Majai

Majai (the ancient word for magic) is the essence of natural power that flows through all things in the world of Odira. All things possess Majai, from the tiniest rock to the mightiest dragons; the only difference between the two is the amount of Majai they possess. Majai is also intricately tied with the size of a creature; physical properties usually align with the amount of Majai, save for exceptional cases. Natural phenomena such as earthquakes and storms are the result of massive outpourings of Majai. Majai is the basis of all magic within Odira; magic is essentially channeled Majai, converted into different forms for different purposes. Those who hold a mastery over their personal reserve of Majai often possess supernatural abilities such as enhanced strength or senses, such as the monks who know Majai as ki. For all things, Majai flows a little bit differently. For example, twins may have the same reserves of Majai in their bodies, but one twin’s Majai may flow from left to right and the other twin’s may flow from right to left; this example is overly exaggerated, for in reality the differences are only very subtle. While Majai is in all things, the diffusion of it has a high influence on whether or not it can be used. Wizards, for example, may or may not possess a high level of personal Majai, but they are able to harness the Majai of the things around them by incantations and spells. Sorcerers have a high level of Majai within themselves, and are able to channel to cast their own visceral form of magic. Majai possesses a natural purpose: to protect, proliferate, and love. However, the counterpart of Majai, Black Majai, serves an opposite purpose: to control, destroy, and hate. Both are reflections of the internal conflict between good and evil within all beings. Majai and Black Majai are the composition of the Heavens and Hells, respectively, and exist in limitless amounts. The two exist in constant competition, and an individual creature’s Majai reserves are always composed of both; however, depending on the life, temperament, and choices the creature has, one form of Majai may outweigh the other. Free-floating Majai in the Heavens and Hells have a will of their own, leading to a tendency to favor individuals. A person who faithfully and uncompromisingly served good in life may be, in extremely rare circumstances, chosen by Majai to ascend in power in the Heavens, perhaps even becoming lesser gods. Similarly, one who has committed vast deeds of evil may be selected by Black Majai to become a Monarch of the Hells.