Magic

Magic is the process of breaking, bending and rearranging the natural laws. A tool only gods were meant to wield, but it has long fallen into the hands of mortals. Magic can be used with the most accurate precision and is yet unstable like nothing else. The exact consequences and mechanics behind it are never fully understood. It's not unheard that practitioners get mutations or accidentally curse themselves when they dabble outside of the already established spells and rituals.

Arcane sources
The expression "arcane powers" is the generic term of all abilities that can't be explained with natural sciences alone, just like "arcanists" is used for all kinds of magic users. For a more accurate division, magic is classified in regard of its source.

Divine Magic (White Magic)
The oldest and presumably original source of all magic are the divine powers of gods. It was once used to weave reality in it's current form. Sometimes deities bestow their followers and servants with their might. It can also happen that mortals who get close enough to a celestial presence receive their blessing.

Sorcery (Red Magic)
Sorcery is a form of magic where the user itself has the innate ability to force their will onto the weave of reality. It's intuitive; fueled by emotion and desire. Though properly controlling it requires training. Sorcerers are often related to powerful beings or got touched by strange forces.

Nature Magic (Green Magic)
The Wyld is a magic source that courses through the planes of existence, believed to be a byproduct of the powers used to create the world. It lives wherever the world still resembles itself in its primal stage. Creatures which are deeply connected with the natural world can tap into it.

Wizardry (Blue Magic)
Wizardry describes the use of intricate patterns of actions and thoughts which conflict with weave of reality and cause it to rearrange. It's about carrying out barely noticeable actions that are yet precisely aimed to trigger arcane chain reactions, culminating in the desired effect. It's like operating a machine you can't touch directly, but that is sensitive enough to be influenced by minor changes in it's environment. This way, even creatures without the innate ability to reach into realities' weave can theoretically use magic. Tough it's difficult to learn and demands lots of studying. Some scholars try to memorize the exact workings behind a spell, while others try incorporate the arcane formulas into something that is more intuitive to them, like music or painting, and provoke magic with their art.

Pact Magic (Grey Magic)
Pact Magic is borrowing or hijacking the powers of another magic user, most commonly accomplished through some sort of deal or soulbond. The enduser doesn't require any innate magical abilities.

Manifestations
Magic can take its form in several different ways.


 * Spells. The most common method to control magic. Spells can be quickly issued like commands. Their downside is their straining effect on the spellcaster, who's own mind and body must serve as arcane conduit. Casters can only use a limited number of spells without proper rest, or they'll go insane. Only cantrips are special spells that aren't as taxing to use. Sometimes spells need to be prepared before they can be cast.
 * Rituals. Rituals demand more complex action than spells, as well as concentration, time and the right conditions. They may even require several days, multiple practitioners and great sacrifices. Some spells can be performed as rituals to be less straining.
 * Magic artifacts. Objects can be imbued with the arcane, which may then produce supernatural effects. This includes Mormo's artifacts, potions, spellscrolls, runes etc. Even creatures that don't wield magic can use many of them.
 * Aura Magic. Sometimes magic lingers around certain places, objects or creatures for more or less inexplicable reasons; as if it belongs to their very nature. Like allowing a ghost to maintain it's existence, allowing a dragon to fly or causing certain anomalies inside the Scar.
 * Wild magic. Magic can break apart and manifest suddenly in random effects. It's a common by-product of other arcane manifestations.

Schools of magic
Schools are a method to classify magic in regard of its effects and uses.


 * Abjuration. To interfere with magic as well as to negate, block and banish things.
 * Conjuration. To transport matter and energy.
 * Evocation. To harness and create energy.
 * Transmutation. To transform the properties of matter, energy and conditions.
 * Necromancy. To manipulate the flows of life and death.
 * Divination. To acquire and reveal information.
 * Enchantment. To influence minds.
 * Illusion. To alter perception and create fake stimuli.
 * Unique magic. For effects that can't be easily classified.