Magic Artes
Natural Artes
Natural artes are closely related to natural sciences and follow strict rules and have predictable cause-and-effect results.
Spells require the caster to use their body to channel the effect, thus unpracticed or overly eager casters can harm themselves by putting too much of a load on their bodies.
Beginners typically need to make direct skin contact to channel, but experts learn to use the air or other objects as a medium to indirectly contact the target. That said, if the medium is insufficient for channeling the effect, the spell will fail. For instance, Animare spells can not be channeled through pure, solid lead. And a thermal spell may cause the medium to combust, scattering the effect.
While typically a trained practitioner can achieve their desired effect within a short window of time, it is not an instantaneous process. Thus, if attempting to oppose an active force of their domain, the practitioner may be unable to act in time. For instance, attempting to use Kineturgy to stop a rock hurtling at the user’s head.
Energeia
A magic which pertains to the manipulation of energy in its various forms.
Animare
A magic which pertains to the manipulation of biological processes.
Supernatural Artes
Supernatural artes bargain with otherworldly influences to further the user’s goals. They are consequently both unpredictable and potentially very powerful.
Supernatural artes are carried out by the mechanations of a powerful patron deity or a host of spirits. They are often negotiative in nature. A benevolant being, for instance, may require the practicioner to uphold a set of sacred laws and reward their dedication with direct assistance. A malevolant being may provide substantial power upfront but leave the cost vague and to be determined at will.
While the give and take of Supernatural Artes is in some ways similar to the cause and effect of Natural Artes, Supernatural Artes follow symbolic logic. The cost of summoning water from thin air may be reciting 70 prayers while facing the setting sun. If it’s a full moon that night, then the practitioner may instead have to lay prostrate with a hyssop branch in hand for an hour.
Thaumaturgy
A magic in which the practitioner appeals to a powerful Patron to perform miracles.
Hemoturgy
A magic in which the practitioner offers blood for power.
THE RULE OF LAW
A magic which gives power to those who would enforce the law of the land in which they stand.
Enchanting
Enchanting is the arte of infusing inanimate objects with magical effects. There are different fundamental methods, but they all abide the same core process. A source of power is drawn from the world and suffused into the target object, changing its nature.
All enchanting is a long form process. Usually involving multiple steps and days of effort. But its effects are almost always permanent, so long as they enchanted object stays intact.
Essence Weaving
The craft of extracting the “essence” of one material and weaving it into another, selectively giving it the properties of the source material.
Soul Binding
The craft of binding a soul to an inanimate object giving that object magical properties and varying levels of sentience.
Veneration
The creation, use, and maintenance of holy relics and other divine objects.