Arcania

Arcania is the name of the source of arcane magic.

## ***Source***

It is generated according to current scholars from the movement of the stars, planets and other celestial bodies in the space above Tal. Due to this it is heavily influenced by the movement of these sources.

## ***Learning***

Arcania is accessible by almost all people, but requires extensive study, dexterous movements and the ability to form words articulately. Some races/individuals show specific talent for magic just as some people might have a natural gift for singing, weaving or swordplay. Typically the one who studies more is the stronger.

Some races and classes of people have shown themselves far more adept at using arcania than others. Dwarves for example rarely engage in the role of wizard, but this is more cultural than any actual disability much like the Alkar, who only have female wizards.

So in short arcania is taught and learned like a science or a skill.

## ***Organisation***

Arcania usually considered split into 8 schools of magic (Though its applications are actually limitless)

1. Abjuration (Magic that cancels or annuls another effect)
2. Conjuration (Creating something from magic or summoning it from another plane)
3. Divination (Magic that allows extra sensory perception)
4. Enchantment (Magic that deceives or controls the mind)
5. Evocation (Magic that manipulates energy)
6. Illusion (Magic that creates unreal images and sounds)
7. Necromancy (Magic that pulls upon negative energy and strays very close to Soulcraft)
8. Transmutation (Magic used to transform matter)

There are wizards who scorn this definition of arcania as limited and childlike but they are in the minority. Though Arcania cannot be boxed into neat orders of power as its applications are too wide ranging to be defined thus; nevertheless most mage guilds speak and organise themselves in the pattern of the 8 schools.

There are correlations between the schools of magic and the effects of the heavens. Certain kinds of spells work better or worse at different moments and the study of this continues to this day. It is for this reason that astronomy has become a well respected profession. Bwelow are a few of the more obvious correlations which have been determined. I have split the points by school for simpler referencing.

1. Abjuration spells are linked to the Starband which is a line of stars which to the naked eye appear to encircle Tal itself. These stars if indeed they are a deliberate constellation for sorts would be the farthest flung and largest constellation known. There are times when the Starband seems to align almost perfectly making a single continuous line across the night sky. During times like this abjuration magic has been proven to increase its power output and intensity. So much so that apprentices are discouraged or banned from using it during these periods.
2. Conjuration is linked with the planets of the Starsphere (Tal's solar system) The various planets when in view and prominence amplify the connections that are drawn on by conjurers. For example Gyax's position effects earth and metal based creation magic.
3. Divination is heavily constellation based and it appears to be diviners who first named many of the constellations. The prominence or obscurity of different constellations affects what divination magic can be used and in some cases until the right stars are visible and in position some divination spells cannot be used at all. This is especially true of visions of the future.
4. Enchantment Also called the Magic of the Moons. Syron and Serrim powerfully influence enchantment magic. Fullest (When both moons are full and not overlapping each other in their orbit) leaves the powers of enchantment so strong they can overide almost any mind or will. Conversely during Doubledark (When both moons are obscured entirely as they line up behind Tal) it appears that Enchantment magic cannot be used at all.
5. Evocation is generated and affected by the Sun or (Xil) for this reason it is well known that those who rely on it are vulnerable in the hours of the night and especially in the winter months when they have less time of strength to prepare for longer times of weakness.
6. Illusion magic is particularly hard to understand from a celestial point of view. It appears to be affected by the obscuring of the sun, moon and stars. For whatever reason (There are many who hotly dispute the points) Illusion magic works best on mist covered nights, cloud filled days and indoors or underground. Some suggest that this shows Illusion has links with necromancy.
7. Necromancy pulls on negative energy and thrives in darkness. It appears to be very weak during the day and many of its abilities are useless in direct sunlight. Starless nights, Doubledark (When both moons are dark) and hidden indoors/underground where the natural light cannot reach is where/when necromancy is strongest.
8. Transmutation is based on the movement of Tal herself. Its powers are linked with the movement of the heavenly bodies rather than the bodies themselves. Moments of transition are particularly important. New Moons, planets changing quadrants in the night sky etc. Locations near the central line of Tal, the very top and the very bottom are positions of great transmutative power as the movements are clearer and more pronounced at these locations.

#### Groups

Some key groups are:

* The Green Circle The wizards of Errantlund. This guild are actually all considered to be employed, leal servants of the Lion King of Errantlund and are sometimes called the Royal Wizards. They wear green to signify this allegiance.
* Crowlings the very unofficial name for the identified past apprentices of Ravenfast the archmage of Dana.
* The Sapphire Wizards' Guild of Auria. The largest and most powerful wizards’ guild on Tal. It is run by the Saffier and its members are called Sarifs. They wear blue robes to demonstrate their membership.
* The Tower of the Magi one of the Great Houses of Kaladire.

* Artificers one of the four Academies in Eltirian
* Battle Sorcerers one of the four Academies in Eltirian
* Enhancers one of the four Academies in Eltirian
* Summoners one of the four Academies in Eltirian

#### Magic Users

Some key individuals of note

* Leonadar Halkithantarius Elder of Quintox and Star of Destiny
* The Moon Seer a powerful elven spell caster
* Ravenfast
* The Saffier
* Sevester
* Zarin