Magic Classifications
Overview of the types of magic practiced in Imbria
Magic is expressed and manipulated in many diverse ways throughout Valayo. It is ever evolving as witches experiment with new ways to apply the ever-present energy to a variety of goals.
The strength of spells and the impact that magic has rely on the ability level of the individual: the amount of magic they have available to them and/or the amount of magic they are capable of controlling. Some witches are able to demolish buildings or freeze a pond while others can barely manage to levitate a small object or light a candle.
Magic is fairly rare in Imbria, yet well-respected, and therefore, those stronger in magic tend to enjoy higher status.
Many other categories and sub-categories of magic exist as well, depending upon how a culture chooses to define magic and its use. For example, some refer to nature magic, or natural magic, as magic that relies on energy found in nature and from natural events, from the growth of plant life to the movement of celestial objects. Communal magic requires casting magic cooperatively between two or more people.
The countries of Imbria all have their own cultural beliefs regarding magic, its acceptable uses, origins, and sources.
For more on how culture influences magic, see:
Broad Categories of Magic
Major magic classifications by hcraven
This is not an exhaustive list of magic types or subtypes found on Valayo
Arcane Magic
Arcane magic includes both elemental magic and metaphysical magic. It is widely practiced throughout Imbria. The most highly respected academy for witches specializing in arcane magic is the Arcanis Academy of Salaris. However, other schools of magic exist within Salaris and other nations as well.Elemental Magic
Elemental magic relies on a person's ability to control or manipulate the elements around and within them. Elemental magics are perhaps the most common in Imbria and form the basis for many different spells and rituals.Elemental Magic by hcraven
Popular interpretation of elemental magic
Elemental magic has a range of uses, including offense and defense at a range of abilities. However, it is also often combined with other magic types in varying amounts in the production of enchanted items and other spells.
Plant-based magic, or verdant magic, is believed by some scholars to be a combination of earth and water elemental magic. Others believe it to be a subset of earth magic. Potion-making is often included as subset of plant-based magic.
Ice magic is believed to be a combination of water and air, and lightning magic is believed to be a combination of air and fire, though these classifications are also debated.Metaphysical Magic
Metaphysical magic refers to a variety of magics, from empath abilities to illusion to divining the future.This branch of magic is not well understood and includes many rare forms of magic.Metaphysical Magic by hcraven
Not an exhaustive list
Illusion magic is the most common metaphysical magic, and can be rather controversial, as it is often abused, used in illusion guiding, and is thought to lead to magic addiction at a higher rate than others. The next most common is conjuring, which has many practical, defensive, and offensive abilities.
Mental Manipulation includes things like empath abilities, emotion influencing, and more. It is very rare in all forms, and often both feared and misunderstood. Usually, it is an innate ability, meaning the witch does not actively spellcast.
Augury, divination, and other forms of reading the future are not very reliable, as the future can always change. In most of Imbria, this type of magic is not well respected.Divine Magic
Divine magic is the most revered form of magic in Torverath, as it is considered to be a gift from the goddess Torva herself. Light magic harnesses the power of light and can be used offensively when needed. It is also used in the creation of magic lights, both the physical ones and the ethereal ones like those used in the Magic Lights Festival. Spirit magic is primarily used by the Paladin Order of Torverath to boost moral, stamina, energy, etc. of others. Healing magic is highly respected in all nations, though Torverath is known for having the best schools of healing. Some dispute whether or not this truly belongs in the category of divine magic, arguing it should be classified as metaphysical.Necromancy
Necromancy relies on the power of death, sacrifice, and the energy of those in the spirit realm. Communing with the spirits of the dead is a staple aspect of necromancy. Many Necrosi citizens with any necromantic ability travel to the great Underground Necropolis of Necros in order to more easily commune with those in Na'arin's realm. Siphoning refers to the leaching of magic and life energy. Other common forms of necromancy include death magic and necrotic spells designed to drain a person's health and life. Strong necromancers may even be able to form a bond with a wraith or animate an animal corpse. Reanimation of human remains is outlawed, even in Necros.Blood Magic
Blood magic is another form of sacrificial magic that relies on the magic, power, and energy found within the blood of living creatures. A variety of effects are possible with blood magic, including scrying, leaching energy and magic from others, locator spells, and even protections and fortification spells. Blood magic is most commonly used to augment a witch's power, and can be used concurrently with other magics. The ultimate form of this is rumored to be vampirism. Rhovan is the only country in Imbria that not only permits but celebrates blood magic. The Rhovani even have a holiday, Blood Fest, to celebrate this controversial type of magic.Other Magic Types
Ancestral Magic
Ancestral magic, a form of theurgy, is not listed above as it often involves the practice of several types of magic. It relies on a connection to one's ancestors in the spirit realm. The connection to the spirits, and consequently the user's access to magic power, will be stronger on ancestral or family lands and weaker further from these lands. While ancestral magic can be found in many places, it is the most revered form of magic in Eldahi.Artisanal Magic
Artisanal magic involves the creation of goods, primarily the creation of enchanted items, everything from spellbound daggers and blades to protective charms, to wands. Some believe it to be a subset of arcane magic as it usually relies heavily on a combination of elemental and metaphysical magics. However, it can sometimes include other magic types, depending on the circumstances. Mantalos favors artisanal magic.Magic Throughout Imbria
Major magic classifications by hcraven
That was such a nice introduction to the different magics in your world!
Thank you :)