The Gift

The Gift is the mortal connection to the Astral Plane. Gifted humans use the powerful ability to cast spells. The Gift is very rare, only passed through bloodlines. Impure bloodlines eventually lose the Gift over a few generations.

Since the Era of Birth, when the Gift was introduced to Aevonhold by the First Mortals, it is now rarely seen within the realm of Aevonhold, with only about a hundredth of the population having it.

## Theories of Origin

The origin of magic is as nebulous as its practise, although many theories have sprouted following the first recorded use of Astral magic. Most participate in elements of superstition, such as requiring specific implements to cast, some spellcraft only being achievable during certain times of the year, or how certain symbols are superior than others. Despite this, however culturally different it may be, most if not all magical mythos share a common denominator: dreams.

Scholars, theologists and astral practitioners all share the same basis established on the importance on dreams and how have given them insight into how the Gift shows itself in this way. It was through sleep and oneiromancy that a larger portion of Aevonhold's night sky was found. Expansive starscapes now given a new light, figuratively and literally, where missing pieces 'clicked' through the Astral Plane's focal point.

The Discovery, as some historians have aptly named it, gave way to the Gift's rise through mortal hands. It was the art of harnessing these symbols or constellations that led to the branching of magic to eventually be used in different ways, all with several combinations of the same source. It is the reason that Astral magic is the mother of all magic, and consequentially, its most difficult aspect to master.

### **Granthelian**

Due to the essence found in Aevonhold's very own ground and the stars similar to the those of the Astral Plane in the skies of Aevonhold, Granthelians believe that the Arcane came from the sky itself.

### **Deurlen**

As many Deurlen people have no affinity to the Arcane, many of the simple folk believe the Arcane was given to the people of the realm by The Divines, great beings of power worshiped by all Deurlen.

## Magic Classes

Those who study magic refer to the differing types of casting as follows:

### **Astral**

The most pure form of magic. Astral mages tap directly into the Arcane Energy that permeates the realm in order to cast spells. Also commonly known as Arcane Magic.

### **Contract**

Those who use Contract magic employ the use of Arcane energy to alter the life force of mortals.

### **Elemental**

Those who use Elemental Magic alter the Arcane energy that naturally resides within physical elements that make up Aevonhold. Elemental magic is easier to learn than Astral or Faith, and many mages use Elemental magic in tandem with other magic classes.

### **Primal**

Regarded as the oldest form of magic in Aevonhold, Primal Magic consists of magical practices developed before the advent of the First Era, far before any historical records were kept on such subjects. Much is unknown of these practices, either lost to time or willfully forgotten.

## Downsides

Due to the fact that those with the Gift are inherently far more attached to the Astral Plane, they’re more likely to be afflicted with Arcane diseases and possessions from spirits. Magical effects, such as hexes or curses, are twice as powerful on a Gifted individual.