Arcanist
Arcanists are a broad term for people whom have learned how to use magic. Although this term can apply to just about anyone, it's most common usage is with Humanity, specifically Humans whom have become adept at the usage of Mana and understand the basics of Manaformic Law. Although these classifications have been adopted by other realms, it's oftentimes used solely as a frame of reference to compare Humanity to other species and their capabilities.
Qualifications
For one thing, it's typically recommended that those who wish to become Arcanists are knowledgeable in at least the basics of casting magic, are aware of the risks that come with toying with Mana, and are familiar Manaformic Law and it's intricacies. Although most would recommend getting an official certificate from organizations such as ARC that informs people that you are licensed, a good majority of them tend to be self-proclaimed.
Specialties
Arcanists can become specialized in various fields, of which would require much more extensive periods of learning to partake in. Although these different fields can be difficult to get into, many have risen to the challenges posed by each of them so they can become even better at magic than they ordinarily are.
Shifter
Shifters are Arcanists who specialize in modifying and altering the land, shifting it with mere gestures of their hands. They can create chasms and form massive hills with relative ease-- of course, this is all proportional to the amount of Mana they have within them. Oftentimes, Shifters can make use of elements that are nontraditional in regard to the formation of land, such as making use of Hard Light to support the landscape.
Although a substantial amount of Mana is needed, the means of which they can modify the land oftentimes make use of the existing landscape and natural materials at their disposal. However, it's not uncommon for extra stone and dirt, among other types of materials, to be brought to the Arcanist to assist in their landscaping needs; due to the fact that there'll inevitably be a limit to how much they can remove from the land before more material is needed. In the event of plant-life being needed, an Arcanist will work with a Naturalist to bring about substantial forestry and shrubbery in an area.
Shifters have seen an increased use in various cavern-dwelling civilizations and for the establishment of underground railroads, thanks to their abilities for modifying the terrain allowing for easy expansions and modification to the terrain.
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Ceramist
Ceramists see the physical form of a body as akin to that of clay, hence the name 'Ceramists'. They're skilled in the modification and adjustment of the body, being able to channel Mana into their hands and into bodies; allowing for various transformations to be done to them. This can range from adjusting someone's height, to the length of their fingers, to the look of their face, and just about anything you can think of.
These modifications are comparable to that of cosmetic surgery on a much grander scale, though it's not unheard of for these changes to go beyond ordinary changes in form. It's common for Ceramists to be seen by transgender individuals for assistance with changing their gender, oftentimes in situations where the proper hormones are unable to be obtained. Of course, these people will often see Ceramists even when they're on the hormones they're taking, with the body shifting by the Ceramists being seen as a supplemental factor.
Jumper
Warping around and effectively teleporting their bodies around areas, Jumpers are skilled in being able to move matter along a fourth-dimensional axis, allowing for near-instantaneous teleportation. This is a task that few are able to accomplish successfully, as the amount of Mana required as well as the concentration needed is immense.
Typically, all methods of Jumping require a particular destination to be focused on within the mind of the Jumper. They're often asked to picture the location in their mind, or to recall specific details about where they're going with as much detail as possible. Alongside that, Jumpers need to be able to focus heavily on the Mana coursing through their bodies at the same time.
Due to the risk associated with Jumping into unfortunate circumstances or accidents such as accidentally becoming embedded into walls or warping into the sky, becoming a Jumper is seen as rather dangerous. Despite this, many have taken to learning how to become a Jumper, if it means that they'll be able to actually travel around without worry of Purple Hazes, beasts, and other such things roaming the realms.
Veils
Although once Veils were seen as unnerving and individuals, they are now seen as heavily essential in the modern day due to the chaotic flux the afterlife is now in. Considered to be spirit mediums, Veils are able to peer into Sheol and interact with the dead. Although being a Veil is a broad term, as it can range from anything from summoning spirits to drawing power from them, calling them veils has remained as a simpler, easier way of identifying them.
Being a Veil is dangerous, as continued exposure to the forces of the afterlife, particularly those of Demons, can bring about various risks of contamination. This includes becoming affected by Wither and Soulscar, among other things; which opens the door for possession by the spirits of the afterlife. Ironically, particularly skilled Veils have oftentimes been recruited by Demons to become Psychopomps because of how skilled they tend to become with communion with the dead.
It is thanks to Veils, however, that many issues that have arisen since The Withering have been remedied. This ranges from assiting in the loss of currency from V-Units to the assistance to other living beings that experience Soulscar.
Telepath
Nicknamed Shiners, Telepaths are able to read minds. They can peer through the conscious mind and speak to the unconscious mind, seeing what inner thoughts individuals have. In a few cases, they can influence folks mentally, either subtly or otherwise. However, due to the high risk and danger provided by Telepaths, efforts are continually made to regulate them-- a task which has not only become harder and harder to do thanks to The Withering, but has many ethical issues alongside it, especially considering the fact that species such as Nymphs, Vampires, and Cubi are naturally gifted at using Telepathy.
Making use of various tricks within one's soul and mind, Telepaths are able to see past the walls of one's mind and peer into people's hearts, being able to make sense of what they're thinking through the chaotic noise of their minds. For a good while before The Withering, there was a time where the governments of Earth, particularly the United States, Russia, and China; would begin hiring Telepaths en-masse, going so far as to sponsor programs that would've allowed for more telepaths to exist. Alongside that, it was common to see Telepaths working as detectives or inspectors-- which opened up the door to a lot of legal and ethical issues that were, sadly, unable to be fully resolved before the world ended.
Conversely, telepaths that are able to subtly manipulate minds with their own latent abilities are rather rare, due to the amount of effort needed to do so. However, when they're given various other means; whether it's the psychological, drug-induced, or due to Soulscaring, they're more easily able to warp people into doing their whims. As such, Telepaths who can warp people's minds are feared.
Brewist
The skills to create magical food and drinks are more important and essential than one realizes. Being able to properly use the right materials, infuse the right amount of Mana, and knowing how to experiment with everything around you, is a sign of a good Brewist. Being a good Brewist is akin to being a good chef, knowing the right ingredients and everything needed to create a particularly potent and powerful potion or meal.
Brewists are fairly common, being one of the more easier specializations that people can become. It's also one of the more safer ones as well, due to the fact that the amount of Mana needed is in smaller amounts compared to other types of magic that require high amounts of Mana to be poured within one's body. This has often resulted in restaurants and stores selling food that has been enhanced with not just flavor, but magic as well-- oftentimes resulting in people having more stamina and energy. Alongside that, it has resulted in a market for Potions to be sold on store shelves.
Naturalists
Oftentimes, folks who have become intertwined with the plants and forestry in their lives to the point of being able to manipulate and control it are known as Naturalists. Their ability to interact with nature is unparalleled, oftentimes with Naturalists seeming as though they're completely in tune with nature itself.
Although Naturalists could be considered akin to that of Elves, it's actually rather rare for any other species to have the same level of connection with Nature as the Elves do. It often takes ages of experience and exposure to nature to form such a connection-- though a handful of people have gotten close, saying that they were able to hear the trees and plants around them speaking.
Unsurprisingly, a good amount of Naturalists will live out in the woods, secluded from civilization, whether it's in homes made by themselves or in Standard Living Quarters. Of course, in the former case, Naturalists will have to be mindful of where they live and what kind've protection they have against the elements, especially Purple Hazes.
I love the different types of arcanist. My favourite is the brewist.
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