Momentum (Magic)

Momentum is the magic system from the Momentum universe.
==Using Magic==
Anyone in Momentum, even non-natives, can use magic. Momentum magic is best at small physical effects, bad at information-gathering or mental effects, and it can even in basic forms simplify ordinarily complex tasks such as "repair this" to magically primitive actions. Performing magic is essentially a mental action, involving clear, focused wanting with something along the lines of entitlement or expectation; it also may react to things like dramatic timing, gestures, or words, but mostly for the effect these have on the caster's mental state. Doing magic does not feel like anything to its caster, though some users cultivate aesthetic side effects.
==Acquiring and Losing Momentum==
The more magic someone does, the better they become at it. This increase in skill is known as "accumulating momentum". When not in use the buildup will dissipate, and momentum wears off much, much faster than it accumulates. The rate of dissipation depends on how the magic has been used; someone who builds up a talent for one particular skill will see it wear off slower than someone with a general focus. General magic wears off in a couple of days, while specialists can go as long as a couple of weeks.
==Types of Magic Users==
Most people never accumulate any momentum to speak of, and will never devote the relentless time investment required to do anything big. Cooperation of intent is possible; a lot of people who want and expect a thing in fairly ordinary quantities can overpower someone with a lot more momentum who wants the opposite. People with little momentum have no particular name, but there are two classifications for those who use magic frequently enough to obtain reasonable momentum.
===Specialists===
Specialists are those who use the same general type of magic often enough to gain skill in that particular area. This causes them to improve their magical abilities in their particular area, but nowhere else. There is an apprentice-like system for many occupations, and even after accumulating enough momentum, specialists often continue to work in teams. It is possible, if difficult, to maintain more than one specialty, but three or more is roughly on the order of sorcery anyway.
===Sorcerers===
Sorcerers are people who, rather than specializing in a type of magic, specialize in using magic. They accumulate generalized momentum that is faster to lose, but much more flexible to use.
Category:Magic
Category:Incandescence
Category:Momentum