Magic

Disclaimer - The following text is an in lore explanation of magic and some its workings for a custom D&D style world. It takes inspiration from several sources as an homage

## MAGIC

Magic in Ixalia is a combination of harnessing the energies of the material plane, either separately, or in combination with other dimension that exist in parallel to it. These energies often take the form of "Magicules" that are concentrated pockets of raw power that can be harness to various effects. When enough of these Magicules occupy a space long enough, they can affect the local area, causing land masses to float, and enhancing the inhabiting flora and fauna. Ecosystems that have become completely saturated with these Magicules, can become bridges to other planes, usually of the elemental variety, and can produce of exotic materials, such as Magicite.

## MAGIC-USERS

Every living thing has some connection to the ethereal realms, and this is commonly described as a soul by many. This soul is like a flame flickering in the void. While a creature on the material plane has a body, allowing them to interact with all there is on that realm, they always have a small bit of themselves in the ethereal. This light little fire varies in size, with those that are strong in magic possessing a much larger one. The large this fire in the ethereal, the greater ability of the magic-user.

While some are born with a bright light, others can grow their fire bit by bit through dedicated study and practice of magical arts. But this light can also attract beings in the ethereal. Entities called gods or demons, can find their way to these lights, and offer gifts in exchange for exclusive possession of their flame. If a powerful enough entity should take notice however, it could attempt to simply seize this fire through force. While the flame is consumed, the physical body becomes a puppet to those unable to overcome this influence, and possession is inevitable.

It is also through dedicated study, and practice that a magic-user can protect their connection in the ethereal from such evasive attempts. Or, at the very least, slow it down.

## MAGICULES

Coming Soon...

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## MAGICITE

When the conditions are right, crystal formations can become saturated with Magicules, becoming vessels of raw magical power. Often these deposits are highly unstable, and if mishandled, could cause terrible damage to the surrounding area. Stable forms of Magicite are rare, but not improbable, and if harnessed correctly, could enhance a creature's magical power by a considerable degree, or become the power source of specially crafted items.

While handling raw Magicite is considered suicidal, stable crystals seem to pose no threat to living creatures. However, a corrupted deposit, even just a small piece, could mutate a living being into a horrible monster. Some of the effects of these corrupted Magicite have even cause the dead to rise. While not true necromancy, the spirits of the dead that are in it's vicinity could be come trapped in their decaying bodies. Unable to emote their agony, they are driven mad. Purification is possible, but considered a dangerous endeavor.

In recent centuries, the ability to mine and refine Magicite has completely changed the world. Spell-tech machines such as airships or trains were inconceivable before, unless one found an intact spell-tech device from the age of the Eldar. Large crystals are used to power cities, and ships, but just a small piece of Magicite, no larger than a marble, could power a low grade magical object. While the market has been considerably saturated with wonderous items, it has also given rise to the age of the artificer. At no other point in time has such powerful items been so affordable, but be ware of defective or faulty merchandise.

## CORRUPTION

While these landscapes are often beautiful, they also have a darker side. Sometimes in nature, ecosystems can become corrupted, either by chance or by outside influence. When this happens, the lifeforms in these areas can mutate into horrific monsters. Often times, an abomination is a symptom that something is horribly wrong, and must be corrected for the region to have any chance of recovery.