Free magic is the general application of Mana to directly manipulate the surrounding world. All organisms practice some level of free magic - as one's Ichor naturally produces Mana, it is gradually released into the surrounding world, oftentimes unconsciously.

Only those beings with extremely high concentrations of Mana (i.e. the Dragon Lords / Laiwang), or those with long-term preparation, can consciously direct and control Free Magic in such a way to achieve large-scale effects (producing fire, manipulating the elements, telekinesis, etc.).