Magic
Magic is a naturally occurring physical phenomenon in the world of Xanthiri. It is drawn from souls and has the capacity to reshape the world with willpower.
Source of Magic
Souls are the source of magic. Souls are a life force that can be found in nearly anything, from people, to plants, to the earth itself. The soul creates a limited well of energy that can be used towards magic spells, which is also known as mana. Because of this, magic cannot be acquired, it can only be honed. Souls are often described as a "well", the mana within is the water. Some souls are deeper than others, able to hold more mana. In rare few cases, there have been recordings of souls that are as vast an ocean. To be able to perform magic is a genetic malfunction. Because of the dangers, it should not be possible. The "well" should be sealed shut, but all have at least a tiny crack in the door. It has been observed that magic users are increasing more and more, and blockers set in place are getting weaker.Mages
Those who can easily call forth this energy and bend it to their will are known as mages. They have easier access to their mana reserves, and some mages have more mana than others. Like any skill, one must practice magic to become good. Some are more naturally skilled than others. Mages with greater mana have the capacity to do stronger spells. Many people do not even know their capacity as mages, for they do not put forth the time and effort or simply lack skill.Manifestation
To perform magic and be a mage, willpower and visualization is utilized to create the change one wishes to see. This can be difficult, so spells are often written or sigils are drawn to help one concentrate their intent. Those very in tune with a certain kind of magic may not need these. When magic is attempted, their intent may manifest into the physical reality. Magic can manifest in a number of ways, depending on the spell and the mage. Some kinds of magic spells may appear as glyphs and symbols to help solidify them in the world, other spells may just result in a fireball or sudden frozen spikes.Limitations of Magic
Because magic uses energy much like any other activity, there is a limit to what one can do. It puts strain on the body just the same, such as running or lifting. Like physical energy, mana will replenish itself to its natural state, given time and healing. Low strain spells include divination, creating a small spark, conjuring a light, and levitating light objects close by. These types of spells will do little to no bodily harm, especially if they are doable without magic. Moderate spells can be just about anything. Healing and conjuring elements are the most common ways that magic can manifest The highest level spells include reviving the dead, manipulating time, changing the construct of something. These things are only ever accomplished with powerful magical items, and even then, is so rare that it’s hardly been recorded in history, likely due to death being a guarantee. Using too many lower level spells in a short amount of time can have the same effect as using a higher level spell.The Aether
Also known as the veil, the other side, the astral, the land of dreams. The Aether is a realm that exists beyond the physical, that binds magic and souls. It is in fact where souls reside, and many believe souls return there when a body dies. The Elvhen believe that their homeland resides in this realm, The Order believes it is where their goddess was banished. In any case, it is largely a mystery with little information about it.Conduits
Because magic can put such strain on the body, conduits are often used to absorb some of that strain. Wands, staves, and other objects are used to better channel magic and absorb much of the damage from performing spells. This makes magic safer and more efficient while allowing the user to do more and greater spells. However, using a conduit feels very unnatural at first. It is much easier to perform magic normally through the body itself, rather than a foreign extension of it. Using conduits has a tough learning curve that eventually makes all magic easier to perform. It is usually introduced to advanced learners, sometimes to intermediates.Schools of Magic
There are various schools of magic that teach different applications of magic. Certain religions and nations may opt to only teach certain schools.- Elemental: Also known as Primal magic in the south, elemental magic is the most common application of magic. It is the practice of conjuring fire, water, air, and earth spells, each with a multitude of subelements. Blood Magic: A rare school of magic that is largely illegal for the dangers it poses. Blood magic relies on consuming bodily health and energy to fuel spells. In extreme forms, blood mages use the bodies of other people as conduits for spells. Healing: Another common magical practice, it is the inverse of blood magic. Healing spells require consuming mana to regenerate bodily energy to heal wounds. Spirit: Spirit magic is a school that focuses on the soul itself, on spirits and the aether. This school of magic teaches the art of summoning. Light: Also known as Divine magic in the Order, Light magic focuses on protection, breaking curses, and dispelling. It also encompass many concepts of healing magic. Dark: This school of magic is rather vague, focusing on curses and magic meant for ill will. Some would say this includes necromancy as well. Witchcraft: Witchcraft is the art of using magic from the environment, from crystals, herbs, and elements. It is often debated if witchcraft counts as a school of magic, as mages rarely utilize it. It was created by those with a desire for magic, yet do not have that open access to mana the way mages do.
Type
Metaphysical, Arcane
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