Magic Abridged
Reading Requirements
Prerequisites: None.Recommended: Estya, Estyan
Further Reading: Explore Estyan Magic
Magic in Estya is a complicated force that takes even the most dedicated of scholars centuries to unlock its secrets, and there is always more to learn about the nearly sentient force that is woven into every fibre of the world.
A Few Rules
All magic operates under two basic rules: Rule 1. The price to pay for casting a spell can vary wildly from sapping their own energy to killing another individual.Rule 2. It is impossible for an Estyan to be magicless. The magic may be very weak, but it is still there.
From Introduction to Magic, "Universal Rules"
Limitations
All magic works under a few universal limitations. There will be more and varied limitations based on the domain of magic being used, but all magic, even Synthetic and Divine magic have these limitations: Resurrection. True Resurrection is impossible with magic in Estya. Someone must be healed before the point of death, and even the gods' magic must abide by this limitation.Planar Travel. Travelling between the planes of Gehenna, Arcadia, and Estya is another impossible feat some conmen have claimed to have accomplished. Unlike with resurrection, Arcadian and Gehennan magic does not have this limitation.
From Introduction to Magic, "Limitations"
Blood Number
Blood Numbers are the foundation of Estyans' understanding of magic. An Estyan's blood number determines not only the type of magic a sorcerer can use and how powerful they can be, but also the composition of their blood, when they suffer the effects of blood loss, and, often, what their daily lives will look like.From Blood Number, "Blood Number"
An Estyan's Blood Number primarily showcases the primary type of magic they will be able to use, and their potential power.
Alhari Scale
The Alhari Scale (shown below) is how Estyans measure Blood Numbers and the corresponding type, power, and composition of an Estyan's magic and blood. An Estyan can attempt to wield any form of Synthetic Magic in addition to the type dictated by their Blood Number. However, an Estyan cannot use any form of magic that falls on the opposite side of the Alhari Scale below, regardless of how high or low their number is. For example, a light sorcerer with a number of +5 is incapable of using Dark Magic in any regard, just like someone with a number of +95.
From Blood Number, Alhari Scale
Types of Magic
There are three primary types of magic, though there are multiple subtypes and methods of using magic that have spun out of the core three over the centuries. Light Magic is used by Estyans with a Blood Number between +1 and +100Dark Magic is used by Estyans with a Blood Number between -1 and -100.
Harmony Magic is only used by Estyans of a Blood Number of zero.
From Blood Number, Type and Power
Light Magic
Light magic is considered "divine" magic by most Estyan cultures. Its practitioners smiled upon as agents of the divine or, if their Blood Number is between +80 and +100, gods in mortal form. Light Magic is considerably safer to wield compared to other magicks, but its power is restrained by the caster's capabilities and innate power.Limitations
- A Light sorcerer must take the cost of their magic unto themselves. They cannot direct it towards another.
- A Light sorcerer cannot mend fatal wounds sufficiently so that the victim will survive without immediate medical intervention.
Powers
- Light sorcerers only pay the cost of magic from their Well of Magic.
- There is no "rebound effect" or chance of failure when utilizing common light magic. For light magic that can fail, see Lightspinning
From Blood Number, Type and Power
Dark Magic
Dark magic is largely viewed as demonic and monstrous across Estya, and the practice has been outlawed in all major factions, minus the Free Regions of Estya. It is more dangerous to wield due to a chance at failure and the equal-and-opposite price tag that comes attached. It's power, however, far exceeds that of Light Magic.Limitations
- Dark magic has an "equal and opposite" effect. In order to heat something, you must also chill something.
- There is a chance of the magic failing and going ary, potentially killing the caster or those around them.
Powers
- Dark magic healing capabilities are dependent only on the power of the sorcerer.
- Dark sorcerers can redirect or disperse the price of a spell across one or multiple others.
From Blood Number, Type and Power
Harmony Magic
Harmony magic exists largely in theory within Estya. A Harmony sorcerer has never appeared in recorded history, though the magic is supposedly the perfect balance between light and dark magic. Because they have a tendency to obliterate each other on contact, some scholars argue that light and dark magic could never co-exist in the same space long enough to form harmony magic, much less someone born with the power.From Blood Number, Type and Power
Ooh, that's an interesting magic system, I have some questions though. First of all, is there a mage using Synthetic magic to punch people through walls with a metal arm? I'm sorry, first thing I thought about. Or can a dark mage deliver a magical wake-up slap to a friend, but then redirect the fatigue to someone else? Would it negate the need to sleep? More seriously, do people with type 0 blood use both light and dark, possibly originating the theory of Harmony magic? I mean, if they destroy each other on contact, wouldn't people with both just die? And another one, is it possible to change your magic type? Not necessarily getting stronger, but basically reversing it? Could be helpful if a light mage decided that he doesn't want to feel good anymore.