Magic

Magic is a fundamental force woven into the fabric of The Known World, intricately linked to the world’s stability. The amount of magic present in the world must be carefully balanced—too little, and the world may unravel, while an overabundance can lead to catastrophic events. Maintaining this equilibrium is the responsibility of the Astral Filament and the Primordial Dragons, the greatest of whom is Astria. These ancient forces regulate magic as the lifeblood of an interconnected system that binds the Birthing Star, Astria, the world’s Ley-lines, and the Primordial Dragons together.
The Primordial Dragons possess a unique ability to safely consume and redistribute vast amounts of magic, preventing its accumulation from destabilizing the world. However, when other creatures are exposed to similarly immense magical energies, they often become corrupted or unstable, gaining unpredictable and anomalous powers.
Although anti-magic effects can temporarily render magic inert, magical energy itself cannot be created or completely destroyed, only transformed. This immutable nature of magic is now understood by the world’s foremost magical institutions after decades of study. Only a Primordial Dragon has the power to create or annihilate magical energy outright, a revelation that has fueled rapid advances in magical research. Fields such as Draconic Arcanology explore the relationship between magic and Dragons, while the impish science of Magichanics investigates magic’s fundamental properties, the most famous of which is the Seventh Law of Magichanics: magic cannot be created or destroyed.

The Spectrum of Magic

Magic in its natural form is invisible, though it can be detected through abilities like Truesight or magical detection spells. In areas of high magical concentration, magic sometimes manifests visibly as Astral Magic, appearing as pure, radiant white light composed of many different magical "wavelengths."

Ley-lines, which carry magic throughout the world, function similarly to veins, channeling pure magic along paths of least resistance deep beneath the surface. At points where these ley-lines intersect, magic is strongest, allowing practitioners to tap into powerful ambient energy. In its raw, unfiltered state, this magic can be overwhelming for most creatures but is essential for casting certain high-level spells or accessing rare magical phenomena.

Arcane, Primal, and Divine Magic

Magic can be broadly classified into three main categories: Arcane, Primal, and Divine. Each category draws from different sources and operates under distinct principles, although overlaps exist.

Arcane Magic

Arcane Magic is the manipulation of the fundamental building blocks of reality, a force that transcends the natural order of the world. Practitioners of this magic use knowledge, precision, and willpower to alter the rules governing space, time, and matter. Unlike Primal Magic, which draws from elemental forces, or Divine Magic, which channels the power of gods, Arcane Magic derives from the universe’s underlying fabric—its hidden forces and cosmic laws. By tapping into ley-lines, vast crystalline networks of magical energy coursing beneath the surface of the world, arcane spellcasters fuel their spells with raw power. Through study, practice, or innate talent, they learn to bend these energies, mastering intricate formulas and rituals to achieve effects that can warp time, alter physical properties, and even manipulate minds.

• The Applications of Arcane Magic. Arcane Magic’s versatility allows it to influence all aspects of reality, from subtle manipulations to powerful reality-bending effects. Illusion magic tricks the senses, crafting false perceptions that blur the line between reality and fantasy, while Abjuration creates shields and barriers, protecting the caster by manipulating the fundamental forces of energy and matter. Transmutation reshapes the properties of objects, allowing an arcane practitioner to transform materials or creatures at will. Divination, by far one of the most dangerous schools, peels back the veil of time and space, offering glimpses into futures, pasts, or hidden knowledge. Arcane magic also allows practitioners to manipulate fate, probability, and causality, opening doorways to new possibilities. As casters explore the deeper mysteries of Arcane Magic, they wield the power to rewrite the laws of existence—but at great personal risk.

• The Balance and Dangers of Arcane Magic. Arcane Magic is not without its dangers, and the more its practitioners seek to tamper with the cosmos, the greater the peril. The laws of the universe are delicate, and high-level spells that attempt to manipulate time, such as Time Stop, or warp reality, like Wish, can have devastating consequences if miscast. Unlike divine entities that seek balance, the Old Gods—cosmic horrors imprisoned beyond the Astral Filament—do not intervene for the sake of stability. Instead, their influence lurks beyond the realm of mortal comprehension. Reckless manipulation of arcane forces can inadvertently open rifts or attract the attention of these eldritch entities. Some arcane users, especially those drawn to forbidden magic, may find themselves corrupted by madness as they delve deeper into the unknown. Such risks make Arcane Magic a double-edged sword—capable of immense power, but always on the brink of catastrophic failure.

Primal Magic

Primal Magic is the raw, untamed energy of the natural world, divided into two primary forms: Elemental Magic and Spirit Magic. Elemental Magic is tied to the physical forces of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water, stemming from the Elemental Planes, while Spirit Magic is connected to the spiritual realm, originating from Vigdrassil, the World Tree, and flowing through spirit trees. Primal Magic is instinctive rather than learned, drawing power from the ley-lines, vast networks of magical energy beneath the earth, which, when infused with elemental energy, significantly enhance its potency. Unlike Arcane or Divine Magic, Primal Magic is deeply rooted in nature and the spiritual forces that govern life, death, and the elements.

• The Applications of Primal Magic. Primal Magic allows practitioners—such as druids, shamans, and rangers—to command both the physical and spiritual aspects of the world. Elemental Magic enables control over natural forces like storms, earthquakes, and fire, granting the power to shape landscapes, summon elemental creatures, or manipulate the weather. Spirit Magic, by contrast, connects practitioners to the spirits of the land, ancestors, and nature itself, allowing them to heal the wounded, commune with spiritual beings, and guide souls through the cycle of life and death. Primal casters can also shapeshift into animals, drawing on the strengths of the creatures of the wild to aid them in battle or survival, further enhancing their connection to nature.

• The Balance and Dangers of Primal Magic. Primal Magic, while powerful, is dangerous when wielded without respect for the natural balance. Elemental Magic can spiral out of control, causing natural disasters like wildfires, floods, or storms if used recklessly, especially near ley-lines infused with elemental energy. Spirit Magic poses the risk of spiritual corruption, particularly through overexposure to the ethereal realm of the Dream of Dreams, where the malevolent Nightmare lurks. Practitioners who lose their connection to the physical world may become trapped in the spirit realm or fall prey to the darker forces of nature. Additionally, disruption of ley-lines can destabilize Primal Magic, leading to unpredictable consequences for both the caster and the environment. Therefore, wielding Primal Magic requires constant vigilance, harmony with nature, and a deep understanding of the forces at play.

Divine Magic

Divine Magic is a potent force that flows from higher powers, whether gods, celestial entities, great spirits, or darker, more malevolent beings. Unlike Arcane or Primal Magic, Divine Magic is a gift granted in response to faith, devotion, or an unshakable oath. This magic can be benevolent or malevolent, depending on its source. Gods of light, life, and order, fey spirits, or great spirits may grant blessings of healing, protection, and justice. On the other hand, infernal lords from the lower realms, undead spirits from the Blacklands, and eldritch gods from the Realm of Insanity offer darker, corrupt forms of Divine Magic, tainted by destruction and madness. Some Divine Magic also arises from the unwavering commitment to an oath, as seen with paladins, who channel power through the immovable strength of their vows, independent of a deity’s will.

• The Applications of Divine Magic. Divine Magic manifests differently depending on its source, with practitioners using it to enact the will of their divine patrons or fulfill the tenets of their oaths. Clerics and paladins devoted to benevolent deities use Divine Magic to heal, protect, and bring justice, summoning radiant light to banish darkness or holy fire to smite the wicked. Fey-blessed spellcasters may harness Divine Magic to restore nature or protect the wilds. Practitioners of darker Divine Magic, like those serving infernal or undead patrons, wield power for destructive purposes—summoning fiendish entities, afflicting curses, or bending death to their will. Eldritch Divine Magic, drawn from the Great Old Ones or gods of the Realm of Insanity, warps reality and minds, spreading madness and chaos. Divine Magic’s form and function always reflect the values and desires of the higher power or oath from which it originates.

• The Balance and Dangers of Divine Magic. Divine Magic demands unwavering faith, devotion, or conviction in one’s oaths, and any deviation from these core beliefs risks severing the practitioner’s connection to their power. Clerics and paladins who falter in their faith or violate their sacred vows may lose their ability to channel magic, while those who serve darker forces could face far worse, such as eternal damnation or becoming puppets to their infernal or eldritch patrons. Even those whose magic stems from conviction alone, like paladins, must maintain their unbreakable bond to their oath, for any breach weakens their ability to draw upon Divine Magic. Additionally, the misuse of Divine Magic—whether for personal gain or in defiance of a deity’s will—can invite divine retribution, curses, or catastrophic consequences, reflecting the moral or corruptive nature of the power’s source.

Schools of Magic

Magic has been divided into eight distinct schools, each representing a unique aspect of magical manipulation. These schools form the bedrock of magical education and practice throughout the Known World, shaping how magic is studied and applied. From the protective spells of Abjuration to the transformative power of Transmutation, these schools categorize the ways magic interacts with reality. Regardless of whether a spellcaster draws upon Arcane, Primal, or Divine magic, these schools provide a structured framework for honing their abilities.
The formal establishment of these schools originated during the rise of the Nidean magocracy, driven by the Crimson Council, a ruling body of Archmages. As Nidea's pursuit of arcane knowledge grew, the need for structured study became clear. The Council categorized magic into distinct schools, creating a disciplined system for mastery and preventing uncontrolled use of magical power. This organization of magic became the foundation of Nidean society, ensuring that magical knowledge could be effectively taught and passed down. Over time, this system spread beyond Nidea, influencing magical academies and traditions across the Known World.

Harnessing Magic

Magic is an essential part of the ecosystem of the Known World, intertwined with all living beings. Every creature possesses a spark of magic, though it is often minuscule and dormant. Unlocking and utilizing this latent magic requires extensive training, study, or, in some cases, a rare aberration at birth. The process of learning to use magic has been compared to strengthening an atrophied muscle—while the potential exists within all beings, it is generally reclaimed by the ley-lines upon death if never harnessed.
The method by which a person learns to access their magic varies. Some are trained by mentors, some develop their own relationship with magic, and others are born with an innate ability to wield magic from an early age. The greatest magical talents must be nurtured from youth, as unchecked or uncontrolled magic can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially in those who possess raw, untamed power.
Certain creatures and cultures, such as the Dwarves, Giants, and Imps, have long practiced the art of rune-crafting, imbuing objects with magical energy to harness their power. Magical constructs like golems are animated using condensed magical energy, allowing for rudimentary artificial intelligence. The development of technologies powered by Erudite crystals that store spells of Levitation, further demonstrates the practical application of magic in the world.

Ley-lines and Innate Magical Ability

A being’s magical potential is influenced, in part, by their proximity to the world’s ley-lines—vast channels of magic that crisscross beneath the earth like a network of magical rivers. These ley-lines converge at powerful nexuses, creating areas rich in ambient magical energy. Cultures living near these ley-lines, such as the people of the Nidean Kingdoms, often treat magic casually, having been exposed to its influence for generations. Historians have theorized that the now-destroyed Kalkaross Peninsula was once an epicenter of magical energy, resting on the intersection of many ley-lines, which may have contributed to its vibrant magical culture before its fall.

The Addictive Nature of Magic

Certain forms of magic, especially those that manipulate reality itself, can be highly addictive. Arcane Magic that alters time or space—such as the spells Time Stop or Wish—is particularly dangerous. Such magic can tear at the very fabric of reality, and repeated use risks attracting the attention of cosmic entities like the Old Gods.
Necromancy is even more addictive, as it requires tapping into the essence of life and death, often using the caster’s own life force or the stolen life force of others. The more a necromancer delves into this forbidden magic, the more they risk succumbing to necrotic corruption—a physical and spiritual transformation brought about by prolonged exposure to death energy. This corruption can distort the practitioner, warping their body and mind, and can even spread like a disease to those around them.

Spellcraft

Mastering spellcraft is a lifelong endeavor that demands unwavering dedication, often requiring decades to reach true proficiency. Many wizards and magical scholars devote their entire careers to perfecting just a few spells, as the process of creating and refining magic is both intricate and painstaking. Spellcraft operates like a complex language, woven from binding Runes, conjuring circles, metamagic techniques, and shaping wards. Only those who achieve mastery in these elements can successfully create unique, functional magic.
Novice spellcasters begin with simple spells, such as Mage Hand, valued for their versatility and ease of use. However, the crafting of more advanced magic—especially spells that alter fundamental aspects of time, space, or reality—demands years, if not lifetimes, of dedicated research and experimentation. High-level spells involve a meticulous process of trial and error, where every layer of the spell’s structure must be carefully balanced to ensure stability and avoid catastrophic failure. Many seasoned wizards invest their lives in perfecting just one or two signature spells, refining them to the point of near-perfection.
Over time, more complex or niche spells are often forgotten, as their intricacies are overshadowed by simpler, more efficient alternatives. As newer generations of spellcasters favor intuitive and widely applicable magic, the complex language of older spells fades from common practice. This natural evolution—essentially a "survival of the fittest" for magic—leads to only the most practical and memorable spells, like Bigby’s Hand, remaining in popular use. These spells often carry the name of their original creator, preserving their legacy. However, some spells, such as Shield, become so widely used and continuously refined over centuries that their originators are lost to history, leaving behind only the perfected forms that stand as pillars of modern spellcasting.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane

Some scholars theorize that magic flows through all things, that we swim in magic as fish swim in the water, or as we ourselves live in the air. This magic is said to ebb and flow via formations called ley lines.
Magic infuses everything in the world. The building blocks of reality are held together by magic. With the right connectors, manipulating magical elements with the mind becomes possible. Ergo, the mind is both a powerful and fragile quantity in the world equation. It can move mountains or it can be shattered like glass.
My research has found a thread between magic and the mind. The two are linked. Where there is one, there must also be the other. The igniter is belief.

— "A Primer on Draconic Arcanology, by Eda Ul'Naireem", page 3