In the world of magic, there exists a wondrous energy known as Arcana. This powerful force flows through all living things and the natural world, and it can be harnessed and wielded by skilled practitioners of the arcane arts. Supposedly, according to the archivists of the Arcane Order, magic comes from the residual magic left behind by the Teuyk in their interaction with the material plane. Most people in Therba have a remnant of this running through their veins, but for some, it does not manifest as magic; for others, it does. The schools of magic that exist within this realm are as diverse as the very elements themselves, each with its own unique approach to harnessing and manipulating Arcana.
The practitioners of Light Magic, also known as High Magic, are aligned with the pure essence of Arcana. They draw their power, whatever its source, from within themselves, carefully attuning themselves to the ebb and flow of Arcana. The study of High Magic is a sublime art, where the harmonious flow of Arcana creates intricate spells of beauty and wonder. These practitioners are revered for their mastery of the purest form of magic, bringing joy and light to the world.
In contrast, the practitioners of Dark Magic are like thieves in the night, stealing Arcana from the primordial chaos, rather than their own energy. They are outcasts, feared and shunned by all who value the purity of Arcana. It draws its power from the very fundamental elements that are the foundations of reality, often leading to madness or destruction. However, it is also a more immediately powerful form of magic, with practitioners able to wield great destructive force with relatively little effort.
Despite the dangers of Dark Magic, some practitioners still choose to specialise in its use. This has led to the creation of universities dedicated to the study of Dark Magic, often hidden away from the general population. But these schools are shrouded in secrecy, for the practice of Dark Magic can have a corrupting effect on the soul. Other nations, such as Orkfjarr, have taken a hardline stance against all forms of magic, outlawing it entirely. Still, others choose to outlaw specific schools of magic, such as necromancy, due to their association with Dark Magic and the dangers they pose to the living. However, it must be noted that these schools of magic are not inherently dark, but their practitioners often embrace the use of dark magic in their practice.
The Arcana energy that the wielders of Dark Magic steal is tainted, its purity forever lost. The very act of taking this energy corrupts the soul, twisting it into a grotesque mockery of what it once was. And so, the practitioners of Dark Magic become feared and shunned by all who value the purity of Arcana.
But even with their ill-got power, the practitioners of Dark Magic can never match the sheer might of High Magic. The corrupt ways of Dark Magic will lead only to their downfall, for they will be consumed by the very darkness they sought to control. And in the end, the purest form of magic will always prevail, bringing light and wonder.