Arcane Magic

"When studying and using arcane magic, you have to detach yourself from your physical connections to the world. You almost have to look at it from an abstract, yet professional, perspective. Many would call it a science, for this reason, but it’s actually more like a form of mathematics." - High Magister Idris Arcastrian of the Grand Academy of New Haven.
Arcane Magic, also known as Pure Magic, is the power to manipulate the raw magical energy which comprises reality, and often manifests itself as a manipulation of energy, time, and space. It is considered one of the Five Disciplines of the Mage.
=== Overview ===
The Arcane is a unique branch of magic, distinct from Elemental or Divine magic, due to its power source. Arcane Magic draws directly from the source of all magic, manipulating the energy of reality itself. This is the primal force of magical energy which exists between realms, before it enters reality as we know it, and becomes intertwined with physical or divine forces. For this reason, Arcane is considered the most malleable form of magic, and can be manipulated or converted to do practically anything. Theoretically, Arcane magic could be used to create an entire realm, a feat which was accomplished by the Septarchs of the Otherworld.
Unlike other forms of magic, the Arcane never exists naturally in the mortal realm, and can only be pulled into the realm by sentient creatures which are able to use magic. Because of this, the Arcane is much less limited than other forms of magic. Unlike Elemental, it does not require the materials or conditions to be already available, and unlike Divine, it does not require the favour of external entities.
The Arcane is often treated as an area of study, more so than other forms of magic. It is intricately connected to the field of mathematics, for a very simple reason. Mathematics is often about abstract situations; hypotheticals which aren't rooted in reality, ideas that are physically impossible, and theories on the nature of infinity. This is highly suited to the Arcane, which also takes a detached and abstract view on reality.
=== Arcane Magic Users ===
Arcane magic is much less rooted in emotions or physical connections than the other forms of magic. It doesn't care about personality, in fact it doesn't care about anything. Philosophically speaking, the Arcane is a truly neutral force. Therefore, unlike Elemental magic, it is impossible to be instinctively suited to Arcane magic based on your nature, which does make it a rarer form of magic.
Arcane Magic tends to only appear in developed civilizations which have a confident grasp on the basics of magic. This is because, as stated, it is impossible to gain Arcane Magic through instinct alone, you have to learn and study it. Therefore, for a person to begin learning the Arcane, they must be educated, and be able to spend a lot of time sequestered away in study.
Though anyone could theoretically learn the Arcane, not everyone is suited to it. The Arcane is difficult to learn, especially due to the abstract concepts contained within. The kind of person who is able to wrap their head around complex paradoxical ideas, such as the intricate mathematics previously mentioned, is well suited to the study of the Arcane. In the study and practice of the Arcane, you have to detach yourself from your physical connections to the world, and look at it from an abstract, yet professional, perspective.
Arcane Magic users are often very cold, distant, or aloof individuals. This is the safest way to be when using Arcane Magic, though it often bleeds over into their personal life. There is no place for emotions in the Arcane, control and focus is everything. In the magic of fire, anger and passion will heighten the magical power. In using the Arcane, such emotions would only cause the magic to become unfocused, and could have disastrous consequences on the user.
Arcane Magic users who lack focus can be driven insane by the vast and primordial nature of the Arcane. They often become stuck, caught between awareness of the real world, and the infinite expanse of the Arcane, unable to tell the difference.