Magic

Power of the Multiverse

Magic in Asylum and the greater multiverse of Thel is an ability possessed by some individuals to manipulate the greater powers of the multiverse to create the desired results. In addition to granting spellcasting abilities, magic serves as the source of energy for enchanted items and magitech, the means by which individuals travel across planes, and can even shape the physical landscape of the world. Magic is primarly split into three distinct types - arcane, divine and primal. The type of magic a creature wields determines the method used to draw and wield it.

The Weave

The Weave is the source of all magic, and the means through which creatures can cast spells and wield supernatural powers. The Weave flows through the multiverse, binding every creature and every world together in a vast web, creating a boundless font of energy from which spellcasters and other creatures can draw on to create wondrous effects. Each creature has a connection to the weave, a "thread" of magic linking them to every other creature in existence via the weave. Through this connection, one can draw power from different sources across the multiverse to perform magic. It is possible to remove a creature's connection to the Weave through a process known as "severing." A severed creature cannot connect to the weave, and thus cannot perform magic in the usual ways.

Spells

Spells are the main means through which a creature can perform magic. Spells are cast by drawing magic through one's connection to the Weave, shaping it in a particular way - often through the use of material components, gestures and words of power - in order to achieve the desired effect. This process differs slightly depending on the type of magic a creature possesses. For example, the spell light can be learned by both Cleric & Wizard spellcasters, but the exact methods for doing so would vary, as they wield different types of magic. The process for discovering new spells varies between the type of spell; arcane spells are often discovered through experimentation and study; divine spells are not discovered, but rather, learned by the spellcaster when they gain their powers; and primal spells can be found hidden in the natural world.

Arcane Magic

Arcane magic is the most common type of magic. It is used by Artificers, Bards, some Sorcerers, some Warlocks and Wizards. It is also the primary power source for magical items and magitech. It is magic drawn from the entire Weave itself, pulling tiny motes of power from every creature and world in the multiverse to create magic. It can be taught relatively easily, and is incredibly common across Asylum.

Divine Magic

Divine magic is used by Clerics, Paladins, a few Sorcerers and some Warlocks. It is magic drawn through the power of belief - whether that is belief in a divine power, like Clerics, or in ones own ideals, virtues, and oaths, like Paladins - and stems from the divine realm of Bliss. It is believed that divine entities and celestials can bestow such magic on sentient creatures after they complete a Ritual of Binding. Like Arcane magic, it relies on the Weave to access the power of the divine. However, unlike Arcane magic that calls and shapes the power through practice and learning, Divine magic does so through belief and willpower.

Primal Magic

Primal magic is used by Barbarians, Druids and Rangers. It is magic drawn from the natural world itself. A primal mage forges a connection with the world around them, and draws power from their immediate surroundings, from the plants and creatures nearby, and from the power of their own emotions. It is raw and untamed, beautiful and dangerous. As such, the secrets of primal magic are closely guarded by those that wield them. Like other forms of magic, it relies in the Weave; but rather than drawing from the entire Weave, a primal mage draws on a more localised and concentrated section of the Weave, which is typically the area around them or an area of great power.

Pact Magic

A unique form of magic wielded by Warlocks, involving a mage making a pact with a powerful magical being - known as their Patron - and drawing on their power instead of the mage's own. This allows them to bypass their severing by instead drawing on the Weave connection of another entity.

Blood Magic

A dark form of magic discovered by Ramiel the Blood Witch and responsible for the creation of the Blood Elves. It uses blood as an energy source rather than the Weave, using raw life force as fuel for magical abilities. A blood mage can use their own blood or that of another creature to perform blood magic.

Shadow Magic

Another sinister branch of magic, shadow magic relies on an individual mage forging a connection with the Shadowfell and using that plane's magical energies as the source of their magic. Doing so twists it into a unique form and restricts the kinds of magic a mage can access, however. Like the shadowfell itself, this form of magic is stagnant and unnmoving, resulting in very tame, stable and predictable effects. It is believed Shadow Magic is the origin for the curse of Vampirism.

Ley Lines

Ley lines are invisible conduits of magical power that carry magical energy across the world. Magic of all types is naturally stronger near a ley line, and in areas far from any ley lines, magical power is typically decreased. Areas where ley lines naturally converge are called confluxes, and magic is typically at it's strongest - and most unstable - in the presence of a conflux.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane