Aedevan magic is divided into 9 levels (often called Circles), and three tiers. While the Circles of magic are well-documented as a primal law of nature and are ingrained in the very fabric of the universe, the tiers of magic are simply a generally accepted academic principle.
Tier 0: Everyday Magic
Spells of circle 0 (also called Cantrips or Orisons or Rote spells).
This tier is the home of cantrips and other trivially simple spells. These spells take little to no effort to cast once learned and can be seen among maids, peasants, and nobles alike.
Tier 1: Skilled Magic
Spell of circles 1-3.
This tier is where most practicing magicians spend their days. With a fair amount of practice, nearly anyone can learn to store simple spells in their mind, ready for use. Even many of the world's famous wizards make their names without progressing past tier 1.
Magic within this tier is relatively easy to access. Scrolls, wands, and tutors can be found in any city of size, and many magically inclined individuals learn the easier spells within this tier by accident.
Tier 2: Rare Magic
Spells of circles 4-6.
Magic of this tier is incredibly difficult to cast, and even more so to learn. Mages capable of casting magic of this level are rare experts, well known for their talents and expertise.
Learning magic of this level is a painstaking process, usually requiring years of training. Most large cities will have a small group of mages within this tier, often leading the mage's guilds of the region. Items with tier 2 enchantments are quite rare and highly prized among the knowledgeable. Even scrolls in the upper levels of this tier are quite difficult (and expensive) to acquire.
Tier 3: Legendary Magic
Spells of circles 7-9.
Magic of this tier is almost unheard of. Very few mortals achieve this level of mastery over the magical arts, whether divine, arcane, natural, or otherwise. Mages who acquire this power are known throughout the world for their abilities. Pilgrims and kings alike seek out these individuals to ask for their assistance.
Learning magic of tier 3 is nearly impossible. Even among the largest cities and universities in the world, there may be only one or two mages with magic this powerful. Magical items of any type that have this much power are protected in ancient crypts and intricate vaults, or are in the possession of powerful champions.
And Beyond: Unfathomable Magic
Spells beyond mortal power.
Rumors tell of spells that go beyond the nine known circles of magic. Some mortals devote their lives to discovering them, but most scholars agree that such knowledge is beyond the capability of mortal minds to comprehend. And beyond the power of mortal kind to possess.
