Magical sources

### Sigils

Sigils are based on an ancient magical language of sacred runes, writings and shapes. This is most reliable, versatile and calm source of magic. It is also the easiest to learn, as the only thing one needs to spellcast with the power of sigils is to memorize, replicate and combine. Of course the knowledge isn't available for all, and the most common way to learn through runes is to become a wizard's apprentice. The most powerful sigil wizards in Viridia graduate from Sacramus, a school for spellcasters located in Praecus.

To make sigils less accessible to commoners, spellcasters usually personalize and have their own twists on runes on top of the basics that are required for the magic to work. Any surface and tool for creating sigils will do. For more permanent effects, through enchanted objects for instance, the sigil should remain in its original form for as long as possible by carving it or writing it on an object.

For more instantaneous and one-time effects, like creating an offensive ray of magic, a sigil can be activated by drawing it in the air with a fingertip. A common tactic used by sigil magicians is to nearly complete a powerful sigil, and draw a single line whenever they want to release the spell, simply to save time and energy required in the moment.

A sigil can also be programmed to only trigger at a certain event caused by the spellcaster or someone else. The more complex and time-consuming the sigil, the more powerful the spell. Additionally, using costlier materials or for instance, tattooing yourself to use a sigil, makes its effect stronger.

For mages that don't dedicate their entire practice to sigils, they are a nice minor magical tool to learn at the side. Sigil magicians are allowed to sell practical and harmless magical objects, like magical sources of light to commoners- as one might guess, Masks keep a close eye on this kind of business.

### Viridis

Viridis is, in its essence, ancient, pure magic. It runs wild everywhere around us, but some are able to control it and use it to their advantage. There are many theories as to where the magical energy that surges through Viridian land comes from. How exactly does it work, and on what terms is a mage able to wield it? Some say it's simply pure magical energy that creatures are able to use to their advantage, others call it a gift from some sort of a deity that looks over and protects Viridia.

*Natural mages* are said to be born with viridis flowing through their veins. They have a magical awakening at some point in their lifetime, sometimes even as a small child, which can lead to its own series of problems as children rarely have enough control or understanding of their powers. Masks are quick to take magical children under their wing for them not to cause any problems to society.

There are those that have their awakening later in life, and it's believed not all natural mages are born with their abilities. Somehow viridis is sometimes able to recognize a capable Viridian with a true heart, and gives them the gift of spellcasting. This phenomenom very much favours the theory of an existing, thinking deity, and there are those who worship Viridis in an organized manner. It is not uncommon for these worshipers to receive powers from time to time. They believe that a Viridian with genuine intention to use their powers for the good of Viridia is most likely to receive this gift. Viridis mostly covers healing and elemental forms of magic.

### Soul draining

This form of destructive magic drains the caster themself. It is referred to as soul draining or soulcasting. Any source of magic also becomes self draining automatically if a mage casts a spell without the needed sources or spell components.

Spellcasting on the cost of ones own energy and well-being can be practiced through soulcasting. Magic like this is known to be among the strongest and most destructive. Respectively, it also takes the biggest toll on the caster if not practiced right or over-used. It is also the most unpredictable source of magic. It is not uncommon for practicioners to either go insane, get sick for the rest of their life or even die as a result of taking too big of a bite practicing this magic. Both physical- and mental health can be affected.

The most common forms of this magic are fire, blood and necromantic magic- and any other spells that seem to appear out of nowhere without component costs.

### Magical creatures

Many pure Viridian creatures are buzzling with magic, so much so that they are even able to share it with others if they so wish. Through various deals with Eskan creatures they may lend their powers. The most eager magical creatures to make trades like this are spirits. Lacking physical form and never being able to come to their full potential without creatures with a body, most spirits have striking a deal and lending magic as their main goal. A bond with a magical creature can be symbiotic or corrupt in nature, and each deal can look very different. The creatures can be more or less eager to be helpful to each other.