Dark Magic

### Dark Magic in Azrielon

In the shadowy corners of Azrielon, where the light of virtue dims, the practitioners of Dark Magic thrive, weaving spells that resonate with the darker aspects of the universe. This school of magic is feared and often shunned by the mainstream magical community, as it delves deep into the realms of malevolence and manipulation, often crossing moral boundaries that many dare not tread.

#### Origins and Philosophy

Dark Magic is believed to have roots in the ancient, forbidden practices that were developed in the early ages of Azrielon. It is a path that embraces the chaos and entropy inherent in the universe, seeking to harness these forces for personal gain or to inflict harm upon others. Practitioners often follow a philosophy that justifies the use of any means to achieve their ends, even if it involves causing suffering or exploiting others.

#### Abilities and Techniques

Masters of Dark Magic have access to a wide range of potent and often terrifying abilities, including:

1. **Curse Casting**: The ability to inflict curses upon individuals, causing them to experience bad luck, ill health, or even death. These curses can be highly specific and tailored to the practitioner's desires.
2. **Necromancy**: A subset of dark magic, where practitioners can raise the dead, control spirits, and manipulate the energies of death and decay.
3. **Shadow Manipulation**: The capacity to control and manipulate shadows, using them to hide, spy, or even attack others. Shadows can become tangible weapons in the hands of a skilled dark mage.
4. **Pain Infliction**: The ability to cause intense pain in others, either physically or mentally, through the use of spells that target the victim's nervous system or psyche.
5. **Energy Drain**: The power to drain the life force or magical energy from others, weakening them while strengthening the practitioner.
6. **Mind Control**: The ability to invade the minds of others, influencing their thoughts, emotions, and actions to serve the practitioner's will.

#### Role in Society

Practitioners of Dark Magic often operate on the fringes of society, as their practices are generally frowned upon or outright banned in many communities. They may be sought out for their abilities to curse enemies or bring back lost loved ones, but they are also feared and distrusted by many. Dark mages often form secretive cults or organizations, where they can practice their arts away from the prying eyes of society.

#### Training and Progression

Training in Dark Magic is a perilous journey that requires individuals to delve deep into the darker aspects of their own nature. It is a path of power at any cost, where practitioners must be willing to sacrifice their own morals and ethics to achieve their goals. Progression in this field involves mastering increasingly complex and dangerous spells, with the ultimate goal of achieving a level of power that allows for control over life and death itself.

#### Notable Practitioners

Throughout history, there have been individuals who have become infamous for their mastery of Dark Magic. These figures are often viewed as villains, individuals who have used their powers to cause great harm and suffering. However, there are also those who walk the fine line between darkness and light, using their knowledge of dark magic to achieve goals that they believe justify their means.