Leylines
Malkora's magical lifeblood, bringing radical change to all corners of the world.
Arcane magic travels through Malkora through its leylines, which flow through the earth below its overworld. On occasion, leylines will rise beyond the surface, in a phenomenon known as emergence.
Leyline emergences cause great changes in the lands in which they take place, as the surge in magic in the area alters the landscape and all living things residing within them. These leylines each carry different forms of magic, bringing with them unique effects — and these leylines may emerge in close proximity to one another, causing even stranger blends of effects as different forms of magic overlap in one space.
The arcane's five physical domains flow through the world in the form of ten leylines. Each of the five forms breaks into a duality in the direction of either extreme, and leylines of each type may, at any time, turn to its opposite end of the spectrum.
An Ever-Shifting World
Malkora's landscapes are ever shifting at the whim of the leylines' magical influence. These cycles are unpredictable and can be very destructive, often giving civilizations just enough time to find stability anew before changing on them again.Want Secrets?
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The Human Experience
The emergence of a leyline brings with it an intense flow of arcane magic that is incredibly damaging to living creatures; thus the innate magic found in each human's blood reacts to bring about a change for their protection. Each emergence affects living things differently, depending on their anicent bloodline. Those of leyborne blood are most succeptible to the magic of the leylines, but often do not experience much change in their physical forms. Those whose forms do change often appear but slightly non-human; one could compare this effect to the uncanny valley. Rather, much of their transformation is metaphysical or mental, and some find their essence permanently tied to the leyline in the process. The worldspirit are the most consistent in their transformations, as the primals imbue their human kin with the natural qualities of the earth and its elements to protect them from the magic of the leylines. The faithkept are the least predictable, as their transformations are often chosen at the whim of their gods, being granted whichever form their deity believes will best protect them against the sudden barrage of magical energy which comes with a leyline emergence.
by Strixxline
Physical Domain: Energy
The domain of energy controls heat and activity of anything within its range of influence. That which lies dormant may arise, just as that which has ever been active may fall to slumber — ancient processes may grind to a halt, as new systems rise in their place. Intense shifts in temperature may wash over regions affected by this physical domain, and that which lives within the influence of the domain may fall to lethargy, or to hyperactivity. This domain is represented in the leylines of Agitation and Oblivion.Leyline of Agitation
The Leyline of Agitation carries the magics of energy and activity throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, chaos rules, bringing with it effects such as intense volcanic activity, destructive natural disasters, and rapidly accelerated natural processes. Current known emergences of this leyline include the region of Bolkan, which now exists in a perpetual volcanic state, as long-dormant volcanoes beneath the region were spurred into activity again.Leyline of Inertia
The Leyline of Inertia carries the magics of passivity and idleness throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, stillness takes hold, resulting in effects such as steep drops in temperature, pure silence, and loss of energy in living things. Current known emergences of this leyline have not been documented.Physical Domain: Form
The domain of form controls the mobility and physical state of all matter within its range of influence. Within the domain of form, solid, liquid, and gas are fluid in their states, often turning and shifting at the whim of the magical energies of the leyline. Forms may be strengthened or weakened, fortified or dispersed, and the unmoving may be granted uncharacteristic mobility — and vice-versa. This domain is represented in the leylines of Tenacity and Celerity.Leyline of Tenacity
The Leyline of Tenacity carries the magics of rigidity and longevity throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, form is bolstered, bringing with it effects such as restricted movement ability, increased earthen formations, and impenetrable or indestructable surfaces. Current known emergences include locations within the Earthen Kingdoms, which is now known for its high-rising peaks and impenetrable stone wall barriers.Leyline of Celerity
The Leyline of Celerity carries the magics of haste and dispersion throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, form scatters, bringing with it effects such as dissolving structures, rapid uncharacteristic movements, and intense winds. Current known emergences include the Isles of Celerity, where the cliffs dance like sand in the wind, dispersing and reconstituting on a whim, and the winds sing ancient songs.
by Strixxline
by Strixxline
Physical Domain: Life
The domain of life controls the essence and growth of all living things within its range of influence. Life force may be strained or amplified, siphoned or redirected, and the laws governing natural life may be twisted. Characteristic vitals may change, and proliferation of all manner of life may occur in varying degrees. This domain is represented in the leylines of Genesis and Atrophy.Leyline of Genesis
The Leyline of Genesis carries the magics of life and vitality throughout Malkora. Wherever the leyline emerges, life surges, resulting in effects ranging from rapid overgrowth, to mass proliferation, and an abundance of megafauna. Current emergences of this leyline include Nimavi, where the forests have grown mighty and its beasts immense, its effect amplified by an adjacent emergence of the leyline of potency.Leyline of Atrophy
The Leyline of Atrophy carries the magics of death and decay throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, decay follows, resulting in effects such as withering life, proliferation of fungus and carrion crawlers, and undeath. Current emergences of this leyline include Ba'logor, where the frozen forests of the north are known to bear the ruins of lost civilizations, teeming with unliving creatures and entities.Physical Domain: Vision
The domain of vision controls aspects of clarity in its range of influence. Vision in all its forms, be it the vision of one's eyes, or the intuition of one's heart may be enhanced or clouded, and tricks of the shadow may be unveiled or further cloaked in obscurity. Truth and falsehood may become a line blurred, or may be wholly divorced from one another. This domain is represented in the leylines of Revelation and Obscurity.Leyline of Revelation
The Leyline of Revelation carries the magics of light and vision throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, perception clears, bringing with it effects such as absence of shadow, sun-bleached lands, and inability to deceive. Current known emergences of this leyline include Everbright, where the sun burns ever in the sky, never setting for even a moment.Leyline of Obscurity
The Leyline of Obscurity carries the magics of shadow and secrecy throughout Malkora. Wherever this leyline emerges, shadow cloaks the land, resulting in effects such as abnormal darkness, obscured truths, and deceptive landscapes. Current known emergences of this leyline have not been documented.
by Strixxline
by Strixxline
I really like these opposites in magic leylines! They are well named except I think that the names for the opposites of form might be a bit esoteric for most people. I had to go look them up, and I have a really large vocab. Since it sounds like you were looking for a physical form there, perhaps you were going for the ideas of solidity and malleability? That last might be too much too though? Just a thought.