Magical Literacy

== Overview ==
Learning magic is a time-consuming process requiring rigorous study. There are three main components of Magical Literacy, and each requires a focused mind and unbroken concentration.
=== Sigil Literacy ===
The first step to learning magic is understanding and comprehending Arcane Sigils. Sigils have patterns, weaves, and symbols which appear confusing and arcane to those without the ability to “read” them. Given that knowledge, however, they begin to take on new meanings, and those who see the Sigils are able to understand them. In the case of obscure or unwitnessed sigils, one may have mere hints at their meaning.
There are numerous ways to comprehend sigils. Aeons ago, mortals would gaze directly at the stars and constellations of the Astral Plane to learn. Some cultures, such as the Zahvwa and Lyverian tribes, continue this tradition. In nations and cultures where technology has developed, Sigils are explored in textual form: tablets, scrolls, and books. Some elements are lost in the translation of Sigils to written form, but the translation allows Sigils to be explored at any time.
While a prospective mage may use a textual form such as a Grimoire alone, through the help of an experienced mentor, one may hasten the process of Sigil Literacy as well as other components of Magical Literacy.
=== Piecewise Internalization ===
Spells are complex by their very nature. An inability for human mortals to comprehend such eldritch concepts are what limit the mage’s ability to two branches of magic and a certain number of spells. When learning a spell for the first time, attempting to memorize the entire spell at once is overwhelming, and attempting to cast a spell through this manner will result in a number of unpleasant things.
The amount of components a Sigil would be broken into depend on the complexity of a spell.
=== Cumulative Refinement ===
Once the components to a spell are learned, a student needs to put them together. While that sounds simple, putting the pieces together is like the ultimate form of multitasking. Impatience can lead to a failure to cast the spell or the spell backfiring dangerously.
== Downsides ==
Due to the immense mental toll and years of study learning magic takes, many mages do not have other professions or skills. Where others would spend time training their bodies, mages instead stay indoors. As such, non-mages are typically much more physically gifted.
Mages, due to not being entirely of the same build as non-Gifted, have a much harder time conceiving children, with some being entirely infertile. While still possible in most cases, many mages simply give up on the thought of having children due to the low probability. Those with the Gift who do not delve into magical study and training can also have issues as well, though this is not as common.
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