Magic

Information
"The world is dark, and magic is the light!"

- Archmage Theodre Elamaris, E1 468

Magic is a quintessential part of fantasy writing which plays large parts in many great stories, being able to be used by those nefarious and heroic in intent. The world of Noquesia is no different in this regard. Magic is known to be a powerful force which affects the world in many ways. The first recorded instance of a form of magic is the ancient Anor methods of using words of power in a way which could result in them expressing their own life energy to affect others. Where the ability came from and how it was actually performed has been lost to time, with attempt failing to recreate the ancient art. Magic as it is known today is much more advanced after over 3000 years of research, generated by the countless scholars and mages which have existed over the 4 millennia since the first instance of what we describe as the Arcane Arts arriving on the continent.

The History of Magic
Magic was brought into the world in the year E1 1. It was the primary force which instated the formation of the first era. The event known as The Great Cataclysm happened in the city of Verdens Ende, known in Anor as the "Edge of the World". At this location, a major rip within reality took place, shattering in on itself letting the force known as magic to freely flow throughout the world. At the same time, within the instant that the reality stuck with another, more than just magic spilled into the world. Monsters and mythical creatures entered the realm for the first time. From Vampires to the lesser Necrophages, these creatures arrived into the realms. Magic itself was found to spread into every creature and every living thing within our world. As a result soon elves managed to learn how to influence the magic which existed within themselves and even others around them. Soon this art was learnt by humans from the elves, who expanded upon it. Quickly the place known as "Verdens Ende" became a hotspot for magic, despite its location so far north and its average temperature which would cause the blood within people to freeze if they stayed out for too long.

The Different Forms of Magic
Magic itself is split into 3 different major categories which all have advantages and disadvantages. The first is Runecraft, the oldest form of magic which empowered the cities of old. This is the only form of magic which predates the first era, when magic was spilled into the world. The second is what is known as the Arcane Arts, the most common form of magic known within the continent. It is performed in several different "schools", all with different abilities and powers which are granted to the caster. This does not come without drawbacks, however. To perform the Arcane, a user must have a source of power to generate the strength of a spell. From there they must be able to let the energy flow through their body in a way which can take years to master. As a result, it means that using magic, requires a large amount of mental strength. The final form of magic within the world of the Noquesia is Alchemy, which many see as a lesser art. None the less, the mixing of chemical and alchemical substances can be powerful in the right hands. From creation of potions which allow for great strength, heal the user or even explode out with flames, alchemy is a very useful art.

The Arcane Arts
The Arcane Arts were formed during The Great Cataclysm of the first era. Their general workings require deriving power form living beings and life essence itself. This form of magic is what most think of when they hear of magic, for the first time. People who practice this are known as mages, wizards/witches or sorceresses/sorcerers. Magic itself is performed via a complex system of transferring energy from either your own life force or lifeforce from a plant or animal into energy, which can then be expelled into different forms to influence the world around you. Magic itself can be a dangerous art as issues in the process can result in massive damage to one's self. Over time usage of magic and larger amounts also determinates the casters body, requiring more and more energy from the user to carry on casting at higher levels. This makes casting magic at higher levels hard to do while using any form of weapon like swords.

Magic is also split in several different schools, each requiring investment. It is possible to be a jack of all trades and learn magic from every school but it is almost impossible to progress to higher levels if you were to do so. If you would like to learn more about mages and this form of magic, visit the The Arcane Arts.

Runecraft
Runecraft is the are of inscribing Norse letters onto an object. From there mana can be activated between them which allows for an effect to take place. Using runes is extremely simple as it does not require much power to activate them, with even the most basic of magic users being able to use them effectively. Creating runes is another story entirely. To create a rune it takes years of practice and experience. Every letter must be exactly right otherwise the casting could backfire horridly. Engraving runes can take several months as well due to the high skill requirement and specialist tools needed.

To become a Runecrafter, it can take years of practice under the most famous and experienced masters to become effective at the craft. Runecrafters also require an extensive knowledge of the Nordic language and the Arcane Arts. For this reason, many high level mages attempt to learn how to create Runes during their later years.

Alchemy
Alchemy is the art of creating potions using magical and/or uncommon items. Because of Alchemy's more scientific nature, it requires no magical experience to learn how to do. For this reason it is the most common art, with most villages having herbalists who follow alchemic formula. Higher level Alchemists can create powerful potions which can cure many diseases or, for example, allow the drinker to breathe fire. The art itself follows a very scientific principle with most Alchemists being esteemed for their craft, especially if they study at a prestigious university.