Magic

> Magic is all around you. It is woven into the very fabric of the world.
>
> Merlin (as Dragoon the Great) to Arthur Pendragon, The Wicked Day

**Magic** (also called **sorcery**) is a powerful force in the land of Albion. It is limitless in potential and has the ability to affect and change the world around the user.

Similar to any power, its morality is reliant to that often user; just as there are those who use magic for their own ends or to harm others, there are benevolent Mystic who wish to use magic for good.

## Nature of Magic

> There is no evil in sorcery, only in the hearts of men.
>
> Merlin (as the Dolma) to Arthur Pendragon, With All My Heart

Magic is a natural force, albeit a very powerful one. It is neither good nor bad; it's simply a force that exists and may be used however the user sees fit. It is usually invoked voluntarily through spells, but there are also magical abilities that appear to manifest themselves in involuntary or uncontrolled manners such as Morgana Pendragon's prophetic dreams.

Magic can achieve a wide range of effects, including telepathy, telekinesis, shape-shifting, slowing down time, energy blasts, and summoning creatures or ancient forces. In most cases, the effects of magic can only be undone by the use of further magic.

It has often been stated that magic is not just a tool, but has rules and laws that dictate its use. Most of these laws are tied to the Old Religion, and as such figures like High Priests and Priestesses have a greater understanding of them through their deeper practice and study. One of the strictest laws of magic has to do with the power over life and death.

Humans who practice magic are Mystic, but in Camelot they are known as Sorcerers, which is actually a type of Mystic. Some, such as Morgana, are born with an aptitude for magic (Witch/Warlock), while others, such as Gaius, can learn to use magic through years of study. Merlin is an anomaly in that he was born with magic and could use it instinctively from birth.

Many Mystic initially unlock their powers while experiencing extreme emotional upheaval. This can, in turn, cause them to lose control of these powers, potentially causing massive damage. If the person in question lives among a magical race or is trained, it is likely that they will come to understand and control their abilities earlier and more safely than isolated magicians. Some of the most powerful Mystic are tied to a foretold destiny, among them Merlin and Morgana.

For most magical acts there is a physical sign accompanying its use. In the case of human Mystic, the irises of the user's eyes briefly glow gold as their magic is channeled. However, this is not the case for all magical abilities. Telepathy, Balinor's healing spell, and some of Morgana's visions, for example, do not produce this effect.

Additionally, among other creatures the change in eye color may be of a different hue. The Lamia's eyes, for example, turned green when its magic was activated, and Sidhe's eyes turn red when they performed magic.

## Abilities and Powers

Magic is capable of changing and controlling the natural world (people, events, objects, and physical phenomena) through mystical, paranormal, and supernatural means.

Magic is mainly practiced by Mystic, but it should be noted that there are many other mystical creatures that are capable of it. The Great Dragon, for example, has been able to teach Merlin spells on occasion.

### Types of Magic

As an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries by many different lifeforms, magic has varying branches that have developed to suit its different practitioners.

* Sidhe Magic
	+ The magic of the Sidhe (and apparently Pixies as well) is a very rich and powerful one. Its spells are spoken in Old Gaelic and produce a red iris color.
	+ Sidhe Magic can control and possess humans, open portals to Avalon, and channel power through enchanted staves. Humans who are naturally gifted at magic appear to be able to master some aspects of it.
* Troll Magic
	+ Troll Magic is very powerful to the point where Dragons were their allies.
	+ Trolls appear to use their magic for devious ends, particularly emotional manipulation, mind control, and creating general disorder. They appear to be resistant to human magic and have some control over the elements.
* Magic of the Old Religion
	+ The magic of the Old Religion is the most frequently seen among human Mystic and is the root of all human magic. It is also the source of magical power for Dragons, the Dorocha, the Cailleach, the Dochraid, and the Dragonlords.
	+ Its spells are spoken in Common Brittonic and produce a gold iris color.
	+ Balance is a key principle of the Old Religion; in order for something to be created, something else must usually be destroyed. For example, in order for a life to be created in a barren woman, a life must be taken in exchange.
	+ *Dragonlord Magic*
		- The magic used by Dragons and Dragonlord is subcategory of the magic of the Old Religion. It is based around a deep and potent bond between a Dragonlord and a Dragon that ties them together. In this way, a Dragonlord may call forth an unborn Dragon from its egg.
		- Dragonlord magic is spoken in Homeric Greek. They are able to talk to and control Dragons. The gift is passed down from father to son, but the son only truly inherits the father's powers after the father has died.
	+ *Seer*
		- Seers are able to see the future.
		- Seers with the gift of prophecy are able to see the future in their dreams. This is a rare, innate ability which cannot be learned or unlearned.
		- Other Seers can see the future through scrying.
	+ *Sorcerer Magic*
		- A magic user that uses Old Religion magic in various ways. Often it is in order to gain knowledge or their personal objectives. It is more of a wild magic instead of a structured studied magic. Elemental magic and Distorter magic is common for this type of magic user
	+ Mage Magic
		- An Old Religion magic user that specializes in enchanting, alchemy and healing magic. Very committed to the study of magic.
	+ *Druid Magic*
		- The Druids worship the powers of nature and the five elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit.
		- Druid magic is usually performed in groups, and usually relates to agricultural or nature related events.
* Goblin Magic
	+ Goblin Magic is a lesser form of magic practiced by Goblins. It is performed non-verbally and is mostly used to play tricks and pull pranks on innocent people in order to gain gold, which is what Goblins desire most.
	+ The wielders of Goblin Magic are able to possess other people's minds, use telekinesis, change the effects of potions, and more.

### Sub-types of Magic

* Elemental Magic
	+ Elemental magic relates to the manipulation of the four base elements that make up the world: Water, Air, Fire, and Earth. These may be manipulated by any species of Mystic and produce a vast array of effects.
* Time Magic
	+ This form of magic involves manipulating time itself. It can be used to slow down time around objects or certain places, and has mostly been used by gifted magical creatures. It has never required a verbal spell, though whether this is because it requires a non-verbal spell or is a power used instinctively is unknown.
* Dark Magic
	+ Dark Magic is a form of magic used for sinister purposes. It is normally connected to what is called "the left-hand path" and is mostly used for personal gain.
	+ Although magic itself is basically neutral, its morality is determined by how it is used and the motives of the Mystic using it. Dark Magic is mainly used to cause harm, destruction and misfortune, and to injure and kill.
* Necromancy
	+ Necromancy is one of the darkest forms of magic. It deals with summoning and revealing Shades, Wraith, spirits, and the undead.

## Attitudes towards Magic

> Sorcerers are not permitted marked graves.
>
> Mordred to Merlin

In the kingdom of Camelot, the use of magic and enchantments is forbidden. After his beloved wife, Ygraine, died as a result of Nimueh's magical malpractice, Uther vowed to destroy all things magical and instigated the Great Purge. Though not everyone felt as Uther did, magic users were a minority in Camelot and very few people were willing to speak out against the King. As a result, many Mystic were killed or forced to go into hiding while continuing to practice magic in secret.