An Overview of Magic
Magical Sources
Magics on Demrefor can come from many different sources. From the environment, to genetics, to blessings from gods; the world of Demrefor is imbued with magical energies of all kinds. Entire fields of study on Demrefor are dedicated to the research of magic.
Genetics and Learnt Magics
All Sentient races have a genetic predisposition for magic within them. For some, these genes are dominant and active and magic will come easily. But for others these genes may not be as strong, and magic may be harder to harness. Either way, almost all Sentients should be able to harness some form of magic in some way when receiving the right education and exerting effort. Those who are completely unable to learn any form of magic, even when provided with the correct resources to do so, are considered to have a disability.
Most people have what is called a “general affinity” to magic. Magic is simply a skill that is able to be learnt and harnessed, like swimming or sewing, and they are able to choose the type of magic they wish to pursue and practice. They may have a natural inclination towards certain types of magic, such as magics that cause physical effects or magics that are more non-physical, but overall it is just like any other skill.
And, like any skill, there are many people that choose not to learn it. Though most Sentients should be able to learn magic, it is not something that everyone decides to pursue. For many the pursuit of magic is either too difficult or time consuming, conflicts with other aspects of their lifestyle, or is simply uninteresting to them. In some cultures this is considered the norm and magic is only pursued by those who are willing to dedicate time into mastering it; though in other cultures it it considered unusual to not have even a basic understanding of at least one magic.
However, for some people, magic is not something that can be avoided. Some people are born with strong magical powers from birth that they struggle to disconnect from even when they want to. Generally these people are born with very specific magical skills, such as prophecy or dream walking, and will struggle to harness any other type of magic. People born with this sort of magical affinity may also suffer from health issues such as physical birth defects, haemophilia, mental illness, or heart problems.
Environmental Magic
A lot of different magics are found in the natural environments of Demrefor. Many animals, plants, and minerals have magic imbued into them. Most of these magics can be harnessed or harvested by those with the skills to do so; though not all environmental magic is fully understood, yet.
One of the best-known ways to harness magical energy from the environment is with alchemy; the magic in potions is taken directly from the individual ingredients and mixed together to create something that the users can harness for their needs.
Other well-known and commonly harnessed environmental magics comes from soulstone, sunlight, water, and fire.
There are also some lesser-understood environmental magics, such as the floating islands in Kel’di, electricity and storms, and magics from within Demrefor’s cave systems.
From the Gods
Magic from the gods is a controversial topic, as there are many arguments on the existence of gods and which (if any) religions are accurate. But many cultures and people believe that the gods have the ability to bestow magic on areas or individuals, either temporarily or permanently.
One example of magic bestowed by a deity is Immortal Queen Distro; who is said to gained her immortality from the gods.
Another example is the Heck’ne’s mala’kala, who is said to speak to and channel the wishes of the Har’py goddess, Zen’efay, in order to rule their land.
Many examples of god-given magic have been documented throughout Demrefor’s history, though there are doubts on their legitimacy.
Casting States
There are three known ways in which magic is commonly used, referred to as the “casting states.” These three states are referred to as passive, active, and triggered casting states.
Passive Magic
Passive magic is magic that is an always-active state and is generally attached to an object, person, or location. They are magics that are constantly producing their effect and cannot be activated or deactivated easily without removing the magic entirely.
Passive magics may be things such as auras that enhance effects of tools they are attached to, weatherproofing enchantments, fires that never go out, or pain-relief blessings.
There are also some forms of inherited passive magics, such as aura sensing, natural alchemy enhancement, and the occasional passive telepath who cannot turn off their mind-reading powers.
Active Magic
Active magics are magics that are attached to people or objects that must be consciously used or “turned on.” Active magic is the most common form that magic takes, and encompasses a wide rage of magic.
Almost all spells are active magics. Even the act of casting a spell in order to give something a passive or triggered magical effect is, in itself, considered an active form of magic.
Things such as telekinesis and summoning are mostly used as active magics. And even alchemy is considered a form of active magic, as the potions must be created and used consciously and in an active manner.
Active magics require a lot of self-control to use, and if control is not maintained then emotional outbursts may turn usually-active magics into triggered magic.
Triggered Magic
Triggered magics are magics attached to a person or object that are activated by outside stimuli. This form of magic can very dangerous, and often uncontrollable, if not put in place by a skilled magic user.
Inherited prophecy magic is the best-known triggered magic, and is most common when control is not maintained over the active form of the magic. Meeting someone, touching certain objects, or hearing certain phrases may induce a seeing in some prophets.
Triggered magics can also be used as traps such as explosions of fire attached to trip-wires, or force fields enchanted into doorways that only block certain people.
The Dangers of Magic
Many types of magic draw energy from the things and people around them; meaning some magics can very difficult, if not physically harmful, to harness without proper precautions. The misuse of magic may cause severe and permanent trauma— and sometimes even lead to death.
Overuse
The most common form of magical misuse is the overuse of magic. Many magic users over-exert themselves, using too much energy in their magic. However, because of the daily usage of magic and how commonplace it is in the world, the dangers are relatively well-known and most consider magical over-exertion similar to physical over-exertion; dangerous if not addressed, but a part of life.
The best way to recover from magical overuse is to rest and eat well. Those who don’t may develop more serious conditions or put themselves at risk of injury. Magic-induced medical conditions are especially common in those who are born with triggered magics, as they are often unable to control when their magic takes effect and so are unable to stop their overuse.
There are a lot of different conditions that may develop from the overuse of magic, and many of these share symptoms with non-magical conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and hypoglycemia. There are also many magical injuries that can be likened to repetitive strain injuries; a common one being a burning sensation in a person’s preferred casting hand.
Societal Categories of Magic
Magics within Sentient societies are categorised into three major groups based on their legality and their ethical and social perception. These categories are “conventional,” “unconventional,” and “controversial.”
Conventional
Conventional magics are magics that are socially accepted and often used in everyday life. There is no stigma surrounding these magics and they are very commonplace. Many have connections to religions or to cultures and even those who choose not to pursue magic may still have a basic understanding of these magics due to their study being encouraged. These magics are very well-documented and often considered to have a positive impact on society.
Unconventional
Unconventional magic is magic that is lesser-accepted or known about within Sentient societies. Though some are important to certain cultures, they may have an attached stigma within others. Often, unconventional magic is not useful to daily life and only applied during very specific situations such as non-standard medical practices, body or environment modification, or during battle or times of war. Some of these magics are not well-studied and their lasting affects are not always well-known.
Controversial
Controversial magic is, as the name implies, controversial to use. Most magic in this category is heavily stigmatised and because of this many countries have banned the use of these magics. Often, these magics are known for being dangerous, unethical, or violating people’s basic rights.