Magic

 

Magic philosophy admits the existence of three essences, or forces: the natural, the inner, and the spiritual.  These are present in all things, all animals, and all people, and understanding them is the basis of understanding magic, as the term is applied to any act which draws upon these forces to do the will of the one calling them.  Strong force of will is also needed to achieve great effects, and this too is gained only through strict discipline.

 

Natural Essence

Natural Essence refers to the essence found in the natural world, usually represented and composed of six elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Air.  These are present to at least some degree in all people, as everyone evinces an affinity towards the element of their birth, but to truly harness them to achieve the more powerful effects requires great willpower, as well as years of study.  Those highly skilled in this art are said to be able to control the very fabric of time itself.

 

Inner Essence

Inner Essence refers to the mental and inner strength present within each rational, self-aware being, or person.  It is used in telepathic or mentalist spells, but is also a large factor in healing spells.  To be able to shape and manipulate this essence is a gift possessed by few.  Its use is frequently limited by law, as a trained telepath’s abilities may range from simple thought reading to actual control of a person’s will or even the shattering of another’s mind beyond repair.  Those possessing the Healing gift, however, are encouraged to make use of it as much as they are able, and local laws occasionally require testing for children.  Willpower is essential to the successful working of inner spells, especially as many involve illusion or other form of mental manipulation which may only be achieved, or combated, with a strong will.

 

Spiritual Essence

Also sometimes called “Sacred Essence,” this is the Essence of the gods and spirits themselves, and indeed of all those who inhabit the spiritual realm.  Its use is rare among those not devoted to the religious life, and this very affinity leaves it open to debate about its true nature.  While perhaps the strongest power falls into this realm, it is also the most capricious and difficult to use.   Those highly skilled in the use of this essence have the power to remain safe from nearly any physical harm, and can even hallow or sanctify land to keep it pure from strife or bloodshed as well.

 

 

Healing

 

Healers are born with the ability to shape both the essences and the physical body at once.  Their gifts allow them to sense the healing needs of others as well as minister to those needs, as well as simply bring the body back into balance.  Most healing spells are personal, meaning they may only be used upon the caster, and this has led the very skilled to develop and learn the ability to transfer another’s wound or illness to themselves.  At the reverse end of the spectrum, some have learned to inverse the effect of healing spells, and even to inverse the transfer to send their own injuries to another person.  This particular skill, while useful against an enemy, is considered by most to be abhorrent.  Since illness itself is usually related to imbalances in the elements, a healer must also learn to shape the natural essences to fully ply their trade.

 

 

Magic Dueling

 

Dueling by means of magic is a desperate and risky act.  The very rites of the Code of the Duel Arcane require the formation of a ward to protect onlookers, but the ward also serves to lock in the participants until the death of one will release the warding spell.  There is no other way to break it.  Beyond this, the rules are much the same as in a standard duel of honour.  The participants must have witnesses, and agree upon the time and place.  No weapons are allowed, as magic is the only acceptable means to win.  One of the witnesses acting as an officiant will then declare the duel begun.  At its end, the winner will be declared and the loser given proper burial.  Laws regarding dueling vary from nation to nation.

 

 

Magic and Society

 

Magic is an accepted and highly respected part of most societies, with those skilled in its use ranking as venerable scholars and sages.  Many even draw government ministers and other such posts from among those skilled in shaping the essences.  Healers and mentalists are especially sought, due to the rarity of the gifts, and trained from an early age when discovered.  The only notable exceptions to this view are the Quendrin faith, which believes that the source of magic is other than the essences and diabolical, and some Taizhe philosophers, who believe that man ought not to meddle with nature.