Spellcasting

The effects of magic vary considerably. The largest variable is the caster themselves. Their knowledge of spells, their skill in execution, and their strength will all contribute to the variance in what can be accomplished. The Arcane Threads available, and their strength, also limit what type of spells can be cast in an area.

Most people can feel a spell that is cast onto them directly. The feeling will vary significantly based on the effect of the spell, and the skill of the caster.

For example, many describe being healed by a skilled caster as a warmth rushing over the affected body part, or as something within them resettling after being out of place. However, those same spells in the hands of an amateur may feel like boiling water being poured over the body or like something being jerked aside.

Occasionally there will be secondary side effect of particularly powerful spells, or spells at the edge of the caster's ability. These generally include flashes of light, changes in temperature, or a cracking like nearby lightening. These are generally the result of threads being pulled unintentionally or being shifted by changes to surrounding threads. If these effects are damagingly strong, they are described as a backlash.

To the untrained observer, there is very little to indicate that someone is casting, or even that a spell has been cast. Many mages will make small gestures as they weave a spell, however these movements are not required nor would they consistent between casters.

For those who are able to observe the Arcane Threads, it is possible to feel the shift in threads nearby. This will indicate that someone is affecting the threads, however it would not indicate necessarily what spell is being cast. Casters with some experience may be able to identify the spell's likely effects based on the threads that are being used and how strongly they are being pulled. However, it would be very difficult to identify a spell exactly this way.

If the caster is within sight of the observer, then it is possible to gather more specific information. When able to observe another caster, most mages are able to sense the threads and how they are being manipulated. Because the exact manipulations can be felt, a caster would be able to identify the spell or effect with much greater accuracy. If the spell is one that the observer is not familiar with, they may not be able to identify it exactly. However, with some experience, they will be able to interpret the likely effects.

Magic stems from the Arcane Threads that are woven into the fabric of reality. The source of the threads is surrounded in Mythology - followers of any faith would consider the matter closed. Some arcane casters question the source, looking for a more scientific answer.