Sorcery

Sorcery is an inborn power that is passed along bloodlines. Because of it's tie to the Dragon Tyrants and its unpredictable destructive nature as the Sorcerer learns to control their power, Sorcery has a bad reputation. To the point is it actively suppressed across Civilization.

History of Sorcery

Sorcerers were created during the Godswar to act as living weapons. With the end of the Godswar the Sorcerers were the last group with access to magic (other than the Elves, who were self isolated from the rest of the Spheres). Combined with their ability to extend their lives through magic they became the Dragon Tyrants, lording over magicless mortals. With their overthrow most cultures have a taboo against Sorcery to prevent a return of the Tyrants.

Those Sorcerers what survived went on to birth more Sorcerers. However as the new generations of Sorcerers came into their own power, their control is unstable and reacts to the Sorcerer's emotional state. This leads to destructive spellcasting beyond the control of the developing Sorcerer. This creates dangers to those close to the burgeoning Sorcerer, and creates a danger to their community leading them to be cast out or hunted.

Dangers of Sorcery

Developing Power

As the Sorcerer unlocks their power it reacts to their emotional state not their will. It takes time and discipline to prevent spells from manifesting against their will. When sleeping or stressed, spells can manifest ignoring the Sorcerer's will.

Overuse

The Sorcerer has a certain amount of power they can expend before it causes damage. As the sorcerous power comes from within the Sorcerer's blood, overusing Sorcery destroys the caster's body. This damage can be healed over time by not using their power, but overuse can lead to death.

Social

Seen as uncontrollable dangers Sorcerers are hunted throughout most of Civilization by specialist bounty hunters called Blood Hunters. As part of the Nexus Accords, the Pathkeepers offered themselves as a way to dispose of Sorcerers without mass murdering them. However, none but the Pathkeepers know what happens to Sorcerers when they are turned over, and the powers that be explicitly don't ask. And the Blood Bounty is profitable enough for the Blood Hunters that no one has the incentive to look too deeply.

Features of Sorcery

Because of the instinctual connection to spellcasting Sorcerers have the ability to manipulate their spells in ways that other casters cannot. While they are limited to how many spells they can cast, they can manipulate those spells to create seemingly new effects. As well, they have a sensory connection to magic. Able to sense the casting of spells and in place enchantments they can channel their magic to disrupt them. As well, with sufficient training and experience, predict their nature.

Limitations of Sorcery

Sorcerers have to develop their spells on their own. They are unable to share instructions on how to cast or learn from arcane writings. Even the most experienced Sorcerers have access to a limited suite of effects. But they have the ability to manipulate those effects to create seemingly new spells.