Magic

**Magic** is the act of drawing the energy within mana, especially the mana within oneself, to change the world around them. Due to the supernatural effects that mana has, the energy that it contains in its natural state, and its abundance across every known realm, magic plays a critical role in the universe's structure as well as in countless cultures. Being harnessed by mind and invention both, it is capable of many countless thing, responsible for both incredible technological feats and terrible atrocities.

## Description

Little is understood about the reason for magic's existence, if there even is one. As described in many Aluzeran scientific texts, *magic* is hypothesized to be a response the universe's theoretical framework has to mana, with mana serving as a tangible medium for an unknown form of energy. Upon this energy's release, its observed to either convert to other forms of energy, or appear to exist in a form that is impossible to detect. This release of energy, however, is what leads to the effects of magic. Mana itself comes into being under likewise unknown circumstances, emerging only from the mysterious Source locked away in the deepest reaches of the Underworld.

Like any other form of matter however, mana too appears in four states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. It is a chemical element of its own, fully distinct from any other known element, and is also capable of creating molecules to a variety of effects. Mana has an observed quantum structure as well, though has shown to have unique and complex characteristics compared to any other known type of matter. These characteristics are still not fully understood, but are shown to be responsible for mana's existence in four differentiating "domains". The vast majority of the time, mana transforms from a solid or liquid into a gas or plasma by a caster, as much of the unknown energy it contains appears to momentarily transform into kinetic and thermal energy. Mana thus surrounds expulsions of magic; even a flickering fire conjured by magic has trace mana within its flames, and the energy therein. Within time though, the energy released by a spellcast fades, and the mana that was used is drained of it.

As a result of mana's existence, and magic by extension, the universe's fundamental framework has become more malleable than once thought. In the hands of a sorcerer, space and time may be altered at one's fingertips, with the possibilities being limited only by one's imagination and skill. Magic's existence has also led to its emergence as a field of study, with mages and scholars across many cultures searching to unlock its secrets.

Mana has also be discovered to exist in all living things in trace, undetectable amounts. This amount is proven enough though for one to tap into at will, one's mind permitting the casting of magic. Mana in relation to one's mind is often a hot subject of debate and hypothesization, though it has been seen to react to mental wellbeing and emotions, as well as intellectual skill and willpower.

Note that the term *mana* is often used synonymously with the energy is contains. Mana drained of this energy is given other terminology, such as the term *hollow*. A pool of hollow, for example, would be a pool of mana without any energy remaining.

## Domains of Magic

Magic is understood to exist in four distinct "domains" that alter its fundamental characteristics: **arcane, nature, light, and shadow**. These domains refer to both magic itself and the many states that mana exists in.

In all domains and in all states of matter, mana always contains energy to some extent. The manifestation of magic that occurs upon the release of this stored energy is largely dependent on two factors: the forces surrounding it, and its present domain. This may differ In any domain, magic has shown to be rather consistent in its properties and behavior, even in some of its most chaotic states of being.

Codified by the mage city of Kaleido within the Underworld, the domains of magic are often studied by mages under the following **Domains of Power**:

* Light is the power of definition. It is constant, tangible, and writes a single truth. It is the magic most closely associated with wakefulness and stasis.
* Shadow is the power of uncertainty. It is changing, speculative, and flowing with possibilities. It is the magic most closely associated with sleep and creativity.
* Nature is the power of chaos. It is unpredictable, simple, and opposed to governing hands. It is the magic most closely associated with the wilds and communion.
* Arcane is the power of order. It is intellectual, complex, and brimming with universal power. It is the magic most closely associated with science and structure.

These are further divided up by "subdomains" that describe the more specific and practical applications of each domain.

There is also the capacity of magic to stretch over two different domains, existing in a mixture between them. This means that light may mix with arcane or nature, and shadow may likewise. However, as domains are also polarities, there are opposing forces that normally will not blend together: light to shadow, and arcane to nature. Contrary to intuition, *opposites DO NOT attract* with regards to magical domains. This means that, should one try to force light and shadow together for example, what often follows without immense concentration is a rather explosive result. The most extreme of these mixtures is the blending of all four domains into one, leading into a particularly dangerous type of magic known as *chromatic* magic.