Eastern Magic

Eastern magic in DesCha is a distinct type of magic that has taken precedence among Asian, Polynesian, Eastern European and African spellcasters. It is different from Western Magic in the way it is cast, and the elements required to cast it.

Definition

Any type of magic, as defined by the Council of Magisters, requires the following elements:

• A distinct set of methods required to manifest a magical effect; and
• A distinct energy source.

Eastern magic uses an energy source altogether different from that of Western magic (proven through scholary studies in the field), and though several of its sub-types are similar to that of Western methods, enough distinctives remain that most magisters acknowledge it as a different type.

Sub-types

Astrological casting (Zodiac)

Astrological casting relies on the positions of both the sun (across the thirteen houses and epochs) to cast large cosmic-level spells.

Positional casting

Positional casting relies on the positioning of materials and other implements (usually referred to as "totems") in order to cast spells. Spells cast through this method are usually more powerful than spells cast using other methods.

Lunasolar casting

Lunasolar casting relies on the position of the sun and moon (and to some extent, comets and other heavenly bodies) to cast spells or summon spirits. As the position of various heavenly bodies changes over millenia, spells using this method can take millenia but can produce cosmic effects.

Mantras (Eastern sorcery)

Mantras are repeated chants, said to aid in sustaining spell effects by constant repetition. Eastern sorcerers are capable of producing large spells with extended mantra use.

Haptic casting

Haptic casting (also known as touch casting) uses physical contact with another person or an item to cast a spell. Casting using this method relies on a learned skill called akashic learning, which teaches about the spirit history of objects of individuals.

Talismans and Charms

Talismans and charms are different from their western magic counterparts in that multiple effects can be placed on a single talisman/charm, although the durability of these charms tends to last less than western magic hexes.

Effigial/Substitutionary casting

Effigial/substitutionary casting relies on the use of effigies or substitute individuals in orer to cast spells of great magnitude.

Elemental Pockets

Elemental pockets are systems of elemental power that can be accessed by various methods, then transmuted into recipient materials to achieve the magical effect.

Spirit Binding

Spirit binding relies on summoning a spirit, then binding the summoned being to a contract in order to fulfil some extraordinary purpose, after which the spirit exacts an agreed-on price. The being itself is not part of the magic source; rather, it is summoned in using that force.

Body cleansing

Body cleansing involves long rituals of cleansing and purification, which enables the user to become a conduit for magical purposes.

Contested sub-types

Antiphon

Antiphon magic is rare and similar to Vancian casting, but there are several distinctives which prevent Antiphon magic from being properly categorised under Western magic. Eastern magic scholars have also disputed its origin, stating that singing and spell-casting is present within Eastern magic.

Known Eastern magisters