Magic

## On the Application of the Arcane

Magic has existed since the dawn of time itself, and every nation has adopted the use of it in some way. However, that does not mean that they all treat it the same way, or even agree on where it comes from. In this section, we will explore magic in the context of culture, and how the nations see this fundamental force.

### Population of Magic Users

(A Rough Approximation)

Sov Scholars have asserted that the ratio of magic to non-magic users is around 1:10. Magic users are uncommon, but not scarce. In addition to that, the skill level of magic users has been recorded as well. According to reported statistics, around 80% of magic users are only capable of casting cantrips, and first level spells. Around 15% are able to cast spells of levels two to five. In addition, only around 5% of the population of magic users are able to cast spells at a level higher than five. Lastly, within that 5%, archmages make up the tiniest fraction of the magic using population that are able to reach the apex of magical mastery, but what they are exactly capable of is a closely regarded secret of the nations and the archmages themselves.

### Sovngarde

As a nation, Sovngarde has adopted a great deal of magic into their every day life. It is considered as natural as the blood within their veins and has played a large role in their recorded history. With three archmages within their nation, and many magical institutes, if one is seeking to become a scholar in the arcane arts there is no better place than Hearth Keep.

As for their culture, they believe that every living thing is born with an innate pool of a resource called mana. Mana is expended to create spells, and one is able to increase their pool of mana by practicing magical crafts and performing great deeds. It is due to this that, despite not being a spellcaster, Kraal was said to have the most mana of any man in existence.

Occupational magic users in Sovngarde are referred to as Mages. Many also refer to themselves by the school of magic that they specialize in, such as a Chronal Mage.

### Zestros

In Zestros, magic is seen as the tool for every occasion. It is implemented in every aspect of life and especially in the marketplace. Even the largest trading market in the world, The Exchange, is only possible because of the wizards who keep the magic flowing. Unlike the other nations, Zestros has begun to integrate magic and technology together, where they would usually be separated. This has birthed the new booming industry of "Magitech" and may prove to be the next big step in magical innovation. This nation is home to three archmages as well.

In the culture of Zestros, magic is not seen as spiritual or religious in any stretch of the imagination. It is simply seen as a force that a few select individuals are able to manipulate due to some inherited trait.

Occupational magic users in Zestros are referred to as Wizards and/or Sorcerers.

### Vaermina

In Vaermina, magic has been adopted primarily for spiritual and religious practice, but there are a few arcane institutions within Davenport which teach a more academic understanding of magic. Unlike the other nations, Vaermina doesn't have official "archmages" but its most powerful magic users are counted among their ranks. They are home to four of these individuals, in contrast to the other two nations.

In the culture of Vaermina, magic comes from something called Aether. A spiritual force that surrounds every object and being. It is through the manipulation of this Aether, that spells are created.

Occupational magic users in Vaermina are known as: Onmyoji. It should be noted as well that the position of Onmyoji is much more difficult to attain than comparable positions in the other two nations. Requiring years of vigorous study and application.