World Note 4 (Patreon)
Content
Arcanic Structure: The law of Magic
The understanding of magic in this universe is governed by some very basic rules. But first I must explain that magic is not really as much a whimsical hobby of the everyman but a tremendously difficult and precise art. I don't use the word science because magic is too fluid and repeatable and consistent effects are often times difficult to produce using magic. Some of the most basic functions of magic like changing the shape or size of an object is a rather simple task but magic is capable of so much more. Changing weather, perception and understanding are all possible with the utilization of magic. The risks of course are always present and catastrophe on a grand scale has happened. Long gone sentient races have wiped themselves off the map leaving behind only vague remnants of a by gone age. We even suspect that entire civilizations have vanished due to the ill use of the arcane arts. Never the less the risk is worth the treck through the untamed and mysterious country of the magical wilds. We know very little about the orgin or reason for the existence of magic but we do know some basic principles that remain generally consistent to anyone with a strength of mind and heart to brave the endeavor before any prspective mage. They are as follows.
1. Magic is finite
Explanation: Magic in its truest form has been observed to be finite. Although its source and substance is beyond our ability to measure by any technolocal or practical means we do know that it is not unlimited. An object infused with magic will not remain as such for an unlimited amount of time. Based on the skill and experience of the practioner along with the function of the spell the allotted essence within the form determines its duration.
2. Magic is tangible
Explanation: Although we are unable to measure or perceive the bare form of magic we are aware that magic has physical properties. These properties are vast and seemingly random but have been noticed when observing the physical and biological conditions of mages. A mage who preforms magic will have varying elements of their basic biology changed sometime during the process of using magic. The effects are again inconsistent and can range from rises in metabolic function to severe health conditions such as heart palpitations but it demonstrates that magic is at least partly a physical expression and it's form is of some shape or substance.
3. Magic is malleable
This law in its most basic form is probably the most important to any mage. Magic in its entirely is not wholeheartedly resilient to manipulation. This is probably the first thing that magic is known for as the greatest evidence for its existence is the ability to utilise this mysterious force and cast spells. Despite any other property that magic might demonstrate it is obvious that it is akin to any alloy or alchemical component in that it is shapable by the hands and minds of the sentient races.
Sub-Law: These following rules are general guide lines that govern the most practical and observable practices of magic but are not universal and have been given this place after exceptions have been found.
SL1. Magic requires equal and exact components to operate in controlled form and function
Explanation: although we wish magic was as simple as a flick of the wrist or twitch of the eye it is not so. Magic methods vary and several different cultures have demonstrated a range of techniques to accomplish grand arcanic feats but none have found a way to change and morph magic through simple intuition. Components and precise runes are required in all cultures to produce magical effects. Any person who undergoes the process of Arcanic Infusion must learn or create methods to use magic in even its simplest expressions.
Exception: Titans and elves have shown an intuitive ability to use magic through simple commands or even thought.
SL2. Magic in any observable form is manufactured
Explanation: Maybe due to the complex and unpredictable nature of magic it is almost impossible to observe magic in a natural setting. Magic as it is expressed through spells is not seen in the physical and biological setting of the forests and oceans of our world. This means that if you encounter a spell or otherwise impossible happening it means it was intentional as the complex process of magic would be impossible to be left to happenstance.
Exception: The recent discovery of Soul stones in miles deep excavations have shown that magic is not impossible but requires tremendous force and energy to propagate through the forces of nature.
SL3. Magic has no biological traits
Explanation: Although magic has proven to be of essence and form it has not demonstrated any signs of cellular properties without the mixing of spells or intention. Therefore we can assume that it cannot be killed or denatured. Although finite in its expression no use of heat or energy can destroy the properties of a magically imbued object. Only the disruption of method or passage of time may do so.
Exception: When comparing the effects of Magical inclination against Demonic obligation the magic of the elves proved to usurp and devour the effects of the demonic magic and showed that elves magics grew stronger when applied over demonic obligation. This implies a hierarchy and near sentient like quality that magic has not expressed in other areas.