Magic

Magical energy is a part of a natural world. It is an ambient energy field that permeates the universe. The density or depth of energy is not even throughout the space and time. Some compare it to the winds, some - to the underground waters, always present and open to be felt and harnessed by those with aptitude and skill. There are twisting lines and pools of power that constantly shift ang change, ebb and flow. Sanctuaries, cities, shrines, temples, and other places of power are often located in seasonal or constant mana pools and flows. Constant change in volume and density of magical energy also contributes to the instability of magic workings, or what is also called a chaos aspect of magic.   Mages operate mana by tapping into the energy pools and flows, which requires mental effort and discipline. Mana is a highly volatile energy difficult to tame and control, but it has a potential to change the reality and bend it to mage's will.   Being able to feel and tap into mana requires a natural ability. Different races have different general affinity to magic, but those born with this aptitude are always a minority. In rare cases, it is possible to develop magical aptitude through years of study and training, being surrounded by strong mana currents, and more arcane manipulations of the mind and body. Magery is largely hereditary, and it is found that magical dynasties generally produce more heirs with more powerful talent. Event though there were multiple attempts at engineering, or breeding, a super powerful mage, the exact genetics don't seem to follow a completely predictable pattern. Sometimes families with generations of strong talent produce children with no aptitude, and sometimes children with no known heredity are strong with mana. There are several theories, including recessive genes, exposure to strong magical forces during pregnancy and in infancy, divine favor, and occult influence, but none of them seems to fully explain and predict natural magical ability. It appears that magical talent itself is subject to the inherent fluidity of mana.   There is a range of things that mages can be expected to be able to do, but there is no standardized rigid system of spells within mana itself. At the same time, schools and guilds have established programs that teach mages to operate certain spells and areas of expertise. New ways to work with magical energy are being constantly researched as well, and a qualified experienced practitioner might be able to tweak and modify the effects. In this way the extent and method of how the powers will be used depend on the mage's own ideas and imagination.   Since being able to control magic is a difficult mental task, it is nearly impossible to master it single-handedly. Practitioners in primitive cultures rely on oral recitals and mentorship. Due to low efficiency of such education, the potential and usage of magic are also limited. Apprenticeship is a more efficient teaching form. It allows for in-depth knowledge transfer and supervised study and practice. A deep personal bond sometimes develops between the mentor and the apprentice. Old and established guilds and magic schools have more formalized process of skill examinations, rites of passage, and mastery levels. They have a reputation to uphold, and their graduates are known to specialize on certain fields, or are expected to possess specific personal and professional qualities.   Guilds and schools play an important social and economic role. They control the supply of specific skills to the market, and at the same time are places where young mages, being a minority, can find support, and at the same time where the extraordinarily powerful individuals gather. That's why guilds and schools, and their leaders and representatives, have significant influence both in the magical community, and in the larger society. Being such a source of power, depending on the culture mages can be destroyed, shunned, subjugated, isolated, respected, put in charge, or revered.   People with magical aptitude who don't receive supervision and education might never realize their talent in the first place, use the power unknowingly throughout their lives with small almost imperceptible effects in the best case, or become a danger to themselves and their communities by having no control over a chaotic and volatile powers that they unleash in the worst. Some cultures that suffered a traumatic event due to unrecognized or neglected magical ability might institute obligatory aptitude tests, isolation of people with magical power, or even their destruction.   Magic items are not commonplace, because each has to be crafted and enchanted individually.