Magic
Ancient Magic
While the Bond currently intertwines all that is Erenel, three forms of magical power existed before the Great Sacrifice and continue to do so free of the Bond’s influence. Each source of influence below exists outside the Eight Schools of Magic and is thus free from Tetherbane.
Cosmic
Seen by many as Divinity before the light of the Above, Cosmic magic harnesses the unrelenting might of the stars. Created by Al’Madoon to push back the Null’s onslaught against Erenel, each star constellation has a purpose and is a beacon of energy for anyone who can harmonize with its light.
When a star flares and fades, remnants of its might falls back to Erenel. As these expired star-comets plunge, they leave a blue, purple, and white dust trail in their wake. After crashing and cooling, the shattered pieces of the star-comet harden, eventually forming into Ashard crystals, a fading power source created by Al’Madoon to shield Erenel from the unending void.
Hematurgy
Considered one of the most nefarious magics known to Erenel, Hematurgy draws power from life essence found in the blood of living creatures. Some scholars would argue blood comes from the Architect's creations, and to defile it is blasphemous, while others believe Hematurgy magic is the only magic that is truly free, as it is tied to mortal life essence.
Macabre in nature, Hematurgy blood magic was first discovered by Evenneth the Scarlet Walker and seen as a means for Vyse Tyranal the Fallen Elf to defeat Al'Madoon. Following the Great Sacrifice, Hematurgy magic is often associated with the Fallen Elf and thus derogatory in nature.
Utterance
Ancient languages which predate the Great Sacrifice exist amongst the hidden ruins of Erenel. None is more Ancient than Utterance, the spoken language of the Architects. Speaking in poetic fragments, an Architect can forge a vision into reality.
Axioms from the Utterance are carved into legendary weapons, armor, and implements of war, lending the written language’s might to the forged objects. These wondrous creations imbued with the Utterance now reside in the strongholds of two fabled races with tremendous skill in forging metals; the Dwarves and Minotaur.
Material Components
Material components are not needed when Tethering into the Bond except for in extreme circumstances such as attempting to restore a soul into someones body after death.
This is typically done by the spellcaster grounding his or herself with a gem pulled from the earth. The gem acts as a filter, otherwise tethering with such power may overwhelm the spell caster causing death.
Hematurgy
by Dean Spencer
The Bond
By sacrificing his celestial body, Al'Madoon's life force fell upon Erenel, "bonding" with the world the Architect fought to protect. The Bond, Erenel's magical font of power, now resides in every creature, river, stone, and the sky itself. This raw magic can be felt and accessed by inhabitants with a natural talent or those who have relentlessly trained in infiltrating it.
Tethering
The Bond is all forms of the eight schools of magic; the only difference is how inhabitants choose to access it. Spellcasters such as Clerics, Paladins and Warlocks reach into the Bond because their deity or patron has attuned their senses to "Tether." Whereas other spellcasters, such as Bards, Sorcerers and Wizards, have a gift for accessing the Bond or have learned to Tether through sheer practice and study.
Tethering is how raw magic is accessed and used by spellcasters. When a spellcaster tethers to the Bond, they essentially share the Bond that has entwined with the world, reaching into the remnants of Al'Madoon's being. While tethered, a spellcaster will manipulate the very fabric of the Bond for their desired outcome.
Eight Schools of Magic
From the greatest wizard writing codices in his tower, to an aging archpriest still trying to help his flock, Tetherbane comes for us all eventually. The only question is, how will you adapt when you can no longer Tether?
by Dean Spencer
Tetherbane
Tethering into the Bond to cast spells exacts a tangible and immediate cost. When an inhabitant of Erenel casts a spell from one of the eight schools of magic, the Bond leaves behind a mystical imprint on their life essence. Over time, this imprint manifests as an ethereal aura encasing the individual, widely recognized throughout Erenel as Tetherbane.
Those skilled at peering into the Ethereal Plane can perceive both their own and others' Tetherbane. Initially, a Tetherbane aura appears vibrant, glowing in hues such as green, red, or silver, each unique to the individual. However, for experienced Tetherers or those exposed to immense surges of magical energy, the aura darkens over time, warping into a corrupt and sinister form. Unfortunately, there is no known remedy for Tetherbane.
As Tetherbane worsens, its effects grow increasingly dire, often proving fatal. The Bond turns volatile, lashing out unpredictably against the Tetherer. What begins as a harmless light spell could erupt into an uncontrollable surge of magic, wreaking havoc on the caster and their surroundings. Entire city blocks can be leveled by such chaos, and those afflicted by advanced Tetherbane are often viewed as outcasts, societal threats, or even terrorists.
by Dean Spencer
To safeguard the growing civilizations of the known world, a powerful faction known as the Creed serves as an independent enforcer of laws governing Tetherers and magical beings. Renowned for their neutrality, the Creed commands respect from most nations. While their ultimate goal is to abolish the use of the Bond entirely, they pragmatically navigate the complexities of world politics to maintain order and stability.
Magic Commonality
Even with the threat of Tetherbane, the importance of magic is too enticing to ignore. At the forefront of passing along arcane knowledge to prepare the inhabitants of Erenel are various Colleges of Magic.
Colleges and universities are often a sense of pride for a nation, even if they are kept far from the public to safeguard against Tetherbane. Additionally, those born without talent will never learn the art of Tethering unless they can afford the enormous cost of attending. This discrepancy leads many smaller settlements to abandon the idea of magic or shun it as unnecessary stress compared to more significant and wealthier cities.
For those without the means who wish to learn, tutors, many of whom are often suspicious or challenging to find, do exist. A familiar tale speaks of older Tetherers who would not dare cast another spell, living their days secluded, teaching someone with promise or hiding from Creed Judges.
Regardless of its existence, due to its uncurable long-term effects, the Bond is a tool used sparingly in the fabrics of society. Yet, when traveling the world, delving into dungeons and facing dangerous threats, one must use the tools available for survival.
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