Wiki Category: Magic and Arcana

Magic is a natural, invisible force that flows through the entire world of Xonthian. When the world was built, the gods created everything, using a force so powerful, that its remnants remain behind. That essence is the magic the world of Xonthian uses. Everything is touched with magic in some way.

Magic can only be seen by the trained or attuned. People can be born with a natural attunement, those that are not trained however lose the ability to sense the magic flowing around them. Those that are trained, can wield it to different degrees of success, depending on their abilities, training, and magical sense, or level of attunement.

The trained are taught that magic is broken into Elemental type, and are often taken to specific schools, to learn a single type of magic. For example, the Fire Isle Mages prefer Fire and Earth Elements and spells formed in the destructive schools of learning. The Gatehar Clerics, on the other hand, learn to use Water and Earth Elements from the restoration schools.

Manifestation

Magic energy is neither good nor evil in its pure form. Aether, the makeup of all magic and the bases of its use, can either be tainted to evil, twisting it to cause harm to its caster, or those it is cast against. In the case of Sin Orbs, the purity of magic has become corrupted, and thus they attack anything in sight. Another example is Catt’s ability to influence the magic Aether of a creature, causing it to explode. She is neither good nor evil, so her ability to manipulate the magic any way she wants, could be seen as both good and evil. Scholars have attempted to answer the very philosophical conundrum of Aether and the balance of good and evil in magic to varying degrees of success. But all agree that magic is neither good and evil, but can be tainted to be good or evil.

Localization

Magic is all around the world. However, there are only a few known areas where magic is either tainted, like in the Sands of Time, or in dead zones, such as the Ocean of Mist.

Magic comes with a cost in the form of draining the user’s mental capacity, tiring them out the longer the spell is used, or the greater the spell. Some spells require multiple casters, and in rare cases, even a sacrifice.

Magic can be embedded in objects, however, the natural properties of the item dictate how much magical energy it can hold. Things like material, elemental makeup, size, and purity can affect the type and size of magic that can be imbued. This type of magic generally doesn’t cost anything to use, however, the enchanted item can become corrupted, or act in unnatural ways.

Shadow

Shadow, in the realm of mysticism and arcane arts, represents a force that transcends mere darkness. Unlike the common misconception that associates shadow with malevolence, it is essential to understand that Shadow, much like its counterpart Æther, is not inherently evil. Instead, it is a cosmic, or more precisely, an Arcanic element, woven from the threads of the magic tapestry that defines the unseen forces governing magics in Xonthian.

The essence of Shadow magic lies in its enigmatic nature, embodying qualities of deceit, subterfuge, and concealment. It is not grounded in a tangible, physical element that mortals can easily classify. Instead, Shadow draws its strength from the unseen currents that flow through the cosmos, tapping into the mystical energies that permeate existence.

Deception and illusion are the hallmark attributes of Shadow magic. Practitioners harness its power to manipulate perception, weaving intricate illusions that confound the senses and cloud the minds of those who encounter it. Shadows can be molded into shapes and forms that defy the laws of nature, allowing the caster to traverse unseen or create diversions that beguile even the keenest observers.

In the intricate dance of elements, Shadow is a versatile partner. It can seamlessly intertwine with other elemental forces, augmenting their effects or enhancing their subtleties. However, a curious exception exists – the elusive Æther. For reasons not entirely clear, the connection between Shadow and Æther remains elusive, as if the cosmic forces that govern these elements repel one another, maintaining a delicate balance in the intricate web of magical energies.

Beliefs surrounding Shadow delve into the concept of duality and balance. Some cultures perceive Shadow not as an opposing force to the light but as a complementary aspect, essential for the equilibrium of existence. In this perspective, Shadow is the silent guardian of secrets, a necessary counterpart to the revealing nature of light.

Practitioners of Shadow magic are often viewed with a mix of fascination and wariness. The art requires a deep understanding of the underlying metaphysical principles, as well as a keen mastery of deception. Those who tread the path of Shadow are often sought after for their skills in espionage, information gathering, and navigating the unseen realms of existence.

Earth

In the mystical realms of elven and dwarven magic, the Earth element stands as the bedrock upon which the foundations of their enchantments are built. Symbolizing strength and fortitude, this elemental force is regarded with great reverence, seen as a source of unwavering stability and resilience. Within the enchantment arts, Earth serves as a crucial binding agent, its essence intertwining with the magical fabric to create spells of enduring power.

Elven and dwarven mages alike view the Earth element as a cornerstone in their magical endeavors. It embodies the inherent strength of the earth itself, a force that refuses to yield to the whims of time and tumultuous energies. This stability is reflected in the enchantments crafted by these mystical beings, with Earth acting as a grounding force that provides a solid foundation for the magic to manifest and endure.

Dwarven Mages, in particular, have mastered the art of infusing the Earth element into their craftsmanship. This technique is a closely guarded secret, often reserved for royalty and esteemed artisans. When applied to armor and metalwork, the Earth element reinforces the structure, creating armaments of unparalleled strength and durability. These enchanted armors are not only symbols of status but also practical tools, offering enhanced protection to those fortunate enough to possess them.

The slow and deliberate nature of the Earth element is not viewed as a limitation but rather as a strength. It teaches the mages to approach magic with patience and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony in their enchantments. The combination of Earth with other elements is considered a harmonious blending of forces, creating a synergy that enhances the overall potency and longevity of magical effects.

Æther

Æther, the ethereal essence that transcends physical elements, is widely revered in magical realms for its association with the purity of Gatehar and its status as a fundamental force underlying all magic. This mystical energy is often perceived as a form of pure magic, devoid of the moral dichotomy that characterizes many other elements. Unlike the tangible elements witnessed in the physical world, Æther exists beyond empirical observation, making it a source of endless fascination and reverence among magic practitioners.

Æther is believed to be the very fabric of the magical tapestry that weaves through the world of Xonthian. It is considered the quintessence of magical energy, an intangible force that binds and connects all living beings to the world itself. Some magical traditions hold the belief that Æther is the essence of creation, a cosmic energy from which all other magical forces and elements emanate.

Æther is seen as a neutral and harmonizing force, embodying a balance between opposing energies. It is neither inherently good nor evil, instead reflecting the intentions and will of the magic wielder. This neutrality grants practitioners the freedom to shape and channel Æther in accordance with their own moral compass, allowing for a diverse range of magical practices.

Magic users across various schools of magic recognize Æther as the primordial source from which they draw power. It serves as the foundation for their craft, the initial connection that novices sense and learn to manipulate. As a malleable force, Æther can be shaped and infused into other elements, enhancing their potency and allowing for the creation of intricate spells and enchantments.

In rituals and ceremonies, practitioners often invoke Æther to establish a link between the mundane and the mystical, seeking guidance and inspiration from the cosmic energies it represents. Some belief systems hold that by attuning oneself to Æther, individuals can gain deeper insights into the nature of magic, unlocking hidden truths and transcending the limitations of the material world.

Fire

In the realm of magical practices, fire magic is a potent force that harnesses the primal energy associated with flames. The manifestation of this energy adds a distinct and dynamic element to spells, often amplifying their intensity and impact. Fire magic is commonly associated with destructive schools of magic, where its innate power is harnessed for purposes such as offensive spells or creating barriers of intense heat.

Fire is viewed as a symbol of transformation, purification, and renewal. Just as fire consumes and transforms matter, fire magic is believed to bring about profound changes in the spiritual and physical realms. Practitioners of fire magic often align themselves with the cyclical nature of flames, viewing the process of burning as a metaphor for the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

The representation of fire in magical texts, books, and scrolls is marked by vivid depictions of flames. These representations serve not only as symbols of the element itself but also as a visual language that conveys the essence and power associated with fire magic. The intricate symbols and glyphs associated with fire spells are often inscribed with a fiery motif, further emphasizing the connection between the written word and the elemental force it seeks to invoke.

Fire magic is not confined solely to destructive applications; it can also be found in summoning schools of magic. In summoning rituals, fire may be used to call forth beings or entities associated with the element. These summoned entities are often creatures of flame, embodying the raw and untamed energy of fire itself.

In various mystical belief systems, the god Fi’ra is revered as the deity closely associated with fire magic. Fi’ra is often depicted as a divine figure adorned in flames, representing the embodiment of the elemental force and its divine aspects. Followers of Fi’ra believe in the transformative and purifying aspects of fire, seeking guidance and power from this deity in their magical endeavors.

Elements

Magic is divided into raw elements consisting of Ætherial (often called light magic), Shadow, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water. Some of the elements are stronger in various locations around the world, but all of them can be tapped by a practiced magic-user. Both the Clerics of Gate’har or Mage’s of the Fire Isle can use any of the elements, however, their various schools oftentimes limit or only borrow pieces of a particular element. They can further be amplified depending on the race that is using the element. Some races have practiced certain elemental teachings that have given them an edge when wielding those elements. Dwarven Mages for example excel at earth-based magics while elves have achieved a balance between earth, wind, and air.

Xonthian Compendium