Old Ways
There are those who never strayed from treating magic as the unknown force of nature that it is. Rather than treating it as a scientific law, practitioners of the old ways treat magic as if it has a personality of its own. This form of spell casting is by a wide margin the oldest form of spell casting in history. It has been used by mortals, demons, and gods for as long as any have existed.
Though it can be found across the world in many different forms, the old ways are most widely accepted in the far north of Bocrae, the untamed Wildlands, and among the fey in the Great Forest.
Execution
Intent and subconscious desires have great power with the old ways, and most spells are performed as lengthy rituals rather than quick ad-hoc spells. They can be made more powerful in a wide variety of ways, ranging from special and sacred materials, the sacrifice of living beings and use of blood magic, or even just great willpower. With a strong enough desire, even novice spell casters can perform incredibly powerful magic.
Most spells are cast as lengthy rituals and are unique to each individual or target. Quick, immediate spells are impossible unless prepared and fully cast ahead of time - most practitioners favor long lasting rituals to empower themselves over the course of weeks or even years, rather than simply throwing fireballs.
The old ways are some of the oldest forms of magic, and have been used to achieve almost any effect one can think of. There are very few limitations, but rarely do they come without some cost.
Components and tools
The tools used for old magic vary heavily between cultures, and almost always use culturally significant locations, objects, or traditions as part of their spell casting. Outsiders to those traditions will generally find no power by trying rely on them. One of the few things that seems to be transferrable between all cultures is sacrifice - either emotional, or physical.
Participants
The emotionally charged nature of spellcasting with the old ways makes teaching the practice incredibly difficult. Even students who seem to truly want to learn the practice are often unable to without some greater motivation. Even fewer want to continue once they see what it can cost them.
But, unlike most other methods of casting spells, old magic has been seen to pop up in unexpected places. Even those with no magical training or understanding of old magic have been found utilizing it. This most often happens in times of great stress, under duress, or when near powerful magical leylines. Commoners who have never seen a spell being cast have wished harm on their rivals, and old magic has made their intent into reality.
