Mysticism
Explaining mysticism and magic to someone not from Odezia is a difficult thing. It is like trying to describe a feeling for which you do not know the word. Nonetheless, as your guide I feel obligated to try and explain anyways.
What is mysticism and magic?
Mysticism and magic are not uncommon in this world. Practitioners of the mystical arts, universally known as mages (regional terminology may vary), exist in one form or another in every culture of Odezia. Nevertheless, the natural laws behind mysticism are still a mystery to most. Neither customer nor hedge-witch wonders how she binds luck into a charm, she simply does.
During the previous century, advancements in natural science resulted in a new interest and reflection upon the basis of mysticism. Several philosophers, and especially geologists and physicists, observed obstacles in explaining the inexplicable, such as why some minerals do contain magic and others do not, and how the Rising Falls run upwards into the sky defying gravity. This eventually led to the specified science into everything mystical: mystics.
While mystics is still in its infancy, pioneering mysticists have come to the consensus on two topics. First, the laws of mystics are able to supersede the laws of physics, even though the laws of mystics are as of yet undefined. Second, the origin of all things mystical are the mystical currents which flow around the planet. It is these currents, which are currently still being precisely mapped, that are suspected to cause the Rising Falls to flow upward, and imbue specific objects, both organic and inorganic, with magic. Subsequently, it is the imbuing with magic that results in the acquisition of mystical properties by the imbued object or creature. Why certain materials and species are more susceptible to imbuing with magic is still heavily debated. However, it is agreed upon that most mystical properties reside in a dormant state and need to be activated to be expressed.
That is where the ability of the mage comes in; they can activate the dormant magic and manipulate it to be expressed in a way they desire.
During the previous century, advancements in natural science resulted in a new interest and reflection upon the basis of mysticism. Several philosophers, and especially geologists and physicists, observed obstacles in explaining the inexplicable, such as why some minerals do contain magic and others do not, and how the Rising Falls run upwards into the sky defying gravity. This eventually led to the specified science into everything mystical: mystics.
While mystics is still in its infancy, pioneering mysticists have come to the consensus on two topics. First, the laws of mystics are able to supersede the laws of physics, even though the laws of mystics are as of yet undefined. Second, the origin of all things mystical are the mystical currents which flow around the planet. It is these currents, which are currently still being precisely mapped, that are suspected to cause the Rising Falls to flow upward, and imbue specific objects, both organic and inorganic, with magic. Subsequently, it is the imbuing with magic that results in the acquisition of mystical properties by the imbued object or creature. Why certain materials and species are more susceptible to imbuing with magic is still heavily debated. However, it is agreed upon that most mystical properties reside in a dormant state and need to be activated to be expressed.
That is where the ability of the mage comes in; they can activate the dormant magic and manipulate it to be expressed in a way they desire.
Manipulation of magic
Like most skills (and professions), manipulation of magic has developed and changed significantly over the course of history, and still differs greatly over time and space. Two forms of magic manipulation have been defined: activation and extraction, the latter being subdivided into transfer and transformation.
Activation of magic is the easiest and safest form of manipulation. When in a dormant state, magic can be activated, or more accurately, it can be manipulated to perform a certain task. In contrast to activation, extraction of magic is a more difficult and dangerous form of manipulation. Extraction of magic can be used in two ways: to transfer the magic or to transform it. Transfer of magic from one object to another results in the granting of specific mystical properties or the increase of the power of an already existing mystical property. Transfer of magic is also known as enchanting. Transformation of magic is a newer form of manipulation compared to activation and transfer. It often leads to release of magic in the form of pure energy. Transformation of magic is becoming more common with each passing century, but is often still seen as either an improper way of magic manipulation, or tolerated by claiming it is in fact not manipulation of magic as no physical form is left behind.
Activation of magic is the easiest and safest form of manipulation. When in a dormant state, magic can be activated, or more accurately, it can be manipulated to perform a certain task. In contrast to activation, extraction of magic is a more difficult and dangerous form of manipulation. Extraction of magic can be used in two ways: to transfer the magic or to transform it. Transfer of magic from one object to another results in the granting of specific mystical properties or the increase of the power of an already existing mystical property. Transfer of magic is also known as enchanting. Transformation of magic is a newer form of manipulation compared to activation and transfer. It often leads to release of magic in the form of pure energy. Transformation of magic is becoming more common with each passing century, but is often still seen as either an improper way of magic manipulation, or tolerated by claiming it is in fact not manipulation of magic as no physical form is left behind.
A more informal distinction defines three types of mystical arts: hedge-witchery, sorcery and magery. Hedge-witches and -wizards perform common mystical practices such as spell-binding for talisman crafting, and simple potion brewing. This usually only involves activation of magic. Sorcery, on the other hand, is viewed as a more grand form of mysticism. The occasional town or city mage, or tower-dwelling sorcerer, or mysterious enchantress is known to perform sorcery, and they are often regarded with awe or avoided out of fear. Lastly, magery is reserved for a specific type of mages: the magiers of Garyiala. Their abilities are mostly focused on transformation of magic.
Mystical artefacts
Both activation and transfer of magic leads to the formation of a mystical artefact. Throughout history, mystical artefacts have increased in complexity. From stones to weapons and jewellery to detailed contraptions bordering scientific inventions.
Mystical artefacts can be made in two ways. For instance, a mystical ring can be made from imbued metal, but can also be imbued after the creations of the ring via transfer. The former can be made by a mystically inclined craftsman, while the latter is made by a regular craftsman and subsequently enchanted by a mage.
The dangers of extraction, and especially transformation, lie in the fact that the extracted magic is passed through the body of the mage, which often leads to death. However, mages have found a solution to this problem in the form of channelers, generally a heart stone, which is used to gather the magic preventing it from passing through the body of the mage themselves.
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