their treasures fiercely, and the best loot is buried deep within the molten depths.
Verd (Wurld Moon): Covered in overgrown ruins and stalked by hostile megaflora and megafauna, Verd is a haven for druidic artifacts and items that manipulate the natural world. Its vast, wild expanses make it a dangerous but rewarding place to seek rare treasures.
Chromis (Wyld Moon): Chromis is known for its chaotic magical storms, resulting in a constantly shifting landscape. The moon can host any of the aforementioned dangers, making each expedition unpredictable and perilous.
Luna Nullo (Colorless Moon): Pale white and shiny, Luna Nullo is ruled by the god Luna. It lacks an atmosphere, requiring special equipment for survival. Although it seems devoid of tangible loot, the moon is said to be an embodiment of Luna herself. Those who linger too long may encounter the goddess and witness the dance of the other moons, reflecting Luna's control over their movements.
Corvus (Blight Moon): An overgrown, red moon plagued by mana blight, Corvus is a perilous place where treasure is often cursed. The blight turns magical creatures and spellcasters into degrading amalgams, and items retrieved from this moon are heavily cursed. Removing these curses only suppresses them temporarily, making the loot rarely worth the risk.
The Monster Moon: Pitch black and icy, The Monster Moon is enveloped in darkness, with black, freezing crystals beneath the surface. The void-like environment is inhabited by horrific eldritch monsters, making it one of the most dangerous moons. Expeditions here have a return rate of just 1%, and those who do return are often severely maimed or afflicted with a horrific disease that takes their mind and life in time.

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The Zenith

In Lazarus, the zeniths and rotations of the moons are highly unpredictable, making it challenging to anticipate which mana type will dominate at any given time. The Moonshadow tribe of Lazurinians is an exception; they possess a unique ability to accurately predict the zeniths of the moons. They also have the rare gift of communicating with the moons directly, knowing their true names and receiving cryptic messages from them.
Despite their close association with Luna Nullo, the Opula Clan lacks this understanding and is unable to decipher the moons' behaviors, leading to friction with the Moonshadow tribe. The Opula Clan's frustration with their inability to grasp the workings of the moons contrasts sharply with the Moonshadow tribe's insight, causing significant tension and rivalry between the two groups, particularly with the Zylarian Clan under which the Moonshadow tribe is aligned. Opula has nearly gone to war over the fact, in fact, as they believe it hurts their image if the Zylarians do not transfer juristiction of the tribe over to the Opula Clan. Tensions are high over this.
Caelum (Arcane Moon): When Caelum is at its zenith, Arcane Mana dominates. Spellcasting and magical activities related to traditional magic become significantly more potent, while other mana types might experience reduced effects.
Lucent (Chi Moon): With Lucent at its zenith, Chi Mana prevails. Healing and purification magic are enhanced, including necromancy, while other types of mana might be less effective.
Sanctus (Eiodolic Moon): When Sanctus reaches its zenith, Eiodolic Mana takes precedence. Holy and divine magic is strengthened, while other types of mana might be less effective.
Noctis (Hexen Moon): At the zenith of Noctis, Hexen Mana is dominant. Belief-based magic, including sacrifical rituals and tarot card influences, becomes more potent, and other mana types might experience interference.
Mentis (Psy Moon): The zenith of Mentis brings Psy Mana to the forefront. Mental and psychic powers are heightened, and mana types related to physical magic might suffer.
Ignis (Vallarous Moon): When Ignis is at its zenith, Vallarous Mana dominates. Destructive and elemental fire magic is amplified, while restoration magic is weakened.
Verd (Wurld Moon): At the zenith of Verd, Wurld Mana prevails. Nature and earth magic become more effective, while other types of mana might be less effective.
Chromis (Wyld Moon): Chromis's zenith results in all magic being heightened. The chaotic and unpredictable nature of rainbow mana influences magical phenomena, causing random and unusual effects on the surface of Lazarus leading to wild and crazy arcane storms on the surface.
Luna Nullo (Colorless Moon): When Luna Nullo is at its zenith, No Mana dominates. The absence of magical energy creates a neutral state where no specific mana type is particularly strong or weak. Luna Nullo is the most common moon to be in Zenith.
Corvus (Blight Moon): At the zenith of Corvus, Blight Mana dominates. The corruptive and destructive nature of blight mana overshadows other types, making magical activities highly hazardous and provoking curse like effects.
The Monster Moon: When The Monster Moon is at its zenith, Anti-Magic dominates. Magical abilities are severely suppressed, and the oppressive, void-like aura of the moon makes the use of magic extremely difficult or impossible.