Magic & Spellcasting

Magic is a strange thing. A chaotic and at times otherworldly form of energy, it is found in all four corners of Terra. There are creatures born with magic infused into their very beings, written into their DNA. You have all manner of magical plants, each with their own unique set of properties, to be used as ingredients in medicines and potions. And of course, there are the people who can manipulate magical energy itself, known as spellcasters.

The basics of magic are this: sitting atop our world, the material plane, is another plane of existence, the astral plane. The astral plane is not a strictly tangible place, though there are many creatures who call it home. Instead, it is a place of wild and raw arcane energy, where the laws and physics of our world don't apply. The energy from this plane regularly flows into ours and back, concentrating in areas where the connection between worlds is the weakest. This is often due to something in the area acting as an antenna, natural or otherwise.

Spellcasters, also known simply as casters, are gifted with an innate connection to the astral plane's energies. That connection allows them to draw in and manipulate that energy via the casting of spells. Spellcasting takes many forms; it can be as simple as reciting a few words and making the correct hand gestures or as complicated as an hours-long ritual with strict instructions on timing, component measurements, and star position. The different types of spellcasters can be divided into four categories based on the source of their abilities.

• The Arcane - Arcane spellcasters make up the majority of most of Terra's magic users. They often view spellcasting like they are solving a math or physics problem - and indeed, the more complicated a spell is, the more important those subjects are. Producing flames from nothing, illuminating the darkness, moving objects across the room - these are all common tricks of an arcane caster's trade. It is said that the most gifted among them are capable of altering the physical laws of the material plane. Low-level and untrained arcane casters are known as magicians, although the term mage is also used to refer to spellcasters as a whole, while trained spellcasters are commonly known as wizards. Occasionally, an individual will be born with an ability beyond your typical spellcasting, leading them to go by titles such as sorcerer, enchanter, or summoner.
• The Divine - Divine spellcasters receive their ability through a bond forged with a powerful, often otherworldly being. This connection is most often with a deity or pantheon, but many other entities capable of empowering their followers. It is even possible to find worshipers of abstract concepts, like good and evil, whose actual source of power remains a mystery. While divine magic has the potential to be as destructive as any other type of magic, it is also the one primarily used to heal. From mending broken bones to regrowing lost limbs, a skilled healer is capable of much, some even rumored to be powerful enough to reverse death itself. At the same time, there are casters capable of doing the exact opposite, dealing in death, destruction, and the undead. In this way, divine magical energy can be divided into two categories, positive and negative. Positive divine casters are known as healers, clerics, and paladins, while negative divine spellcasters may use the titles of heretic, necromancer, or shadow knight.
• The Natural - Natural spellcasters draw their powers from the planet itself. They can sense and manipulate the natural magical energy of the world around them and commune with nature and the spirits within. Natural spellcasting focuses on altering the elements, weather, and animals - including humans, elves, and any other intelligent species. Their abilities allow them to affect their environment and the creatures living in it - making them capable healers right alongside their divine casting brethren. Possessing the ability to manipulate the earth, conjure storms, and even heal the injured, these casters can at times seem like a jack of all trades. Untrained natural spellcasters are sometimes given the title of sage, who have the potential to go on to become druids, shamans, and witches. Additionally, certain rangers possess a low-level magical ability and use this to enhance their hunting and tracking abilities.
• The Creative - Of all the types of magic, creative casters are the rarest and least understood, with some people doubting its very existence. Have you ever felt intensely moved by a piece of art or inspired after hearing a speech delivered by a powerful orator? These are all potential works of creative spellcasters, some of who may be entirely unaware of their gifts. Creative magic is most commonly used to affect the minds and spirits of other beings, but with training and practice is capable of affecting things on a physical level as well. Strengthening their allies, weaving illusions, and even harming their enemies are all within the realm of possibility with creative magic. The most well-known type of creative magic-user is the bard, actors and musicians whose performances are, in fact, how they cast spells. Beyond them are rumors of other creative spellcasters, with names like muse, maker, or conductor, but the powers they may possess remain unknown. Music that can shake mountains, statues brought to life, entire armies convinced to lay down their weapons and surrender - the true limits of creative magic are still being tested.