Given what we now know of the Weave, and how manipulation thereof can result in the predictable effects mostly commonly called "arcane magic," (of course, the natural magic of druids seem to obey these laws as well) (see chapter 4 for alternative classifications schemes), it seems nearly incomprehensible that the Cataclysm could have resulted in mortals being wholly unable to access these innate and learned abilities. That divine magic should have been absent when the Gods themselves fled seems no great mystery: whatever barrier was erected by themselves, or some outside force, clearly severed the clerics from their most obvious gifts. But why wizards should have found themselves in similar fates remains completely unexplained. What is known is that between 100 and 200 PS some magic users began to re-emerge as if from hiding. Had the ability always been present, but adepts were held back by social taboos? Or, had the ability been wholly lacking? The former certainly seems likely given ongoing fear and distrust of magic in more remote communities that persist to this day. But until we better understand the force which keeps us here on Mikdash separated from direct interaction with the Gods, as was once common, and which continues to hinder if not outright prohibit planar travel, the contribution of the latter to our ancestors temporarily magic-less existence will remain a mystery
Excerpted "Lectures on Magic: A First Year Primer," at the
Madrasha Atik v'Nachon Shel Kesem
History of Magic on Mikdash: Post Cataclysm
Immediately after the Gods fled Mikdash magic as it is now known became impossible. Those flying in ships held aloft through complex, permanent magical runes fell to their deaths, as did wizards propelling themselves through their own personal spells. This lack of magic was met by fear and confusion to many who had relied on it for generations, but among the general populace it was met with relief. The conflict had upended lives for over a 100 years, and those who couldn't wield powerful magics had been frequent incidental victims of the violence.
Re-emergence of Magic on Mikdash
Sometime between 100-200 PS magic users began to re-emerge. Some prominent practitioners were
The Mad Sage Argaphin from
Jarmaa and
Hymlaa,
Falah Sinai from Shizam in the
Emirate of Mabaha,
Poxlom from the
Olotzan Swamp,
Myriil Iliyrafrom
Geno'An and
Raldrug Duskmantle from @Zinar.
Magic was not initially accepted. These few had forceful personalities and the charisma to lead large groups of people. By accepting the exceptional few, space was made for more unassuming practitioners of arcane arts to emerge.
A special note should be made about the elves of the
The Kan and @Sea Tribes of the
I Nangwa The Maw Overview Sea. The disappearance of magic was still within fairly recent memory for most elves, and its sudden absence caused a crisis not only as their way of life changed, but because it signaled a potential severing of their continued cycle of reincarnation. The re-emergence of magic was heralded as a return to normalcy, and, hopefully, to the continued rebirth of loved ones lost during the trying times leading up to the Cataclysm.
Magic in Modern Society
While it is unlikely that wizards, sorcerers, druids and the like will be burned or shunned in most areas in modern Mikdash, smaller communities with little direct experience with magic will treat most practitioners with distrust if not outright hostility.
Magic remains relatively uncommon in the world. While larger settlements may support an appothecary that can mix a basic potion or two, magic weapons, armors and the like are crafted by precious few. Ancient monuments and objects, inert since the Cataclysm yet surprisingly resilient to the wear-and-tear of time, are starting to radiate a sense of power noticeable to those that can pay attention. Ancient artifacts may yet be wielded again. What this means for the future of Mikdash remains to be seen.
