A/N
Initially, this was written to fill holes within the AO system, however it quickly changed into a magic system more fit for my AU. That’s why it feels less like actual excerpts from a book and more like a lore document (which already exists in game, cough cough arcane chronicles). If this doesn’t fit under general writing, please move it to wherever. I’m happy to be done with this, so I can finally return to writing the next story in the series.
As always, any and all feedback/criticisms are greatly appreciated! Toodles!
Excerpts from “The Deeper Workings of Magic”, by Joshua O’Brien, Published July 1852
Magic Energy
Magic Energy has two primary forms - refined and raw. Both of these forms draw from the user’s supply of Raw Magic Energy and both forms conflict with any other form of magic (Wind against Fire, Raw against Ice, Curse against Ocean). Magic energy constructs do not last forever, having a lifespan of only a few hours, no matter the intentions of the spell. However, the effects of the construct can persist long after. Magic Energy can be increased by continuously and regularly utilizing Magic. It can also prolong your life, likely in correlation to the amount of magic energy you have. There is likely an upper limit to both, however this limit is unknown.
Raw magic energy exists in all living beings, with creatures able to use magic having a higher concentration even if they cannot wield it. All seawater has been polluted with enough raw magic energy to clash with Curses, however Sea Clusters do not show any other signs of pollution.
The Dark Sea, however, possesses an exorbitant amount of magic pollution, to the point that many areas elicit insanity and hallucinations from those subject to it. Within the Dark Sea, the unparalleled amount of magic has caused rapid mutation of surviving inhabitants, leading to Sharks mutating into “White Eyes” and lost sailors to transform into wretched creatures known as “Atlanteans”.
Raw magic energy can be harnessed by Mages without the use of a magic circle, functioning solely off of intent. Raw magic energy is a deep purple (hence the coloration of the Dark Sea), possessing no special properties and acting as a blank slate. While raw magic energy is generally ineffective in combat, extremely skilled mages can manipulate in a way that vastly expands its potential applications, such as creating illusions, bending light, or physically protecting the user. These techniques are rarely done, as the complexity and effort required to both learn them and practice them is far above more traditional techniques. Along with this, many mages rightfully view studying raw magic energy as a fruitless endeavor.
Refined magic energy is the traditionally wielded form of magic, sourced from a Magic Circle and functioning off intent. Most refined magic energies are elemental magics, such as fire, water, light, acid, poison, or earth. If a spell has intent to hurt, it will hurt. If it has intent to heal, it will heal. More complex intentions require more energy, skill, and focus. Refined magic energy takes an elemental form, manifesting as the user’s magic type (e.g: Sand) and assuming the properties of it.
When used offensively, attacks clash with the opponent’s latent magic energy which cushions the damage, however bruises and/or burns are still likely. In the event the opponent reaches a level of magic energy where they can no longer protect themselves, the raw properties of the magic take full effect. The heat from Plasma Magic would melt the face of an adversary, or Acid Magic would burn away at their flesh.
Many items, when faced with high amounts of magic energy, may take on new properties. This process has been deemed “Enchanting”, leading to the refining of methods to allow for scrolls to bear enchants within them. When wrapped around an object, the scroll would release the enchantment onto it, modifying it in a way that may or may not be beneficial. While some enchantments may increase the concentration of magic energy in attacks of a weapon, others may plunge the mind into insanity. This is why you make sure that you obtain your scrolls from a reputable alchemist.
Many elemental magics have variations in color, such as Red Plasma or Green Crystal. These color variations, while initially assigned at magic manifestation (around 5 years old) based on personality, can be changed with a decent amount of effort and willpower.
Magic Circles
Magic Circles are constructs of magic that form raw magic energy into the elemental magic that a mage wields. Magic circles are required for refinement of magic, one CANNOT produce any amount of their magic without refining it through a circle. The summoning of circles takes magic energy in proportion to the size, with small circles that simply emit a small amount of refined magic energy taking far less than a large magic circle meant to cast an extremely destructive spell. While there are no limitations to the size of a magic circle, energy drain makes gargantuan circles not feasible for use.
The latent magic energy within an individual protects against the conjuring of magic circles within an individual’s body to a certain extent - a mage with vastly more magic power would be able to brute force through the magic energy and create a circle within, however this is rarely done due to normal spells being far more efficient. Along with this, tiny magic circles are hard to sustain, as maintaining focus on an incredibly small area is difficult. As such, the smallest magic circles most would use are the size of a fingertip.
Trace Magic and Aura
Aura is used by those who cannot use magic, such as Fighting Style users or Weapon users. Aura is the name given to the phenomena where some fighting styles and weapons can project magic-like attacks despite the user lacking any attunement to magic beyond having it within them. This can take many forms, from metal manifesting around one’s leg, to a tempest appearing around oneself as they spin their blade, to enhancing the physical capabilities of a martial artist.
Aura is inherently less flexible than magic, being used subconsciously after being taught how to by a mentor (in case of fighting styles) or after enough experience with a weapon. Aura cannot have will imposed on it to the same level of magic, as it is not a conscious decision to use it. After a certain experience level, one’s body simply taps into your latent magic reserves to expand your effects.
Sensing
Sensing is the ability to sense magical power and intent in people. While magic is not necessary for sensing, it is required for more detailed images of those you sense. Sensing is rare - only 5% of the War Seas have some capacity to sense, primarily because being born with the ability isn’t common and mentors are few. There are two forms of sensing - passive and active. If you have the capacity to sense, you will always be passively sensing. This acts as a form of sixth sense, highlighting imminent danger and sources of high magical potential in your immediate area (around 30 meters). Active sensing requires heavy focus be put onto it, however it greatly expands the range and sensitivity of magical detection.
Knowledgeable sensing users can mask both their magic energy and intent, the best even being able to pass as a normal civilian, one without any magical potential. The flipside is also true, one can train to become even more accurate and sense past the “veil” that one would cast upon themselves to disguise their intent.