Magic

Magic is the manipulation of reality using magical energy. This is an ability that all intelligent, as well as many unintelligent beings, have. For one of the species that are not lucky enough to have an instinctual understanding of the art, casting magic can be very difficult. When people first learn magic it will take several years of performing meditation exercises to establish a connection with the arcane energies which are present everywhere. Once this connection has been established an aspiring magic-user can theoretically cast magic, though, in reality, it is not that simple. It will take a mage another seven years to strengthen their connection with magic enough to cast his first spell by his own power. Of course, this is not literally, small feats of magic can be used immediately, but the sheer exhaustion caused makes the difference moot. The seven years are necessary to consistently and regularly be able to cast spells, as well as cast spells with a bit more power, at this point most cultures recognise the magic-user as a mage. Many magic-users choose not to take this path, at least not initially. Instead, the mage can seek the aid of Powers (Gods), who are often willing to borrow power to their followers to cast magic. In principle, any magic-user can give their magical power to someone like this, however, it is not a very efficient way of casting, especially at a distance. As a result only Powers actually use the method.
When using your own power, spells are cast by forming the workings of a spell in your mind, then drawing the magical energy through a magical Phala, and then releasing it. A process that takes several minutes for most mages. There are various magical Phalas, though the six most well-known ones are the magics of Life, Death, Light, Shadow, Order and Nature. These are the six Phalas maintained by the gods of the intelligent peoples of the world. Magic-users have to be careful though since using magic leaves a residue, which disappears over time, when using too much magic in a short period, can lead to Magical exhaustion.

Localization

When casting through the arcane method magical energy is called to the world, once released into the world, it stays there for some time. This affects plants and animals, giving them magical properties, allowing for Alchemy, but it is also possible to draw on this energy and use it in another spell. This method is used by many magic users, since it is much easier to learn, though it does require a sufficiently magical environment to work, preferably one of Critical magic. The magic-user in question does need to take into account the fact that the magic they are drawing from has a certain Phala, though it can be a combination of more than one, and can only be used to cast spells compatible with said Phala. Of course, this only works where there is enough magic already present, and often comes with less control than a spell cast by yourself.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane