Magic

Magic exists in all beings of the world in varying capacities. It is something that has been studied extensively throughout the centuries as individuals try to understand and harness this power, sometimes with disastrous results (such as the destruction of the Elvin capital). 
Without augmentation, there is a very hard limit to what an individual can magically accomplish. It is impossible to cast anything above 2nd level spells as a natural born spell caster (with one exception). However, there are different methods that have been developed across the world to further and unlock an individuals magical potential. 
Wizard- the most prolific wizards are the mages belonging to the Citadel of Cintaria, who have developed a magic rite of passage that unlocks an individuals potential. In addition to allowing increased spell casting ability, the ritual also increases beauty and life longevity. However it incredibly painful and dangerous if the body rejects the transition, and even in the best scenario it usually makes the mage sterile.  This rite can take up to 5 days to complete, and can only be preformed by a powerful wizard sufficiently prepared with the correct ingredients and spells. 
Bard- Bard magic is seen as dirty magic, or parlor tricks used to swindle people by the more practiced in the magical arts. Therefore a bardic mage usually tries to keep their abilities hidden. Bards are first taught magic by a mentor who begins to show them how to channel the beauty of art into magical power. If they wish to increase their own power beyond that which a mentor can teach, it is said they must go one a quest for serenity, finding a place in the world where the music of the universe is able to speak to them, and instill in them an inner calm that allows them to channel the magic within. Such a quest is usually challenging, as the quest will prove to not only challenge their body, but their mind and soul as well. 
Druids (rangers)- druid magic is taught by the forest and nature. It requires one to be attuned to the forces of nature and the will of the earth. In order to increase their power, a druid must make a quest to find a place where exists untouched by civilization, usually a scared glade, an untouched island, or a lonely mountain top. There they can attune to the will of nature, preform a sacred ritual, and allow the forces of the earth to flow through them. 
Paladins and Clerics- those who follow the dogma of religion can find themselves blessed with holy power and purpose. They can be chosen from congregations by holy leaders, or hand picked by the gods themselves. But any who wishes to go beyond what is standard must face challenge. They will go off on a quest given to them either by a holy representative or by a vision, and once the quest is completed they will be given holy reward, the god unlocking their potential and marking them as a champion.
Artificer- These mechanical tinkerers believe the secret to magic lies not in ritual, but in science and discovery. They craft magical potions and mechanisms to supplement their natural magical ability. Those wishing to seek more magical prowess must journey far to gather the necessary ingredients to brew a special potion that unlocks the magical potential of an individual. The process is painful and can take up to a week to take hold as the body shifts and changes to accommodate its new power, and there is a likely chance of death if the potion does not take. But for those that survive, they find themselves with powers that few can match.
Note- this potion also works for any spell caster besides paladins, clerics, and warlocks. 
Warlock- warlocks are much different than other magic users. They gain their magical ability directly from a powerful entity that they have made a deal with. Their magic continues only so long as they stay in the good graces of their patron, something that always weighs on the back of their mind. 
Sorcerer- the sorcerer is the only exception to the rule of limited magic. Sorcerers are born with unlocked and seemingly unlimited magical ability, which makes them both incredibly powerful, and feared. Sorcerers must strive to control their abilities, and if the are unable to, often causing devastation that finally ends with their own destruction. The likely hood of such results increase as sorcerers gain power, leading many to suppress their gift. The one exception is the mysterious Riders of Rasengard, who have many dragonborn sorcerers that have learned to discipline themselves and control the magic of their blood lines. Organisations such as the Mages of Cintaria are actively hunting sorcerers and experimenting on them to discover their secrets. Normal civilians fear the unpredictable and destructive nature of the magic.