Magic

Magic is the common word used to describe advanced powers, influence, control, and manipulation of the physical realm and beyond. Those who practice magic are commonly referred to as Magi or Magicians. A more accurate classification of the three main branches of Magic are Wizards, Sorcerers, and Psionists.

## Overview

Magic has been a focus of study and practice for all of recorded history, yet it is still one of the least understood subjects to this day, according to expert scholars at the Collegiate of Mages.

Only since the founding of the Collegiate has the study of magic become centralized and standardized, better defining the three primary forms of magic. Wizards derive their powers through intense and rigorous study and practice of magic with the aid of physical objects while Sorcerers and Psionists use unseen mechanisms to produce magic. Common sources for a sorcerer's power can include magical bloodlines or powerful beings who impart their power unto an individual. Psionists are said to derive their powers from their minds, and can produce magic with mere thought.

While all races have the theoretical potential to use any form of magic, each race seems to have a tendency towards one branch or another. For example, Elves are almost always sorcerers or wizards, able to spend many years studying and perfecting their craft with a head start that stems from their bloodlines. Dwarves are almost always wizards, their logical minds more able to focus on the advanced procedures and steps necessary to cast spells. Humans have been shown to have a tendency towards being psionists, though some notable wizards were human as well, and it is theorized their psionic abilities may have aided in their feats.

## Traditions of Magic

There are common traditions (also families, groups, schools, lines, paths) of magic that help researchers identify and categorize techniques, rituals, spells, and other magic artifacts.

### Druidic Magic

Druidic magic is preformed by Druids, and is directly tied to what is considered natural. The goal of druidic magic is to keep balance of the natural world. When an ecosystem is threatened with collapse, druids permit themselves to use their abilities to heal that ecosystem and restore it to its natural state. However, among druidic circles there is often crossover as to what constitutes natural or unnatural use of magic. This can lead to conflict between circles, most often being indirect power struggles or long debates. In rare occasions does this turn to violence.

Druidic magic manipulates nature itself, and users see themselves as an extension of the natural world and a conduit to nature's desires. Magic performed in the opposition of nature is considered dangerous and evil, and druids are known to kill these types of magic users.

When an exceptionally powerful druid dies, their body strangely becomes one with the nature around them. It is therefore incredibly important for a druid to die in their preferred environment, or as near to it as possible. For example, a druid devoted to a forest who dies in that forest will transform in to wood, moss, fungi, insects or animals. Those who have witnessed this rare occurrence describe the process as subtle, where one moment the corpse seems normal and the next it seems as though it is another part of the landscape.