Magic in the Fourth Age

In the Fourth Age, magic is accessible to nearly all intelligent beings, due to the nature of it being channeled through all living creatures. However, individuals can access magic to different levels, from barely to magic being what they are. Magic is also available to some non-intelligent beings wherein it is part of their nature. Finally, magic can be captured into devices of various kinds.

Intelligent Beings and Magic

Intelligent beings throughout the world can access magic to various degrees. Generally, this done through the following means:

• Not accessible. A small number of people cannot access magic at all. They cannot use magical devices and usually cannot benefit from magical effects. These people can even, in some cases, negate magic around them.
• Barely accessible. Most people can only utilize magic through magical devices and effects others can generate. It is, however, possible for these people to learn to harness magic.
• Studying. Most beings can touch and focus magic to at least a small degree. By studying how magic works and how it can be channeled, a person's access to magic can be increased. Some do this through use of things such as spell books while others can learn to channel magic in other ways.
• Powerful beings exist in the world, and beyond it. Some individuals can act as magical conduits for these powerful beings. The cost of such access depends on the being providing the power.
• Some individuals have a natural aptitude with magic and can gather and control magical energies with nothing more than a thought. This ability is usually triggered through some sort of traumatic event. It often starts as a focus of some other skill through magic. For instance, a skilled archer may become able to shoot magical "arrows" simply by going through the motions of firing an imaginary bow and arrow.