Magic

Magic is the most common and general Eletherosi term (with 'sorcery' as a close second) in reference to both the concept and manipulation of the inherent spiritual energy which pervades through all animate and inanimate objects of the earth. Viewed under striking different lights across regions, cultures, and religions, the energy itself is often viewed as a collective energy of the natural world which exists on a spiritual or metaphysical level.   This energy is most often semi-unique to the type of object through which it surrounds. While able to be manipulated through study or reflex, it is currently believed to be impossible (at least by mortal figures, depending on religion and cultural belief) to wholly shift, disrupt, or change these energies despite the research of countless would-be transmutational alchemists.   In the simple state of existence, the energy itself is often referred to by Eletherosians as 'spirit', 'soul', or 'mana', with the latter borrowed from a more religious term stemming from southern Karda.   Casting is a similarly generic Eletherosi term for the direct use and manipulation of those energies by a (usually viewed as non-dietic) actor. The process of casting requires extensive use of one's own soul and personal aura to translate the actor's intent into a metaphysical action; this necessitates a caster to be aware of the presence of their own soul, to be aware of the presence of the types of energy of which they wish to act upon, and to understand the precise methods by which one flows towards the other.   The manipulation of magical energies poses an extreme risk to the manipulator as casting relies inherently on the use of their very life energy. A successful casting which requires a greater source of energy than the caster was able to accumulate will almost inevitably kill them in the process while potentially causing additional harm to the surrounding area as the channel attempts to draw the necessary amount of mana to complete itself before the energy returns to its more natural state.   Due to the incredible difficulty in even attuning oneself to the proper state of mind to sense any given type of supernatural energy, casters most often devote themselves to the study in a similar manner to a more physically-inclined scientist or doctor by limiting their practice to similar types of manipulation. One who has learned to manipulate a physical element such as heat or water, for instance, may find it much easier to garner an understanding towards the manipulation of another physical aspect such as wind rather than the manipulation of the mental or biotic.   In common Eletherosi and Khaddalish thought, types of casting are separated into four sects based on how one manipulates the energy in question, then further sub-divided into schools based on the subject of the manipulation itself.