The Magic of Yrdde
Magic energy permeates Yrdde, flowing through every creature, plant, and even inanimate object to some degree. For most, it remains a passive force - a subtle hum in the background of existence, a warmth that sparks a fire, or the gentle energy that guides a plant's growth. But in a select few, this connection manifests as a potent ability - the gift of consciously channeling the Aetherial Flow, a gift both wondrous and perilous.
For much of Yrdde's history, those who could wield magic – Mages – were regarded with a mixture of awe, fear, and superstition. They were seen as both blessings and curses, their powers capable of healing the sick, calling down lightning storms, or twisting minds with subtle illusions. Their influence waxed and waned, swinging from positions of reverence and power to persecution and ostracization, depending on the ruling faction or the prevailing social winds.
In modern times, the mystique surrounding magic has diminished. While still respected (and feared by some), it is a more understood phenomenon. The Empire, through the establishment of the Imperial College, has attempted to regulate and control magical abilities, funneling talented individuals into service, training, and research.
Resonance
Convergence
Influence
Will
Water
Earth
Wind
The Aetherial Elements
The common, modern belief is that the aetherial flow manifests itself in reality though four fundamental elements. While these elements are present in every individual to a varying degree, those that are capable of wielding magic will have a much higher affinity to one specific element. These elemental schools are not rigid boundaries; a skilled mage might weave aspects of multiple elements within a single spell, creating synergistic effects. However, mages are not able to maniplute the energy belonging to the school that is opposite to their own.Water
Flowing, adaptable, and possessing the power to both nourish and cleanse. Water magic encompasses manipulating liquids, controlling ice and frost, and affecting the minds and bodies of sentient beings. Due to their ability to draw potable water from the air itself, they are an essential addition to any convoy or scouting party.Fire
Destructive and transformative, capable of both scorching heat and purifying flames. Fire magic includes conjuring and manipulating flames, harnessing lightning, imbuing objects with heat or explosive properties, and sensing and influencing the flow of energy. Fire mages are typically enlisted into the Imperial military as soon as they can control their abilities, though many end up in bandit crews or mercenary bands. It is not just for their raw power that they are sought after, as the ability to light a campfire in any weather is valuable, and almost any wild beast will turn back at the sight of flame.Earth
Grounded, stable, and connected to the physical world. Earth magic encompasses manipulating earth and natural life, controlling plants and minerals, sensing the pulse of the land, and even drawing sustenance and energy from the very soil beneath one’s feet. Earth affinity mages are highly sought after in the frontiers for their ability to move earth and speed crop growth.Wind
Elusive, unpredictable, and capable of both whispers and howling storms. Wind magic includes manipulating air currents, controlling weather patterns, enhancing speed and agility, and sensing the currents of fate and possibility. Wind mages are common sights aboard airships, as their abilites can greatly augment the skills of the piloting crew.The Laws of Magic
Equilibrium
For every act of magic, there is a price. The more potent the spell, the greater the drain on the caster’s physical or mental energy, or, if used, the stored power within an Yrddestone.
Magic thrives on harmony. Casting spells aligned with one’s natural element and the surrounding environment requires less effort and produces stronger results. Attempting to force opposing energies can lead to unstable spells, unintended side effects, and exhaustion.
Places of heightened magical convergence offer both immense power and increased danger. Casting within these zones amplifies abilities but also creates unpredictability, attracting strange creatures and triggering paracausal phenomena.
The flow of magic ebbs and flows with Yrdde's natural cycles – the changing seasons, celestial events, and the inherent energy of the land itself influence both a spell's potency and its cost.
A mage’s own emotional state and focused intent directly impact their ability to control and direct magic. Strong emotions, be it love, hate, or unwavering belief, can amplify magic, while fear, distraction, or a wavering mind can lead to catastrophic failures.
Schools of Magic
Fire
A destructive and transformative force, capable of channeling flames, lightning, and the raw energy of creation.
A basic but useful spell, summoning a small, controllable flame in the mage’s hand, used for light, warmth, or igniting tinder. Repeated use, however, leaves the hand stinging and potentially blistered. Fireball
A classic offensive spell, launching a blazing projectile that explodes on impact. The caster experiences a surge of heat, often accompanied by beads of sweat and a burning sensation across their skin. Forge’s Blessing
A practical spell commonly used by blacksmiths, amplifying the heat of their forge and enhancing the malleability of metal. While a seemingly benign spell, prolonged use can lead to exhaustion and a persistent feverish state.
Cost
The heat of fire magic permeates the caster, raising their body temperature with every spell cast. Prolonged use leads to feverish sweating, headaches, and burns. In the most extreme cases, mages can lose control, combusting in a terrifying inferno of their own making.Common Spells
SparkA basic but useful spell, summoning a small, controllable flame in the mage’s hand, used for light, warmth, or igniting tinder. Repeated use, however, leaves the hand stinging and potentially blistered. Fireball
A classic offensive spell, launching a blazing projectile that explodes on impact. The caster experiences a surge of heat, often accompanied by beads of sweat and a burning sensation across their skin. Forge’s Blessing
A practical spell commonly used by blacksmiths, amplifying the heat of their forge and enhancing the malleability of metal. While a seemingly benign spell, prolonged use can lead to exhaustion and a persistent feverish state.
The art of healing, fluidity, and manipulating the essence of emotions through the manipulation of water and ice.
The most basic, yet vital, water spell, capable of mending minor wounds and easing pain. However, healing more serious injuries requires a greater expenditure of energy and carries the risk of backfiring, causing chills, weakness, or even reopening wounds. Ice Lance
A combat spell, projecting a shard of ice with deadly force and chilling precision. The caster experiences a surge of cold as the ice forms, leaving their hands numb. Whisper of the Stream
A subtle divination spell, allowing the mage to touch water and sense emotions or memories associated with its flow, providing glimpses into the past or hidden events. However, dark or traumatic memories within the water can inflict emotional pain on the caster, leaving them shaken and vulnerable.
Cost
Each spell cast draws heat from the mage's body, causing a chilling effect. Prolonged use results in numb fingers, shivering, and even frostbite. In extreme cases, overexertion can lead to hypothermia and internal organ damage.Common Spells
Healing TouchThe most basic, yet vital, water spell, capable of mending minor wounds and easing pain. However, healing more serious injuries requires a greater expenditure of energy and carries the risk of backfiring, causing chills, weakness, or even reopening wounds. Ice Lance
A combat spell, projecting a shard of ice with deadly force and chilling precision. The caster experiences a surge of cold as the ice forms, leaving their hands numb. Whisper of the Stream
A subtle divination spell, allowing the mage to touch water and sense emotions or memories associated with its flow, providing glimpses into the past or hidden events. However, dark or traumatic memories within the water can inflict emotional pain on the caster, leaving them shaken and vulnerable.
The patient power of grounding, growth, and manipulating the physical world through earth, stone, and plants.
A spell used for both construction and defense, allowing a mage to manipulate stone – raising walls, creating protective shelters, or shaping rough-hewn tools. The spell draws energy directly from the caster's muscles, quickly tiring them out and potentially causing tremors or cramping. Root Snare
A defensive or offensive spell, summoning thick, thorny vines from the earth to entrap or restrain a target. The caster experiences a draining sensation as their energy feeds the growth of the vines, leaving them vulnerable if the spell fails. Earth’s Whisper
Allows a mage to commune with the earth, sensing vibrations, mineral deposits, and the subtle energy flows of the land. Extended use can result in feelings of emptiness and a yearning for sustenance, driving the mage to consume food to replenish their depleted energy.
Cost
Manipulating the earth's energy drains a mage's vitality and stamina. Overexertion causes muscle fatigue, exhaustion, and a rapid depletion of nourishment. Pushed to their limits, earth mages might collapse from starvation, their bodies unable to sustain the demand placed upon them.Common Spells
Stone ShapingA spell used for both construction and defense, allowing a mage to manipulate stone – raising walls, creating protective shelters, or shaping rough-hewn tools. The spell draws energy directly from the caster's muscles, quickly tiring them out and potentially causing tremors or cramping. Root Snare
A defensive or offensive spell, summoning thick, thorny vines from the earth to entrap or restrain a target. The caster experiences a draining sensation as their energy feeds the growth of the vines, leaving them vulnerable if the spell fails. Earth’s Whisper
Allows a mage to commune with the earth, sensing vibrations, mineral deposits, and the subtle energy flows of the land. Extended use can result in feelings of emptiness and a yearning for sustenance, driving the mage to consume food to replenish their depleted energy.
An unpredictable force, manipulating the air, influencing fate, and granting swiftness through the whispers of the wind.
A subtle spell used to create a gentle breeze, offering a momentary reprieve from heat or dispersing smoke or fog. The caster experiences a fleeting lightness, as if a weight is lifted from their chest, but overusing the spell can lead to breathlessness and a tingling sensation in the lungs. Gust
A more potent spell, summoning a powerful blast of wind, capable of knocking back opponents, pushing away objects, or providing a burst of speed to the caster. Using this spell repeatedly strains the lungs, leaving the mage gasping for breath. Winds of Fate
A risky divination spell, allowing the mage to feel the subtle currents of fate and possibility. However, the chaotic nature of destiny can overwhelm a novice, resulting in visions, conflicting whispers, and, in extreme cases, mental instability.
Cost
Channeling wind's essence stresses a mage’s respiratory system. Prolonged casting causes shortness of breath, dizziness, and painful pressure in the chest. In extreme cases, overexertion can result in a suffocating constriction, leaving them gasping for air and vulnerable to attacks.Common Spells
WhisperwindA subtle spell used to create a gentle breeze, offering a momentary reprieve from heat or dispersing smoke or fog. The caster experiences a fleeting lightness, as if a weight is lifted from their chest, but overusing the spell can lead to breathlessness and a tingling sensation in the lungs. Gust
A more potent spell, summoning a powerful blast of wind, capable of knocking back opponents, pushing away objects, or providing a burst of speed to the caster. Using this spell repeatedly strains the lungs, leaving the mage gasping for breath. Winds of Fate
A risky divination spell, allowing the mage to feel the subtle currents of fate and possibility. However, the chaotic nature of destiny can overwhelm a novice, resulting in visions, conflicting whispers, and, in extreme cases, mental instability.
Comments