Magic Schools
There are considered three categories, or types, or magic in Excelsion. Each is viewed in its own distinct light, and even common workers can easily detect the difference. The key is in the language used in casting. A spell-caster learns in a single language, and learning to cast in another is a difficult feat to accomplish.
The first and highest type of magic is Holy, or "Divine", magic. This is the magic used and taught by the Church and is by far the most common in Excelsion. To cast Holy Magic you must use the Vedix language. Clerics, Paladins, and other adventures who tap into Divine power all learn to cast in and speak Vedix. However, it is not uncommon to find non-Church people of all kinds casting simple, low-level magic using Vedix. Even those who do not speak the language may know a few simply words and spells, such as Mending (sarcio). This usage is encouraged and taught by the Church. But, higher level spells and powers are reserved for those who have taken holy orders in one way or another.
The second category of magic is a broad one, encompassing most other casting used in the continent. Called Arcane Magic, it is permitted but not viewed as highly as Holy Magic. Any language can be used to cast Arcane, but once a spell caster starts to learn in one language, it becomes very difficult to re-learn in another. (While Common can theoretically be used to cast in, the language is imprecise, rife with double meanings, and given to idiom. It is advised to use one of the languages of the Older Races). A user of the Arcane is typically assumed to be a scholar of some sort, as the use of it is heavily associated with the Colleges.
The third group of magic differs from the rest in its reception in Excelsion. Natural Magic, also called The Old Ways or Shamanism, is feared and discouraged. A user of Natural Magic must cast in Druidic, other languages seem unable to perform correctly. It is by far the oldest of the three type, but is marked by being the primary magic used against the Church and Empire in all the wars since the rising of the 7. Anyone casting in Druidic in a civilized area of Excelsion will definitely be shunned and likely reported.
There are rumors of other magic users both in history and myth. Ones who use languages from the deep recesses of time, or forgotten realms, or perhaps even from another world. It is said they speak words the do not know or understand to channel power from beyond themselves. But, none have been seen for many years.
The first and highest type of magic is Holy, or "Divine", magic. This is the magic used and taught by the Church and is by far the most common in Excelsion. To cast Holy Magic you must use the Vedix language. Clerics, Paladins, and other adventures who tap into Divine power all learn to cast in and speak Vedix. However, it is not uncommon to find non-Church people of all kinds casting simple, low-level magic using Vedix. Even those who do not speak the language may know a few simply words and spells, such as Mending (sarcio). This usage is encouraged and taught by the Church. But, higher level spells and powers are reserved for those who have taken holy orders in one way or another.
The second category of magic is a broad one, encompassing most other casting used in the continent. Called Arcane Magic, it is permitted but not viewed as highly as Holy Magic. Any language can be used to cast Arcane, but once a spell caster starts to learn in one language, it becomes very difficult to re-learn in another. (While Common can theoretically be used to cast in, the language is imprecise, rife with double meanings, and given to idiom. It is advised to use one of the languages of the Older Races). A user of the Arcane is typically assumed to be a scholar of some sort, as the use of it is heavily associated with the Colleges.
The third group of magic differs from the rest in its reception in Excelsion. Natural Magic, also called The Old Ways or Shamanism, is feared and discouraged. A user of Natural Magic must cast in Druidic, other languages seem unable to perform correctly. It is by far the oldest of the three type, but is marked by being the primary magic used against the Church and Empire in all the wars since the rising of the 7. Anyone casting in Druidic in a civilized area of Excelsion will definitely be shunned and likely reported.
There are rumors of other magic users both in history and myth. Ones who use languages from the deep recesses of time, or forgotten realms, or perhaps even from another world. It is said they speak words the do not know or understand to channel power from beyond themselves. But, none have been seen for many years.
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