The Gift
The Gift is the name given to magical and superhuman abilities possessed by a tiny minority of the Men of Verrin. According to tradition, the Gift was given to mankind by their patron god, Hruntir the raven. The Gift is transmitted genetically from parent to child, although it seems to become weaker and less frequent with each passing generation. Sometimes, a child is born spontaneously bearing the Gift, despite neither of their parents being Gifted. Such instances often lead to accusations of infidelity.
Similar to the magic used by Elves, the Gift allows its bearer the ability to manipulate the world around them by projecting their vital essence forth either by speaking magical words or channelling their power through an object such as a staff or sword. The Gifted are individuals who are exceptionally skilled at winning the Universal Argument due to an exceptionally strong willpower.
Most commonly, the Gift is used to move objects around without touching them and to conjure fireballs and lightning. With practice, a gifted individual may learn to transmute one material into another, such as turning wood into gold.
All humans are thought to possess the ability to use magic, albeit to a very limited degree. A non-Gifted human may not be able to conjure anything more than a rudimentary flame even after a lifetime of studying and practice. The Gifted, however, seem to have an innate knowledge of magic and can usually conjure storms and flames with little-to-no training. A Gifted person, after a lifetime of training is one of the most powerful beings that ever lived, to the extent that they are unable to speak or gesticulate because it may level buildings. Famously, Master Aedgil of the Raven Wizards of Hruntir was so powerful that even a whisper or a flick of his wrist would cause a small earthquake and storm clouds would immediately gather overhead. He lived much of his life in meditation, preferring not to move or speak for fear of the destruction he would inadvertently cause.
The Gifted are by nature very dangerous, and as such they are sought after for their abilities. Many Gifted individuals are sent to monasteries, such as that of the Raven Wizards of Hruntir, which are apolitical entities that seek to use the Gift for the worship of the gods rather than warfare or alchemy. Others become mercenaries, lending their formidable might to the highest bidder. Some use their power and influence to become kings or queens, as the Stormspear dynasty did.
Where Elven magic needs deliberate action to bring it forth, the Gift is more latent and can be unintentionally used during moments of high emotion. In those who are incredibly strong with the Gift, even the smallest movement can unleash their power.
”Brace!” comes the Gesith’s call, as the blast of horns signal the start of the foe’s charge. As the thundering hooves draw ever closer, a lone figure steps forward of the shield wall. The air around him visibly shimmers with power, like the air above a flame. With a simple flick of his wrist, the cavalry are stopped in their tracks and sent flying in the air only to come crashing down to their deaths. The few who were not hit by the arcane gust turn and flee with their pride and their courage utterly broken.
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