Process of learning magic
Though magic has been rigorously studied and refined across generations, its practice remains inherently difficult and unpredictable due to the invisible nature of The Weave. A seasoned spellcaster can feel the movement of The Weave, sensing when something is misaligned or resisting their command. This awareness is most profound when a caster pushes themselves beyond their limits, straining The Weave within their body. Overexertion leads to instability, where even simple spells may falter, backlash, or become unpredictable as the caster’s own connection to The Weave distorts. For this reason, all magical training begins with control—not just in shaping magic, but in maintaining harmony with one’s own Weave.
A novice wizard is typically introduced to magic through a simple cantrip, one that has been perfected over centuries by countless spellcasters before them. However, despite its long history of refinement, each new wizard must adapt the spell to their own Weave. No two casters share an identical attunement, meaning that attempting to mimic another wizard’s casting method directly will yield flawed or inconsistent results. A firebolt may burn too hot, a light spell may flicker unevenly, or an attempt at telekinesis may exert force unpredictably. Magic is both a structured art and an individual craft, requiring each practitioner to learn through experience how to reshape spells in a way that suits their personal connection to The Weave.
As wizards grow in power and refine their abilities, their spellbooks gradually evolve. The standardized formulas they once relied upon shift into personalized versions, subtly modified to maximize efficiency and control for their specific attunement. This process can take years, even decades, as casters learn to weave magic in ways that not only succeed but feel natural and instinctive. Those who rush their training or rely too heavily on pre-written arcane formulae often struggle with control and precision, their spells never fully reaching their intended potential. True mastery is not just about learning spells, but about learning oneself—understanding how one's own Weave flows and how best to shape it into magic that responds without resistance.
