Magic

*"Its the plague. its impure. Yet it is integral to understanding those who scratch at our doors." - Acius Porcian*

## Overview

Mythological debate amongst the literate boil down to the existence of the unbelievable. Creatures beyond the realm of Edafos have materialized and have destabilized existence. Societies have worked around these problems, whilst some fight change. Magic is the lifeblood of all creatures exotic to Edafos, and it is a poison to those who indulge in its inviting benefits.

Magic, in its essence, is an extension of life entirely alien to the normal in Edafos; manipulating those virgin to its touch. Powerful by its own right, it can lead and even drive those who do not handle its power with care mad. Humanity struggles and entirely varies with its interaction with magic; From manipulating one substance and transforming it into another, to even healing wounds. These great boons drive the interest of magic, but it is not something one can learn without extreme sacrifice.

Strangely enough, the ichor that clings to magic can have a lasting effect on its host. the magically adept wield the knowledge to refrain from casting great spells due to the reaction the human body has to magic. These effects can affect the body in many ways, though the most common is tumors and excruciatingly painful blisters. If used frequently, magic seems to manifest itself physically across the user, mortally severing the undisciplined caster from their vigor.

Within a variety of texts and interaction with Forlorn or magic in general, one often reads or feels a sickly aroma which accompanies magic. Odorless, this aura bleeds into a victim's soul and body. While magic may initially cause little harm to a normal man, it can lead to lasting effects which could result in the entire body shutting down. This terribly wicked aroma however only begins damaging Edafosian life at magic's most raw form, usually spread at the hands of Wiccans, or other Forlorn.

Those born with magical powers are usually referred to as Elves (Valhynian: *Veyadi*), though not all magically-born humans are Elves. Gifted, or cursed, depending on whom you ask, these afflicted are extremely rare. Unlike typical magically born individuals, Elves do not face the magical side effects. Strangely enough however, to discipline the effects of magic one would scrawl written Fay Speech (Valhynian: *Veyadish*) unto their bodies. This, accompanied by one's faith to their religion, could possibly see little side effect with magical use. Fay Speech, or the Elder Tongue, is believed to be the language of the Gods.

Magical beings are extremely rare on their own. Usually those who study magic and attempt to manipulate the unmanipulable use objects as a medium to harnessing the power. Much safer, using a medium such as a sword, or a staff for instance can make all the difference in protecting one's self from the side effects. Those who study magic and its abilities use the source of Acius Porcian, for his work is the most complete and concise. Acius tackles the morality of magic, and why some scholars sacrifice their normality to dive into what he perceives as "Eldritch".

## Arcana and Mind

### Overview

Written by Acius Porcian, an old-Prolesian Senator who fled to Styria during the Great Catastrophe, the book "Arcana and Mind" is a manual and documentary on the changing of human spirit upon contact of magic. His book consists of over a thousand pages of knowledge gushing about every species that has seemingly clawed its way into this world. Often is Acius' vocabulary most telling; referring to magic as a "parasite". His conclusion on the nature of magic to be parasitic; forcing a radical emotional transition of what once were disciplined minds to drastic concluders.

He explains that faith, and commitments in general, drive one's body and mind and through this explicit emotional bond with the Gods: the Pantheon. Faith and religion in general by extension can enhance magic to be sharper and more coherent, though it is only a conduit and not a direct source for creating magic as specified extensively by Acius Porcian.

Emotion in general can unify the separation between man and magic, and through emotional strife can one actually manipulate magic and mend that divide. A majority of people regardless do not have such capabilities, as magic is oddly selective with what it *chooses* to bequeath its power to as Acius concluded this through his many trials. Because of the emotional connection one must have, magic can force even the most disciplined to act out of urge *"Like an animal"* as Acius describes.

Magical abilities such as casting a fireball, or even manipulating the position of small objects are but a few examples of what magic is capable of doing; mending grievous wounds, or even imbuing a blade in flame. All magic is personalized with its user, and this magic usually follows the personality of the user for example; stubborn or angry casters are fluent in fire manipulation or harmful spells.

Spell is used frequently in Acius' vocabulary in Arcana and Mind. Casting magic does not require any literary assistance as it is purely instinct on use. However, magic is manifested through the mind and eyes. Spells are visual and written descriptors of particular abilities known within the magical world, and in Arcana and Mind there are hundreds of spells inside that are rudimentary. Illiterate magic users are seemingly at a disadvantage due to the applied creativity of one's casting capability.

Magic however, is always seemingly inked in blue. Those more physically and mentally connected with magic will often wield full-blue eyes, an Elvish trait. Acius' study concludes the change of eye color is the most important organ of the body due to its sight to witness. With eyes one is able to be far more creative, and thusly more emotionally connected with the world.

The conclusion is that Arcana and Mind is the most complete and concise work on recorded magic. Within the book itself are notes, and his mental struggle deciphering magic itself to such a degree. A particular section in Arcana and Mind is Morality of Magic. While magic has its benefits, it can break men into what they should've never been.

### Morality of Magic

His argument regarding the use of magic is usually contradictory. His entire book is the rationalization of both sides. Magic from his study can heal wounds fatal to any normal beast; using rats, dogs, cats, and even humans as subjects. Concluding that wars could be ended with the emotion of one or a dozen men, and that complex issues could be solved with any element one would like to conjure.

Magic from Acius' extensive study is that *"It is a parasite, yet it does not directly harm man, or beast -- it simply enhances them."*.

However the arguments against magic and its normalization are as potent. Acius notes that *"Humanity is driven by emotion, buckled by restraint and hesitation. With Magic, you wield no restraint, you wield no hesitation. You act. You wield the power, you have . . . for lack of a better term, achieved dominance. Even in the right hands, one man should not wield such terrible power."*