Magic

**Magic** is the name for the energy that allows others to manipulate the various forces of the universe, acting as a common element that minds them all together. As the properties of magic changes based on its surroundings and the emotions of those who conjure it, it is often divided into different forms to better distinguish its use. While most beings are connected to magic and have an affinity for it, few mortals are capable of utilizing it in any meaningful way with spells and rituals, while higher beings can access it relatively easier, each dependant on their own innate reserve.

## Usage

Magic can be useful to mortal society, however, most trained spellcasters and magicians are hired to assist in nation affairs, rather than on small-scale farms and craftsmen, with few learning anything beyond healing and combat-directed spells. Self-trained spellcasters often make money by creating their own talismans that they sell, each with varying uses. Many nations have heavily regulated the use of magic to prevent abominations, magical diseases, and disruption of local markets (arms, farm, craftsmen, etc)

Although magic can be useful towards the development of civilization, it has significant drawbacks that prevent widespread use by mortals who are not well trained. Each mortal has a certain amount of resistant towards to the corrupting effects of magic and should this level be exceeded, their bodies will begin to mutate in unpredictable ways. Should the user continue using magic before being treated, they will quickly lose their minds and revert to base instincts, attacking anything that comes near. Should these abominations survive for long enough, their primal instincts dictate them to reproduce, in whatever way possible.

### Methods

* Scrolls: Pieces of paper that have been enchanted with words of magic that perform certain spells. Common spells requiring only a simple paper sheet and a magician to write out the spell with a magic pen. Higher-class spells uses the skins of magical creatures.
* Tattoo: Magical spells can be engraved into the flesh of a person, usually the user will suffer wounds if it is destructive.
* Catalyst: Most spellcasters require a catalyst to help focus their powers. Most opt for a staff, while others go for religious icons or something similar.

### Users

* Spellcaster: The most common term for those who know how to manipulate magic. Spellcasters is given to those who are able to harness magic without killing themselves.
* Magician: Magicians are spellcasters who have undergone tremendous study in the art of magic and have graduated from a valid magical academy, has been recognized by one, or certified by an influential individual.
* Witch: A witch is a practitioner who has a talent for the use of magic, but have not attended an academy like magicians.

## Types

Entire races of creatures are often made to be able to use specific type of magic, but they are forced to undergo special conditions to keep using it. They are connected to the concept itself and can empower themselves if they gather elements of it.

* **Occult "Hidden"**: Hidden magic was created by the Unseen One so most other humans can use magic by making deals with him and his powerbase. Portions of Occult magic have been laced with divinity, allowing its users to at the very least wound or slow down minor gods or daimons.

* **Prayer**: For those who are not as well connected, magic can be used if they pray to a higher being who "leases" portions of their own reserve that would allow their followers to practice magic. This often forces the followers to limit their magical use as any more would siphon off energy from the soul of a person.

* **Divine**: Divine magic is nearly always associated with gods and other similar beings. It is noted for its connection with powerful souls and are not entirely only used with gods, as other beings have attained magic that can be described as "divine" level.

* **Light**: used by angels that are most effective against creatures of darkness. used extensively by angels that have been created with this power, it allows them to generate and manipulate the holy light to burn away demonic corruption. more powerful users develop unique abilities associated with this power in ways that others cannot. Advanced users can coat other forms of magic with Holy Light, such as fire, ice, or lightning. As well as their own weapons.

* **Demon**: can best be described as forcibly using magic against its own will as it is often volatile and unpredictable if not used properly, with one individual often achieving different results with the same application. While powerful, it can be negated by divine power or angelic magic relatively easily.

* **Elemental**: Elemental Magic allows the caster to manipulate and/or generate the forces of nature with their magic. It can manipulate the elements or can fuse elemental magic into other forms of magic, adding a more unique type of damage. Many races have a special affinity with a particular element, largely depending on their creation.

### Techniques

* **Barrier**: Barriers are a magical technique that involves erecting a defensive shield to protect a user against physical or magical attack. It requires the casting to retain their focus on maintaining the shield, along with continue channelling their energy into the shield itself. Should the user being overwhelmed or loose focus, the barrier will be destroyed and leave them vulnerable.

* **Anti-Magic**: The use of Anti-Magic Magic is either overwhelming an opponent with a unique brand of magic, or siphoning it all together from then, or cutting off the source directly. The power can be imbued into a weapon or made into a projectile-like attack by advanced users.

* **Shapeshifting**: Shapeshifting grants one the ability to transform into an additional form, and the ability to turn themselves back. Many supernatural creatures possess this ability naturally, or have learned it so they can move about without attracting attention from potential hostiles. Depending on one's skills, the user can replicate all the qualities of a specific race, to a limited degree, or not at all by only achieving an appearance of their disguise, or to limit themselves. There are however limits to the replication as, for example, a human is incapable of acquiring all the powers of a dragon.

* **Summoning**: Summoning is typically performed by conjuring a glyph of energy that is used to call upon another being who is teleported either willingly or forcibly. The more powerful the summoned is, the more energy is required to perform the summoning, more so if they resist. The more powerful users do not require manually drawing a glyph or using an incantation, only having to use their willpower.

* **Teleportation**: Magical teleportation is often used by powerful beings as a means of transportation across vast distances. It is dangerous for those who are inexperienced or do not possess sufficient energy, resulting in most travelling the mundane way. The distance between the beginning to the end plays are large factor in how much energy is consumed, while stationary glyphs being more common.

* **Sealing**: Sealing is a technique that is used for holding a being in place, or their powers. This is most often used to imprison a being who has proved themselves to be troublesome enough where there is no other way.