Lessons in Magecraft: Magic for the Masses

Knowledge is indeed power, but when the flow of knowledge is stifled, power stagnates with it

One of two books penned by Kranjax and Lunalee, Magic for the Masses condenses the main points and fundamentals in Kranjax's Classification of Arcana Major, Minor, and Some Things in Between into an easy to understand manner.

Purpose

This book was meant as an easily understandable way to pass along the knowledge of the great mages Kranjax and Lunalee. It was to serve as an introduction to the magical arts. What sets this document apart is the fact that it covered all of the different types and fundamentals of each species collective.

Document Structure

Clauses

The structure of the document is simple:

• Introduction
• Magic Classes
• Human
• Fae
• Beastkin

Caveats

Magic comes in several forms and with several sources. If your magic is powered externally, such as by a deity or spirit, it is best that you do not offend them, or there may be unexpected consequences when attempting to cast anything.

Publication Status

The original manuscript is not mass-published. It is thought that handwritten copies may still be acquired, if you have the funds and connections.

Legal status

Although the book has not been outright outlawed, ruling bodies do not like it to be in the hands of commoners. Those who are known to have it and are deemed lacking in authority, may face unforeseen danger.

Historical Details

Background

The thought behind the creation of this document was to equip the general public with knowledge of magic and make life easier for everyone.
Unfortunately for the manuscript's authors, this book served to increase the power disparity between the haves and have-nots. It also increased the death toll in combat due to the increased ease of training magic-wielding solders.

History

About 50 years after the publication of the original manuscript, the first large-scale war to occur had far more magic users than any previous war. The war, between two provinces of the same nation. This would normally not be considered a large-scale war, but the death toll was so high due to magic usage and the collateral damage from its usage made the death count of the 3-month skirmish higher than wars that lasted for 10 years.

Public Reaction

The public loved the concept of the book, if they could afford it, and if they were literate. The nobility and ruling classes, not so much. This led to many of the books, and their non-noble owners mysteriously vanishing.

Legacy

This document set up a framework for explaining beginner magic. These are often the first texts young nobles or military read in relation to magic, and these texts are based on the original manuscript. Each species collective (Fae, Human, and Beastkin) each have their own versions, without information from the other groups... at least, that is the case with the commonly available versions.
The repercussions of the existence of this document cannot be understated, as it is the foundation of the magical superiority that the ruling elite has. Having the original helps explain not only how your magic works, but that of other species, leading to an advantage in combat and diplomacy. Its creation inadvertently kept the ruling parties in power, while simultaneously being used in limited form to teach magic soldiers.

Type

Manual, Magical / Occult

Medium

Paper