Magecraft

## History

Magecraft was named after Artureous Magus, the historian and archaeologist who first discovered the Ancient Words, the pieces of a long lost language which hold so much power. The discovery of these words took place in the 53rd year. He was also the first man to study these words, and to discover their hidden power. Though he himself was not a very successful Mage (the term used to refer to practitioners of this magic), those that came after him were able to refine the art one generation at a time. As it stands, Aeterna is the only place to receive a proper education in Magecraft, as the Grand College hoards its knowledge, only teaching those that come to learn. And even then, those that learn cannot simply return home and teach, as it requires special written pieces and materials in order to learn the Words.

### Artaeus Magus - The First Mage

The Ancient Words were first discovered by an expedition team, led by an adventurous scholar by the name of Artaeus Magus. He was a man who tended to be at odds with the world, having little regard for those of authority, but possessing one of the greatest minds of the era. His investigations into reports of ancient ruins hidden in the mountains of Aeterna brought about the discovery of the Ancient Words. He did not know it at the time, but these Words would change the course of history forever. These Words gave humanity its first access to the power known as Magic, allowing them, in theory, to accomplish just about anything. However, at the time of the first discovery of the words, rather little was possible. The words that they had were few, and their knowledge in how to use them was small. Artaeus dedicated the rest of his life to studying these words, pouring over ancient manuscripts, delving into myths and legends. In this way, he became the first Mage. His newfound ability to harness Magic, even at its most basic level, gained him great fame, and it was requested that he join the King's court, to act as both a consultant for the King, but also to further the knowledge of Aeternian knowledge in the Ancient Words, and, eventually, to found the Grand College.

Despite not actually growing all that powerful, but current standards, Artaeus was the discoverer of the Ancient Words, as well as the first Mage. Magecraft was named after him, and his mark has forever been make on history.

## Structure

In this magical practice, Mages, those who use this magic, put together Ancient Words in order to invoke their inner power to do what they want. In theory, magic can achieve anything, though in this practice it can be heavily limited by what Words the Mage has learned, their own power, and their own imagination. Unlike Witchcraft, the Words of Magecraft are not easy to come by, as one must fully understand a Word and its true meaning before they can use it. Simply hearing a word is useless, as trying to invoke it from such limited memory does nothing.

## Usage

The Ancient Words can be combined in various ways in order to achieve what the caster wishes. The first thing to note, is that the more practiced an individual becomes, the more capable they are, and thus the more words they can string together. A novice may be able to speak a single word, whereas if they were to attempt two or three at a time, they simply wouldn't be skilled enough to shape the magic in the correct way, and nothing would happen.

As far as creating desired effects, strategies can vary. If one were to wish to create fire in their hand, Ignis would suffice. However, if they wished to launch this ball of fire at a foe, they would require Ignis and Motus. This fire can also be used to strike a foe around a corner, though this will take some imagination, as Ignis Motus will only cause the fire to be lobbed in a single direction. If one wished to strike a foe around an obstacle, they could use Ignis Motus Ordo, to control the flame to curve around the corner. However, a more experienced individual would know that it is more efficient to use Ignis Iter, as this uses two words, rather than three.

This explanation does, however, only scratch the surface of what Magecraft can achieve. It is truly up to the knowledge, power, and imagination of the caster, when it comes to what they can achieve. A novice may be able to create a flame in their hand, but a master can create a pillar of fire that burns the very sky.

## Librarium Ultimum

The Librarium Ultimum is the most extensive collection of Words in existence, containing every Word that has been discovered.