Magic

**Magic** is the capability of a creature to achieve things in defiance of the *Fada* of Remnant’s Concept. It is typically performed through (unknowingly) interacting with the *Alealamia,* and can be utilised either intentionally or instinctually by a variety of creatures.

Magic typically makes use of **Mana,** a naturally-occurring particle that is a core part of Concept. Mana is highest in concentration in Dust.

Semblances are a form of magic, but due to differences in manifestation and use, are typically not classified as such.

## Occurrence

Magic is generally quite rare—save for the Maidens, the rate of magic being “commonly or semi-commonly used” among timelines integrated into the Coalescence is very low (~2%). Use of specific types of magic across timelines where it is present and accessible varies, though no timeline has been observed to have a rate of use greater than 47%.

The Ephemera is notable for its population having a high rate of magical fluency. Many Huntsmen train in the use of at least one type of magic, and those born with the aptitude for True Magecraft are significantly more common than is typical. These “natural Mages” represent almost 1% of the population.

## Classification

Broadly, magic falls into three main categories: **Distortion Artificiation**, **Raw Arcane Manipulation**, and **True Magecraft**, all of which interact with Concept in some way to achieve roughly the same effect.

### Distortion Artificiation

Perhaps the most “logical” form of magic, Distortion Artificiation is also referred to as “Fake Magic” or “Psuedo-Magic” due to its lack of interaction with mana. Distortion Artificiation instead relies on N-dimensional mathematics to create unstable Paradoxes that are then naturally resolved by Concept, which in turn produces the desired effect.

Magic of this type violates several important laws of three-dimensional and fourth-dimensional physics, including the conservation of energy and mass. Its calculations are fundamentally incorrect in a world where the laws of physics apply. It is also the main means by which Ephemerans accomplish travel between timelines.

Distortion Artificiation is the only type of magic that can be performed without the use of neural pathways, and therefore the only type usable by androids, those with prosthetics, and so on.

### Raw Arcane Manipulation

Also called “Half Magic” due to roughly following the same process as True Magecraft, Raw Arcane Manipulation involves the gathering of mana into a caster’s body and passing it along their neural pathways to convert it to the desired form of energy. Raw Arcane Manipulation is often imprecise, and can lead to significant internal injury as the amount of mana passed through the neurons increases. It is not uncommon for experienced users of this form of magic to have a designated “casting arm” that they pass mana through, with that arm typically losing sensation, fine motor control, or even total control as a result.

Like True Magecraft, Raw Arcane Manipulation cannot be used by beings that do not have neurons. Even synthetic neurons seem to be insufficient.

### True Magecraft

The most “well-known” form of magic, True Magecraft is similar to but distinct from Raw Arcane Manipulation. While RAM relies on forcing mana through neural pathways regardless of result, True Magecraft instead passes it through at each neuron’s specific resonant frequency—or, “the maximum amount of mana that can be passed through without damaging the surrounding tissue”.

While technically the safest form of magic, it is also incredibly uncommon for people to be born with a natural aptitude for True Magecraft. This aptitude can be inborn or conferred (as with the Maidens or the Witches of Orlen), but those without it must instead study and find the resonant frequency of each neuron in use. Given the adult human body has ~86 billion neurons, it is typically considered a better use of one’s time to study Distortion Artificiation instead if one does not wish to damage their body.