Severing

Severing is the act of cutting a creature's connection to the Weave, thereby preventing them from casting Magic. At the end of the Mage Wars, the Great Severing resulted in a majority of Asylums population being severed, and thus, unable to wield the Magic they had become accustomed to. It is seen as the most severe punishment for any mage and typically reserved for only the most heinous of crimes.

Effects

A Severed creature is stripped of their connection to the Weave. They cannot draw power from the Weave and, in turn, they cannot provide power to the Weave. They become unable to wield arcane Magic entirely. Magical abilities that are innately tied to a creatures physiology - such as a dragon's breath weapon or a Changelings ability to change form - are seemingly unaffected by Severing. Additionally, a Severed creature is not prevented from using spell scrolls or other magical items. Severed individuals also seem to be more vulnerable to the effects of Warp.

Methods

The primary method of Severing a creature is via a spell of the same name. A 9th-level, ritual spell with a cast time of 12 hours, Severing allows the caster to sever a single creature over the duration of the spell. Once cast, the target is Severed forever, and nothing short of a Wish can restore the creatures ability to wield Magic.

Overcoming Severing

For a mage, overcoming their own Severing is no easy task. Even should they dedicate themself to learning an alternate source of magic - for example, becoming a Primal mage instead of an Arcane one - they would still be unable to cast magic as those forms of magic still draw on the Weave. Because of this, many turn to alternative methods to secure the same power; pact Magic, blood Magic, shadow Magic and more. The "forbidden magics" often provide a way around Severing, and can grant a Severed mage tremendous power the likes of which they have never felt before, though it will come at a price...

Type

Magical