Traditions of Magic

In the Isles, the means by which mortals are able to cast spells are nearly identical to those described in the texts of the Old World, which were ancient history even to the Zambesti sages that unearthed them. Such traditional methods require their practitioners to tap into different facets of magic, drawing upon the underlying energy of the Multiverse and bending it to their will. Although many mages theorize that other facets might exist, it is generally accepted that only four of them are accessible to spellcasters: the inherent magic of existence (Arcane), the magic of faith and devotion (Divine), the magic of the natural order (Primal), and any magic of eldritch or esoteric origin (Occult). Information about the mortals who utilize these four facets is as follows:

Arcane magic is predicated on the ability of a spellcaster to use logic and reason. Often referred to as arcanists, those who study this form of magic must learn to impose their will upon the fabric of reality around them, taking secrets locked away within dusty tomes and pouring lifetimes worth of knowledge into leather-bound grimoires to do so. It is for this very reason that so many arcane practitioners seclude themselves within fortified towers, for it would be all too easy for another to steal away their life’s work in an instant.

Wizards = showmanship of Victorian magicians

Divine magic is predicated on the ability of a spellcaster to have faith, usually in a god or other unseen being that they deem worthy of worship. Often referred to as theurges, those who study this form of magic are required to beseech the subject of their faith to grant them more power, customarily in exchange for their allegiance, servitude, or some other task beneficial to their master. The most prevalent of these spellcasters are clerics, typically sanctified individuals who serve a god or other immortal entity exclusively.

Primal magic is predicated on the ability of a spellcaster to attune themselves to a specific aspect of the natural order, which serves as their source of power. This can be pretty much anything, from the bloody relationship between predator and prey to the endless cycle of the seasons and its effects upon the world. Those who study this form of magic are often referred to as druids. However, some mages, such as spirit-callers and shamanic witches, aren’t considered druids but are nevertheless practitioners of primal magic.

Occult magic is predicated on the ability of a spellcaster to stare into the void and, if necessary, face whatever horrors might be staring back. Often referred to as occultists, those who study this form of magic seek to broaden their understanding of reality, as there are more unknown things in the vast expanse of the Multiverse than there are things known. Many occultists attribute their fascination with these dark forces to some bizarre or unexplainable incident, for hardly anyone seeks out the occult of their own volition.