Magic Theory

Magic is often classified into three categories: arcane, divine and primal. They differ in the source of the force that is being channeled by the mage but are all fundamentally the same in nature. Any object that has a direct link to a fundamental magical force is also considered magical. Besides practical casting, magic also plays an incredibly important role through magical items and runes. Though the source of magical knowledge, powers or skills may vary, all spellcasters require an innate amount of magical aptitude and soulpower regardless.

## Arcane Magic

Arcane mages are unified by the usage of their soul-power to channel the interplanar force that exist between the planes of existence known as arcana. Out of all the fundamental magical forces, arcana is the most moldable which results in arcane mages being the most versatile of all spellcasters. The transformation of arcana through components is done through an arcane focus which is a specifically crafted staff, wand, rod or some kind of magical ore that is refined into a crystal or orb. Alternatively, this could also be accomplished through providing the raw components, just like any other mage.

When one refers to mages, this most often refers to practitioners of arcane magic. As a whole, they are a very diverse group of people befitting the diverse nature of the arcane. A great deal of arcane casters are learned mages who have honed their knowledge and skills for many years, these are wizards. As this path to magical mastery requires a more honed, focused and disciplined approach the vast majority of wizards tend to be rigid, law-abiding people with clear intent. Some may manifest magical powers on their own without any need for intense study and understanding of the arcane and these are known as sorcerers and are, unlike other spellcasters, intrinsically magical beings. Often brought up shunned or otherwise, sorcerers lean on their passions and feelings strongly and often fill the ranks of renegade or rogue spellcasters. Others form pacts with powerful beings, not too dissimilar to clerics, in exchange for arcane knowledge and power and these are warlocks. Bound to the rules of their contracts and the ever constant struggle between their will and the whims of their patrons, they are daring daredevils who tempt their very fate in exchange for power.

## Primal Magic

Primal mages differ from arcane mages by their channeling of the inherent magical force that exists within nature known as prima. Due to its origin, prima is a force that most easily molded into direct manifestations on the surrounding environment and elemental magic which means that given the correct circumstances, it can be the most powerful and destructive of all magic. The transformation of prima through components is done through an druidic focus which typically includes components a magical plant, such as a sprig of holly or mistletoe or a specially crafted totem, staff or wand made out of yew. Alternatively, this could also be accomplished through providing the raw components, just like any other mage.

Primal mages are known as druids, though some initiates of primal magic such as rangers are also knowledgable in the art. As a whole, primal casters tend to be the most reclusive out of all and largely uninterested in the hustle and bustle of society. Many druids are dedicated to the preservation of nature or the natural order and are strong forces of conservation in the world. Others adopt a more scholarly approach, honing in their area of interest and pursuing primal magic as a means to discover more about it. These areas of interest generally align with the druidic circle which they belong to. Some also take an almost priest-like approach to their magic, seeing the aid and salvation of others to also be a part of their cause to maintain balance in the world.

## Divine Magic

Divine mages are distinct from the other two types of spellcasters as they do not directly channel magical forces but instead beseech a medium of godlike status to directly impart their fundamental magical energy known as divina. It is typically more structured and rigid than the other magical forces and the moldability of divina depends on the domain of the god from which it originates to a certain degree. Many have theorised that the spellforce for divine magic is similar to primal magic and that prima is merely the raw, untouched form of divina.

Regardless of this, divina is always easily molded into manipulation of the forces of life and death alongside wards and seals. The transformation of divina through components is done through a divine focus which is an amulet, reliquary or symbol inscribed with the icon of the god which the caster worships. Alternatively, this could also be accomplished through providing the raw components, just like any other caster.

For the most part, divine casters are found in urban areas as they are most typically servants of a deity or members of the clergy. As these institutions typically value community and order, they are concentrated within cities and villages rather than in the wilderness where druids are far more common. This is not to say that wandering clerics are unheard of, but as they are typically bound to strict hierarchies and duties, it is uncommon as far as spellcasters go and those that are tend to be on pilgrimages or great missions.