Magic

(most of this is just spitballing ideas so like whatever)
Magic can be categorized into two major sects, elemental and aetherial. Elemental magic includes Air, Water, Earth, and Fire magic, whereas aetherial magic includes Shadow, Light, and Astral magic. The use of magic can be found in almost every species of the animal kingdom, however the ability to use it is dictated mostly by genetics and magical beings are typically outnumbered by their magicless brethren. Humans are the only known species to have achieved any sort of mastery over magic due to their incredible intelligence, but other species can still use magic at a very base level. The type of magic found in an organism is also in proportion to their intelligence, elemental magic being more common in all species while aetherial magic has only been found in species with a sense of self-awareness. That being said, elemental magic is often considered more primal in nature while aetherial magic evolved from it later on.

## Astral Magic

Astral magic (also known as Astromancy) is considered one of the rarest types of magic to exist, being found exclusively in members of the primate family, and most commonly found in humans, although still in small numbers compared to other magic types. This type of magic is defined by a connection to the stars, the spirit, and the abstract concepts of time and fate. In its base form, Astral magic has a colorful and sparkly appearance. In terms of combat, this type of magic is capable of conjuring weapons, however they require much more concentration to uphold than either Light or Shadow magic. For a battle, Astral magic is best relegated to a supportive role. Practitioners are able to harness the power of luck and fortune and transfer it to another. These fortunes are directly related to the constellations, each of which have their own set of enhancements and drawbacks.

Outside of combat, Astral mages are even more useful with abilities such as astral projection, foresight, hindsight, and in individuals with extreme power, even time travel. Astral mages are often seen as a valuable asset in political, economic, and military circles for their ability to predict future events. However being so valuable, they are often seen as nothing more than a rare tool, historically subject to abductions by groups or individuals who wish to abuse their power.

## Light Magic

Light Magic (also known as Iliomancy) is tied for the second rarest type of magic alongside Shadow magic, but is still far more common than Astral magic. This type of magic is associated with the day, the sun, vitality, purification, and creation. In its base form, Light magic is a bright glowing light, sometimes having a colored glow depending on the user. Despite being so closely associated with the concept of life, Light magic is not necessarily a healing magic. Primary uses include briefly animating empty shells with a light core, invigorating allies with energy, and cleansing certain illnesses from the body. It cannot actually mend wounds as some would like to believe. Non-Iliomancers can actually suffer from toxic effects if exposed to too much light magic, and can grow weaker as a result.

Like Shadow mages, Light mages are also capable of conjuring weapons from their magic. Unlike their counterpart, however, Light magic is controlled mostly by channeling energies through the user's body and has no connection whatsoever to emotion. Iliomancers are typically best suited to supportive or medical roles, and many have trained to avoid the risk of harming others with their magic. But with so much of their magic centering around energy, many Light mages have also made great engineers and mechanics, using their knowledge to build machinery and their magic to power it.

## Shadow Magic

Shadow Magic (also known as Nyctomancy) is tied for the second rarest type of magic alongside Light Magic, however it is still leagues more common than Astral magic. This type of magic is associated with the night, the moon, the psyche, and sensory illusions. In its base form, Shadow magic is black with violet or blue undertones, possessing a wispy and inky appearance that emanates a soft hissing sound when used. In a combat setting, Shadow mages are also capable of conjuring weapons that can last without constant concentration, but an untrained mage may have issues controlling what their weapon looks like. At their core, Shadow magic is controlled by emotion, and masters of this type have learned how to keep their mind in check lest they lose conscious control over their skills.

Shadow magic is typically suited best for a stealthy style. Assassins and spies are overwhelmingly Shadow mages, as they can physically hide within shadows, muffle or confuse the senses, and create illusions that can throw off an enemy. Due to this, Shadow magic is somewhat stigmatized and seen as the 'evil magic' in contrast with Iliomancy's 'good magic' image. However, this magic's connection with the mind and psyche has led to other Shadow mages being incredibly perceptive and understanding of others, often making good counsellors, mediators, or negotiators.

## Water Magic

Water magic (also known as Hydromancy) is one of the more common types of magic among humans. Water mages can control anything that is water or has water in it, in liquid, solid, or occasionally gaseous form. In combat settings, Hydromancy is one of the only magic types whose effectiveness is mostly dictated by the mage's surrounding environment, as unlike Fire or Air, the user cannot just generate water from their fingertips; Water mages need a source of water in order to actually use their abilities. The power of water magic also has a conflicting reputation, as beginners are really only capable of splashing their opponents which hardly does any damage, and at best can only slow down an enemy. But those who have mastered their skills are deadly forces not to be reckoned with, capable of pressurizing water to rip through flesh, drown opponents on dry land, flood enclosed spaces, and even the most expert Hydromancers can destroy a creature's internal organs by controlling the bodily fluids inside of them. Alternatively, many Water mages who live in colder climates have adapted and use their magic primarily in the form of ice, which can be deadly all on their own.

Many Hydromancers take up jobs relating to the ocean, many being fishermen, whalers, and sailors. Others who aren't as fond of the sea are also often seen in infrastructure maintenance and farming, in which they use their magic as tools for irrigation and managing water supplies for both the fields and the cities. However, ever since humans have discovered how to make trade routes between cities through sailing, many Water mages have resorted to piracy to make their living.