Introduction

In all of Gevadun, magic exists in every nook and cranny imaginable. Magic can be found in nature, in the towers of mages, the holy light of divinity, and in the twisted hands of the foul. At its core, magic is a force that can cause significant change. The use of magic is more of an art than a science, and every practitioner approaches it differently, even practitioners in the same field. Magic has affected everyone's life, whether they realize it or not. Magic has existed since the incredible explosion that started the universe. The cradle of the gods was a magical ball of cosmic dust that sat among the stars for eons. Everyone in Gevadun can harness magic; for better or worse, magic's potentially destructive and disastrous power is accessible to just about everyone.

The Basics

Fundamentally, the application of magic is a transformative force. Paradoxically, magic in an untampered state is a stabilizing source that flows through everything in its natural state. It occurs naturally in all the realms and can flow freely between them and the space between them. Magic is seen everywhere and possesses several characteristics that make it stand out. Magic has a natural hum; it lets off a steady vibration that can be felt. This vibration is neither malevolent nor righteous. Like many things found in nature, magic exists indifferently. 

The true impact of magic reveals itself in its applications, which can be harnessed for either noble or nefarious purposes. Consider two wizards: one who brings forth water in an arid well and lights up a darkened night, while the other conjures fireballs and raises the dead. Both wizards use the same magic to do this, but their intentions and results determine the morality of their actions. Magic is as dangerous as any tool or weapon when unchecked or used irresponsibly. In most cases, irresponsibility with magic leads to far more disastrous results than the improper care of a blade. The critical thing to take away is that magic is a tool, and it is rarely dangerous on its own; it is the way magic is applied that can be dangerous. 

Untampered magic is a stabilizing force, but remarkable achievements can be made with its tampering. People approach the manipulation of magic in various ways, which can be categorized into a few distinct classifications: arcane magic, divine magic, foul magic, natural magic, and spirit magic. Each classification is unique, and the practitioners operate in a manner as unique as their classification. While all magic is essentially the same force, manipulating magic will leave a stain upon it. A skilled practitioner can discern when different classifications of magic have been used, and this skill is vital to anyone pursuing the magical arts.

Arcane Magic:

Arcane magic is magic that can be manipulated and controlled via intellect. Studious-minded individuals can mold magic to their will, allowing them to express their will tangibly. A sharp mind and a strong will are essential for mastering arcane magic. Studying, diligent practice, and, most importantly, creativity are all needed to evoke arcane magic successfully. Wizards and similar mages are the foremost practitioners of the arcane, dedicating their lives to seeking answers to questions that will never be fully understood.

These questions are vital to arcane magic; they inspire thought and inquiry, which is where arcane magic truly exists. Teachers have posed unanswerable questions to their pupils for millennia, and questioning is fundamental in every arcane academy. The critical thing to remember is that pupils of the arcane aren't concerned with answering the questions they have; they are purposefully unanswerable questions. They are concerned with forming higher and more developed thoughts, and that is where the most potent arcane magic comes from.

Divine Magic:

Divine magic is magic that is manipulated through faith in the divine. The divine entities that lord over Gevadun are constituted of pure magic, and their influence can be channeled through their followers. This power is not gifted to their followers; it is earned power that only falters when faith falters. Devout faith is required to practice any type of divine magic; in this way, divine magic is similar to arcane magic, requiring years of study and dedication. Unlike arcane magic, a single moment of doubt or wavering faith can set practitioners back months or even years, in severe cases, in the study of divine magic.

The key to divine magic is unwavering faith, which can be expressed in various ways. While all arcane practitioners focus on pondering unanswerable questions, worshipers of the divine practice in an incalculable number of ways. This diversity is natural; for example, devout followers of Raimeth will not behave the same as worshipers of Omar or Olock. The vital takeaway is that divine magic does not come from the gods; it is derived from the faith their followers have in them, and it cannot be revoked - it can only be lost.  

Foul Magic:

Foul magic is magic that is manipulated and corrupted by foul influence. The Foul are connected to the divine and are also essentially pure magic; however, they twist and distort this magic, transforming it into a destructive and toxic force. Individuals cannot naturally conjure foul magic; the ability to manipulate foul magic is intrinsic to the Foul. The ability to control foul magic can be accomplished by making a pact with the Foul or subduing a Foul entity and extracting its power. While forming a pact with the Foul can be perilous, if the agreement benefits both parties, it can lead to significant power for the living. Extracting power directly from a Foul offers marginally more power, but if done for too long, the Foul entity will dissipate. Some individuals manage multiple weaker foul entities, drawing power gradually from each, allowing them to maintain a steady level of magical energy.

The critical point to understanding Foul magic is that it must be sourced from a Foul entity. While it is a fast path to magical power, it is a malignant, corrupting force that withers away all life.

Natural Magic:

Natural magic refers to a form of magic that has been altered very little from its natural state. Untapped and undeveloped areas of nature, such as old-growth forests, deep oceans, and craggy mountains, are hotspots and emanate tremendous magic. Shamans, druids, and witch doctors are the primary practitioners who manipulate this magic. Channeling and articulating natural magic does not require focus or faith; instead, it demands inner peace and a calm mind.

This hands-off approach to harnessing natural magic is why natural magic is the closest to raw, untampered magic. Most natural applications of natural magic are intended for healing, reflecting the stabilizing nature of raw magic. Natural magic typically promotes health and wellness, but can be used for unwholesome purposes. While driven to heal, natural magic is just as capable as the other magic types to cause incredible destruction. The effectiveness of natural magic relies heavily on a healthy environment and a calm mind; if either of these elements is lacking, the potency of the natural magic will diminish.

Spirit Magic:

Spirit Magic is a form of magic that originates from the souls of living beings. Magic exists around everything in Gevadun and even moves through living creatures. One of the unique characteristics of magic is its tendency to cling to souls, similar to how iron clings to magnets. Souls gently emit a small amount of raw magic, hardly even enough to be detected by the most skilled practitioners. However, this infinitesimal amount is enough to attract the natural magic that flows through Gevadun, and this attraction is the driving force behind spirit magic. Spirit magic practitioners are deeply in touch with their souls and can manipulate magic by channeling it through their souls and shaping it.

Sorcerers and Dragons are the foremost practitioners of spirit magic, though it is important to note that Dragons are also mighty practitioners of divine magic. While anyone can perform spirit magic, some individuals possess a natural affinity for it. Generally, people of firm conviction are the most accomplished spirit magic users, as they are more in tune with themselves. The methods for training spirit magic skills vary widely, with trial and error being the most effective form of instruction. Even the Dregs and their soul-like core can manipulate spirit magic. The key takeaway is that spirit magic is derived from internal strength and resilience. With training and dedication, anyone can achieve a functional level of spirit magic, but some will inherently excel more than others.