MAGIC: The Theories of an Akarvian

==Magic: The Theories of an Akarvian==
~by Hailtia Wolhol
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Magic is a uniquely New Voldranian concept, not only in theory but in practice. The history of this art form has been, perhaps thankfully, left out of the Old World. If this art of both beauty and destruction were to fall into the hands of the land of war, the results could be catastrophic.
It is because of this, however, that the refugees of the Old World, those we now refer to as “Old Voldranians”, were ignorant to magic. It was not until we fled our new world to come to one even more foreign to us that we were introduced to the concept, and we have been adapting since. With this having been said, it is worth noting that historians debate that the beginnings of magic had appeared in Old Voldrania, in the form of the Tripolian “Jaden” organization. This organization would become a pivotal part of Tripolian history in New Voldrania, but would ultimately fall.
It was not long after our settling of New Voldrania that not only the Jaden made their major appearance, but the volatile magic necromancy began to appear in Baratan, formerly Tedre. The Accord alliance spread these new, infant, magics among themselves, but was ultimately unorganized in their early history.
Akarv, however, began to learn. We, early on, established alliances with Krolesk and Llysos, two of the most magically adept nations in the world. With them we traded not only goods, but knowledge. One such knowledge we imported was magic. It was a man known as Ulles who first shipped out to one of these schools to learn of this new art form, and would later become a member of Akarvs special agents group, SANA. Many more followed and now, in year ninety, Akarv has a growing, self-sufficient, magical community.
As for myself, I am a graduate of both the Llysian mage college and the College of Unnatural and Supernatural Arts, and while I am a trained expert on the practical application of magical abilities, what has interested me most is the theory behind magic. In this book, I intend to explore my theories on the workings of magic.
===Magical Bodies===
Before I can speak of how magic is used, I must explain how magic “is”. In this regard, I believe there to be seven bodies of magic in which all magical practices fall: Elemental, Mental, Arcane, Teleportation, Creation, Illusion, and Life. I will address all seven bodies individually, explain my theory on each, and present examples of the magic that can be utilized in each body.
====Elemental====
This first body of magic is, perhaps, the single most versatile, as well as the widest in application. The basic principle of Elemental magic is the simulation and manipulation of non-living, naturally occurring elements in the world. These include fire, ice, air, and more. How does elemental magic work? As I will discuss more throughout this book, magical energy can both be channeled and applied. Elemental magic is the most basic form of applied magic. Let us look at popular, known, strategic “spells” to help explain this.
Geyser is an offensive magical ability where the caster is able to hurl living creatures into the air with water. Not only are they harmed by the fall, but also by the water itself, if applied correctly. Where does the water come from? Even in the middle of a desert, water is all around us. It is in the air, in the ground, inside of us. The geyser spell borrows water from nearby locations for its strike, but returns it simultaneously. It is almost as if the water “pretends” to be the water nearby, mimicking its traits. Given the strength of the geyser spell is diminished in dry areas, and increased in bodies of water, all while never actually consuming water, this claim holds merit. 
The next common spell I will address is the combustion spell. This is the most basic of fire magics, in which the caster may set a living target on fire without leaving burns. How does this happen? Fire is the most basic elemental magic in that it can be materialized on the spot by even a novice mage. More experienced mages can create fire balls, blasts, and novas, but for ones less experienced, this usually culminates in a mere spark. We do not see human flamethrowers because sustaining this flame is incredibly difficult, and is usually only able to be released in short, concentrated, blasts. As for combustion, this method simultaneously ignites several magical fires on a target which then combine and spread, engulfing whatever they are attached to. This burns out far quicker than a naturally set fire, and while it inflicts the pain of a burn, it very rarely leaves one. It could be argued that magical fire is not truly fire, and I will address a theory on this shortly, but it contains all the basic building blocks of true fire. It is merely ignited magically, and when the magic spark burns out, so does the flame.
Yet another example of elemental magic is the much more advanced “lightning” spell. Debated whether or not it is truly an element, I’ve classified it as such for it occurs naturally, not purely magically, and thus best fits this category. The lightning spell calls down a strike of electricity onto a target location. Some of the more advanced mages have been known to be able to channel this attack horizontally from themselves, rather than down from the heavens. Electricity is a strike of energy, and the hardest part about creating lightning is being able to contain and direct this energy. It is very easy for a lightning spell to blow up in the face of an inexperienced mage, which is why vertical strikes are safer to cast. Using elemental magic, lightning can be simulated even on the sunniest of days, with the same deadly effect.
I have only discussed a few elements, but there are many more including ice, lava, air, pressure(as a subset of air), and poison. As the magical community continues to expand, I have no doubt more will be uncovered. Elemental magic can be the most beautiful to look at, and the most deadly to fight. Earlier I said I would speak of a theory that ultimately defines elemental magic: simulation. It is very rare for an element to be created from nothing, even air is just utilizing the oxygen around yourself. It is this reason that the existence of elemental magic as its own body might be questioned. Why is it not a subset of mental magic? I argue that it is too broad of a category not to merit its own, and the two are distinctly unique, despite their relationship.
====Mental====
Mental magic is the most basic form of magic, as it involves merely channeling magical energy as is. I mentioned earlier that there is a difference between channeling magic and applying magic, and that difference is seen chiefly between mental and elemental magic. Where elemental magic applies magical energy to naturally occurring elements to simulate their control, mental magic merely manipulates the world like an invisible hand. The best way to explain is through example, but the most basic idea behind mental magic is that it is an extension of your own body. Elemental magic is typically more brutal and blunt, where mental magic is often more graceful; this is the difference between applying magic and channeling it.
One of the most basic abilities associated with mental magic is telekinesis. This ability is a mix of both magical and physical strength. It is one of the single most simple magical art forms. As an example of practical use, imagine a door lever approximately thirty meters ahead of you, blocked by various obstacles that make reaching it impossible, all the while allowing you to retain a direct line of sight. Through telekinesis you may channel magical energy to reach out and flip this lever, triggering whatever function it may serve. In this way it is as an extension of ones body, the ability to manipulate the world with, essentially, ones mind.
The other side of mental magic is the control of ones mind, and no, I do not refer to mind control. One of the most advanced spells in existence is the “Stone vision” spell, in which the caster is able to see through objects for a short time. How does this happen? Through a mix of focus and mental magic, energy is sent outwards through the nearby area and returned to the caster. The results enables the caster to envision everything within the radius of the dispelled energy. They are not actually seeing through the objects, they are having a vision of what lies beyond them.
Mental magic can be applied further in this way in such spells as “Pain” and “Mute”. Magical energy, as it exists, is harmless. Mental magic is the ability to channel this energy, and when channeled through a target, it can be manipulated in various ways. The “Pain” spell induces, as one might expect, pain through no external force. It is like being punch from the inside. Possible yet, the target may only perceive that they are in pain, when in reality they are not. The “Mute” spell, on the other hand, can mentally render a target unable to make a sound. This effect is only temporary, though. It is like a magical blockade that dissolves over time; it does not trigger a permanent “off” switch.
Mental magic is invisible, there is no spectacular display as there is in others. I reiterate that mental magic is a very graceful body of magic, and in some practices, a mastery of ones own body could be critical. Some may refer to this body of magic as “Psychic Magic”. The names are one in the same, but I feel that the terminology that I have used is most suitable.
====Arcane====
Arcane magic is a highly advanced form of magic that focuses primarily on energy. Unlike mental magic which channels magical energy to manipulate the world, or elemental magic to simulate the elements, arcane magic utilizes magical energy to manipulate energy itself, including magical energy. It seems confusing, but it’s a relatively simple concept. Aside from consolidating energy, you can “layer” it, doubling it on top of itself, or more. Offensive arcane magic is the most volatile by nature, but experienced mages can use this magic with extraordinary results.
The first example of arcane magic is the complex “Empower” spell. This is a puzzling spell that temporarily renders a mages ability stronger. As its name suggests, it empowers the caster. It is extremely difficult to use, even for an experienced mage. Unlike other spells, though, it can be partially used. What I mean by this is that a novice mage attempting to cast empower may find themselves empowered a small bit. An experienced mage using the spell may have the same exact result, or they may find themselves twice as powerful as before. It is not static in power like spells such as Geyser or Pain, but rather it can be cast at a variety of different levels. So how does this happen and how does it help explain the theory of Arcane magic? Empower is best defined as a magical adrenaline rush that can be triggered. It works by absorbing magical energy into the body temporarily, and then all spells cast for the next short while will be empowered, until it ultimately degrades. It effects spells of all magical bodies, and essentially coats it in an extra layer of power. Opposing this is the “Silence” spell, which temporarily leaves a target siphoned of their magical energy. It returns over time naturally—this cannot be stopped—but through manipulating energy, it can be temporarily withheld.
Another powerful application of arcane magic is the “reflect” spell. With this spell, a magical “barrier” can be created. It is completely invisible, and sometimes referred to as an ‘aura’. This spell causes all instantaneous magic to “bounce” off its host, and instead inflict the caster of the other spell. For materialized spells such as fireball or fire nova, the reflect spell has no effect, because it can only reflect energy. Once something takes a material form, it is solid and not energy. It is possible to break a reflect should enough energy be present, but for an average mage, reflect is one of the most useful defenses available.
I’ve mentioned that arcane magic can be volatile, and that volatile nature is often utilized without much creativity, in its most raw form. Explosive magic is this very lack of stability, which can be purposefully triggered. Explosives are the most dangerous forms of energy, destroying anything not built to withstand them. Explosions are not found naturally in nature, thus they are not elemental. They may occur without mortal intervention, but they do not occur naturally. While you may argue that Creepers are a natural explosive, they are a product of evolution—or creation, if you’re dramatic—and are not an element. Explosions are merely an outwards force of energy. That is why explosive magic is arcane magic, energy can be compacted to a certain spot and detonated, creating the same devastating effects of Creepers, if not stronger. There is no true technique to explosions other than failing to properly control the energy you’re manipulating, which is why it is more common for an experienced mage to utilize the effect rather than an inexperienced one, contrary to expectations.
When looking at the theory of applying and channeling magic, arcane magic hits the middle of the spectrum. It is both channeling magical energy while also applying it to that same energy. Energy within energy, which is a hard concept to fully grasp for many, but is proven to work in application. Arcane magic has more applications, as do the others. One such application is that unlike mental magic, Arcane magic is visible in certain spells. Like Elemental, it can be beautiful to look at, and this has been capitalized on commercially. It is a difficult body of magic to learn, but very powerful once it is grasped.
====Teleportation====
Teleportation is an extremely specific and simple body of magic to understand. It is by no means an easy magic to perform effectively, but it is by far the easiest to teach on an academic level. Teleportation is exactly what it sounds like, it is the instantaneous movement from one location to another. This can be performed on ones self, a target entity or material, or even among a group of people. Of course, while this classifies as its own body of magic, it is worth noting that teleportation is not strictly magical. You may think I refer to the portals leading into the Nether, but I refer to Ender Pearls. These dangerous spheres, when thrown, can teleport the original holder to wherever it lands, at the cost of pain. Some argue that they are magical themselves but I, personally, believe not. What are they? It is not my field of study, but from what I have researched, I do not believe them to be magical in origin, as the Endermen which carry them bare no resemblance to magic, but rather life, and energy.
Due to the simplicity of teleportation magics function, examples are particularly limited. When discussing it, though, the best example to look at is the “Blink” spell. This is the simplest teleportation spell to learn, as it is the simplest in function. When one casts blink, they will find themselves instantaneously moved to the spot they’d been focusing on, assuming it is solid land. How this works, how all teleportation spells work, is by displacing matter. Essentially, magical energy is used to remove the subject from existence, while simultaneously bringing them back at the new location. A popular theory is that they are moved through the void*.
Another known ability of teleportation mages is to create portals to the Nether. This is the most advanced spell in the teleportation arsenal, but this portal does not remain open long. The reason that the Nether can be traveled to and not other realms is due to the relationship the two share in the “fabric” of the Void, the same reason we were the Nether’s target in the Nether War. Ordinarily opening a portal to the Nether lasts indefinitely, but requires a solid frame and ignition. Going off the void theory, we can teleport particularly far away, but the farthest point is still as close as the Nether, and considering the Void lies between the realms, it’s not a hard concept to grasp.
The possibilities of teleportation are still being uncovered, as with all magic, and I could foresee travel to new realms in the future. Of course innovation in ideas will always lead the way in forming new techniques, but I don’t believe that we have tapped the power potential yet.
*When I refer to the Void, I refer to a theory in which there are two simultaneous “Voids”. The first is the void which we are, hopefully, all familiar with; empty space below the world that separates the worlds. However there is a growing theory among scientific and magical theorists that the world itself is in a void, and that it is entirely connected, thus making movement from one place to another instantaneously possible. We do not fully understand it yet, but it is the most solid explanation of teleportation that has yet to be discovered.
====Creation====
Creation magic is an immensely difficult form of application magic that enables the caster to “create” projections of their mind as solid objects. This being said, nothing living can be created via this body of magic, only inanimate solids. Depending on the skill of the mage, these objects can then be further manipulated to simulate flight, the ability to walk on water, create moving barricades, and a plethora of other uses. However, these constructs are merely blocks of compacted magical energy that dissipates over time. With concentration their lifespan can be elongated, but they will eventually dissolve, with a few minor exceptions. Almost any shape can be created, as per the mages imagination, but there are basic techniques taught that can generally be applied the whatever situation. The creation of this standard makes it easier to teach and spread, but it is the most creative and limitless body of magic otherwise.
One of the basic techniques taught to an aspiring creation mage is the “Conjuration of heavy mass” technique. For simpler use, it is often called the “Anvil” spell. This is because an anvil is typically the object created, as it is not only a dense, heavy object, there is an incredible amount of perception than an anvil is heavy, thus increasing its “effect” if used offensively. As is the basic theory behind creation magic, all that is done when casting this spell is magical energy is drawn together, solidified, and formed to be the shape and color the caster is thinking of. This process can be either slow or fast, as can its disintegration, depending on the skill and power of the mage. On top of this, the created object can be created in motion, meaning that as its created, it builds momentum, and when it has been fully conjured, it shoots forward and, usually, up. Another popular technique in this line of thought is the “Volley” spell, in which a barrage of arrows are simultaneously created and shot forward. Solid walls, cages, webs, and even armor can all be created with this basic technique. My advice: Do not give momentum to all of these.
With that said, these are not the only uses of creation magic, even if it is, definitively, how it works. More skilled mages can apply a more graceful technique to their creations, such as with the spell “Carpet”. With this spell a solid platform is created, same as anything I mentioned before, but the difference here is that it can then be manipulated whilst the caster rides it. A mage can create a carpet and fly around on it with ease, and because of the increased focus of attaining this feat, the carpet creations will typically last longer than an average creation. Similarly, creation mages can walk on water by creation solid objects beneath their feet as they walk. This applies to the air as well, but it is much simpler on the water. These will often dissolve more quickly, however, as the mages focus is usually put onto the steps ahead of and beneath themselves, rather than where they’ve already been.
The last, most puzzling, technique of creation magic I will discuss is the “Repair” spell. Unlike other techniques in the creation body, the repair spell lasts permanently. It is applied to weapons or tools which have degraded, and restores them to their pristine condition, given that all the pieces are present. But when the magic fades, they remain as they were left. This likely occurs because the matter itself manages to “glue” the pieces back together, but when the magic fades, the pieces have already fused, and thus do not separate or degrade. It has been observed, however, that a magically repaired tool can degrade twice as fast, while others will degrade the same as normal. It depends on skill level, as usual, but it is intriguing nonetheless. My immediate theory is that the creation of completely new objects is unnatural, and leaves nothing natural behind, whereas creation a fix on a weapon is manipulating objects that were created from natural materials, and whatever it is that makes these materials up are able to “fuse” not only through magic, but in life. This, however, is something a scientist would be more suited to look into.
I have called magic beautiful and artistic, and if creation magic could be made permanent it would lead to incredibly advancements in the artistic field, especially such arts as sculpture. But like I said, it is incredibly difficult, requiring an immense amount of focus and ability with magic. Even an experienced mage could be a weak creation mage, and applying it to combat is even more difficult. But when it is learned, it is one of the most entertaining and creative uses of magic available; the mind is the limit. At least, if you can bypass the energy limit.
====Illusion====
“Deceit” is the best way to describe the illusion body of magic, because nothing in the illusion body of magic is actually happening, it is merely a manipulation of the mind and your surroundings. Why isn’t it just a subclass mental, then? Because the mental body of magic involves channeling magical energies to manipulate the world, but illusion magic is the application of magic to manipulate perception. It’s a vague difference, I know, but one that is prevalent nonetheless. Illusion magic takes the world and bends it to appear different; it takes the mind and makes it think it sees something it does not. The ‘mind’ abilities of mental magic include blocking an ability to speak or think, or simulating the sensation of pain. Perception is not manipulated in this practice, but with illusion magic, it is.
The best example to show when talking about illusion magic is invisibility. I will say that yes, true invisibility does exist through alchemy; a potion cannot effect the minds of others. However, these effects are impossible to reproduce magically, or haven’t been yet, but instead illusion is used to give the perception of magic. When an invisibility spell is cast, an “aura” is created effecting everything within visible range, and tricks them into believing that the original caster is simply not there. Extremely talented mages can block the sounds they make, as well, but this is very, very rare; usually only the body and worn items can be hidden. It has been proven, though, that viewers from a great distance will remain unaffected by this magic, and will be able to see an “invisible” man, even if those right next to him cannot. The weaker version of this spell is the “stealth” spell which accomplishes the same goal, but is only able to effect weaker minds. Nightcrawlers, primarily, will not be able to see the caster, while sentient creatures will still be able to. These are essentially the same spell cast at different strength levels, which supports that not only is this technique grounded in skill, but the mind of the opponent.
The opposite of becoming invisible is a much more complicated technique: Morph. Anyone who has ever cast a morph spell will know that they have never become anything else; they have never transformed into a pig, a nightcrawler, or even another person. However, when this spell is cast, all within range are forced to perceive you as whatever you’ve “morphed” into. As implied, this can work to make one appear as either an animal or another person, but only to those around them. Minor bodily transformations through magic have been discovered, but that is irrelevant to illusion magic. Like invisibility, the manipulation of sound is extremely rare, but a skilled caster will be able to temporarily disguise themselves as another person flawlessly if they can master their body language, or an animal if they can mimic its sounds and behavior. In this regard, skill in magic is needed in combination with skills in acting. However, it can be difficult to maintain a disguise for long periods of time, making espionage difficult. It is much simpler to disappear than to appear as something else.
Illusion magic can also be applied to the mind of a target, and make them perceive that they have lost their vision. This is where there is overlap with mental magic, as there is a technique in that body where magic can be channeled and manipulated to temporarily physically block vision. The difference between these is perception against reality; mental magic is actually blocking ones vision. This effect is more difficult to achieve with illusion magic for the same effect, so while it is not the recommended option if you feel the need to rob someone of their sight for a time, it is possible. Blinding spells are different from morphs and camouflages because they are a targeted, instantaneous, spell, and only effect one person at a time, or multiple if it is in a blast. It does not effect all within a range, and it does not effect the caster. This, however, makes the spell susceptible to defensive spells such as reflect, which can render the casters own self temporarily blind.
It is difficult to trust an illusion mage, and anyone in the business of ulterior motives may take an interest in practicing this form. It is best not to think too much about Illusion magic because it can cause a semi-rational paranoia. However, the amount of energy it takes to maintain long-term spells leaves disguises and cloaks relatively short, and if you’ve spent an extended period of time with an individual, there’s a good chance they are who they look like.
====Life====
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “life force”, it was a bit more than just a phrase. Life itself is an energy, a wondrous, and often times confusing, creation that grants me the very ability to be writing this book, and you to be reading it. It is the reason anything exists besides rock, lava, and water. We do not understand it fully, but what has come to light is that life has an energy to it, and energy unlike any other that can only be manipulated very specifically. A mage with mastery of the arcane body will find life magic odd and vastly different, even though it is essentially a manipulation of energy. Life is a much more powerful and specific energy, though, and the body of magic itself a byproduct of channeling, whereas arcane hits the middle of the spectrum. Life magic is a double edged sword, because where it can be used to restore and influence the balance of life, it can also be used to take it away, and created monstrosities.
The simplest and most commonly practiced form of life magic is the healing subset. The most basic form of this is the “regenerate” spell, which speeds up the natural healing process through ones own concentration. No life energy is taken from anywhere else, ones own life energy is focused on, and reinforced with magical energy. All life energy recovers over time in living things—unless one has a deteriorating disease or is otherwise in the process of dying—and this process can be sped up magically. Similarly, the “Heal” spell can be cast on a target, which will then have the same effect it would if they had cast it on themselves; the natural healing process with speed up. In both cases, an immediate rush of health can be felt, and even if one is still wounded or hurt, they will feel much better. There is a darker side to this, though, which can be demonstrated in the spell “Drain Life”. This spell, instead of speeding up ones own recovery, steals the life energy from a target and absorbs it into themselves. This achieves the same effect, but leaves the target in pain, or worse. Drained life will often recover faster than a normal injury, but it is still a very dangerous spell, and can often turn the tide of a battle. That said, it is illegal in all recreational practices.
Restoring life, however, is not completely healing someone wounded. Necromancy is a grim, but small, practice within the life body of magic that involves raising the dead. Of course, this is only temporary. When someone dies, they release their life energy slowly. The “minion” spell, for example, can harness remaining energy within a target, causing them to rise back up from the dead at the casters command, but they will lack their normal intelligence. Instead, they will resemble a zombie. The remaining life energy will continue to drain, though, at a much faster pace, and when it dissolves, the undead will fall, unable to be brought back again. While their strength and intelligence is diminished, this is an enormous blow to morale, should it ever be used on a former comrade in a war. This depends on ones resolve, of course, but it’s a haunting thought nonetheless. It is possible, however, to bring someone fully back to life. All that is known about this process is that it takes an incredibly long time and an enormous amount of energy, and it still results in a deteriorated look.
Another dark use of life magic is the “purge” spell. Thankfully, this incarnation of the magic is the most powerful known use, otherwise its effects would be catastrophic. The purge spell is able to sap and disintegrate the life energy of all lesser creatures in an immediate area. This includes Nightcrawlers and Nether Creatures, and for experienced mages, passive mobs such as pigs or cows. Intelligent life is completely immune to purge spells, and I pray that no spell is ever developed that can bypass this. The purge spell is actually an incredibly volatile spell, in that it a lot of life energy is thrown out at once, before it is destroyed. At least, the theory is that it’s destroyed. The effects of too much life energy in the air is unknown, but considering the slow drain of this energy from the deceased, there should be little worry. There are, however, theories that life energy that has been unnaturally forced from a host in an extremely short period of time can result in the creation of new lifeforms, albeit tiny, and energy-based. It may be possible that these “Wisps” could become a problem in the future.
Life magic has a wide variety of uses I can’t get to, from tree magic to temporary invulnerability to the manipulation of hunger, and even summoning. I focused on dark arts but life magics greatest use is restoration and the progression of life in a positive manner. There are only a few magical doctors, though, and they are spread thin. Scientific means remain the best course of dealing with health for the general population, but for those with knowledge in life magic, or the ability to get in contact with one who does, it can be life saving.
===Magical Practices===
With a basic understand of the seven bodies of magic hopefully attained, I can now speak of magical practices. First, though, it should be noted that it is rare that a mage will practice all seven bodies of magic, but rather specialize in one or a few. At the very most, they will learn a few spells from each, but full mastery of each is a lifetimes worth of work, and as for myself, there are many forms I cannot even begin to attempt.
When looking at magical practices, it should be noted that there are as many practices as can be conceived. There are many standard, known methods, but more could very well be discovered that no one has ever thought of, and this can be true throughout all time. It is impossible, I’d say, that we will ever discover every possible method to use magic. I will look at a few of the most popular ones with a general description of what they entail.
“Vocal”: Vocal magic is perhaps one of the most common forms of magical practice. It is a relatively slow process as it involves gathering energy and vocalizing your spell, which in turn casts it. The vocalization part is mostly a tool to help utilize the magical energy of your mind, though using just your mind is possible.“Thought”: Thought magic is an incredibly advanced, extremely rare, and incredibly difficult form of magical practice that is essentially the same as the vocal practice, without any vocalization. One can cast a spell simply with their mind, no movement or speaking necessary. It is usually slow, clunky, inaccurate, and draining, but it is physically possible.“Movement”: Movement is the key form of application mages, who are strongest with it, but can be seen in all bodies. The body is used as a tool to direct and control magical energy, but can still end up messy and inaccurate due to the imperfection of the body. Magical performers will use the movement practice.“Wand”: The wand practice is the use of controlling magic through a specially created tool that can better handle the burden. It is the chief tool of the channeling bodies of magic, but is best suited everywhere. It is perhaps the best option for the average mage regardless of whichever body of magic you’re using, because it allows for more accuracy and better movement of magical energy.“Enchanting”: The enchantment practice of magic involves taking a spell and applying it to a physical object for later use. The enchanter must have a strong understanding of magic and skill with the specific spell.“Scroll”: Scroll magic is the use of enchanted parchments to cast a specific spell, created by its enchanter. Specialized enchanters can create these scrolls, and then they are often sold on magical markets. It takes some measure of magical skill to use one of these scrolls, but a novice mage can use an advanced scroll just fine, even if they cannot cast the scrolls spell themselves.“Ingested”: The ‘ingested’ practice is similar to scroll magic, but instead of utilizing a parchment, a piece of food, drink, or a pill is taken to trigger the magical effect. These are most always self-effecting, as expel-spells are extremely difficult to replicate in this fashion.“Cooperation”: The cooperation practice of magic involves two or more mages combining their strengths to cast a spell. Often times there are spells which require cooperation in order to cast, such as some summon spells, or the full resurrection I mentioned earlier.“Glyph”: We have only heard rumors of glyphs, but my understanding is that they are a form of scroll magic that are created from captured magical energy by the Siphon, rather than by an enchanter.“Trigger”: Some spells can be “placed” at a location, and triggered when interacted with. This could include a spell that emits a light being triggered when it becomes dark, or a spell exploding when stepped on. These traps can sometimes be practiced by an ordinary mage, but are usually created by an enchanter.
There are more, but these are many of the most commonly practiced ones throughout Voldrania, and some of these I, myself, was taught. Many of these practices can be combined, just like magical bodies can be combined. Magic is incredibly versatile and ever-expending, with few physical rules.
===Epilogue===
I have discussed, in depth, the seven magical bodies and went over briefly the primary magical practices. There are many who believe that much of what I’ve discussed should be combined or split up, but from my extensive research and education, I will defend that my theories have a solid basis. Magic is what we make it, though, and all we will ever have are theories when it comes to defining them into classes. It’s possible we’ll never know the actual reason each spell works, or how magic exists at all. How does teleportation work, was I completely off base? Is there no “energy” at all, be it magical, life, or normal? I will concede I’m wrong if proven so, but I will defend my theories otherwise.
I must stress that magic is a dangerous endeavor, and one should not delve into it without taking great caution. My research was done after years of education, and is done with an extreme amount of care. I do not condone the use of dangerous, illegal magic, especially on unwilling participants, nor do I approve of what many refer to as “dark magic”, which is an incredibly lawless, reckless, and dangerous endeavor. This includes necromancy, which I spoke a lot on, and many other aspects of life magic involving death, with branches into other bodies of magic as well. I do not condone the manipulation or experimentation with inter-realm energies such as the Void proper, or the bedrock separating us from it. I do not condone any violence, be it magical or nor, and I do not condone the use of magic to further ones goals, should they be selfish or harmful to other people. Very little is understood about magic in the grand scheme and if you are interested in learning it, please apply to the colleges in either Krolesk or Akarv, or look into the magical tutors, who are beginning to appear around Akarv.
I will not take responsibility for any actions caused by those who claim it was in the name of this book, and have given fair warning that magic is not a toy. For those of you who choose to practice or research magic safely and appropriately, then I commend and encourage you, and should you be able to contact me, I would be eager to help further the advancement of safe magic.
THE AUTHORHailtia WolholGraduate of the College of Supernatural and Unnatural ArtsGraduate of the Llysian Mage CollegeCertified Magical Researcher by the Government of AkarvCertified Magical Practitioner by the Government of AkarvFounder of the Institute of Magical Progression in Akarv
Category:New Voldrania Category:Akarv Category:Literature Category:Magic