Mysticism
Explaining mysticism and magic to someone not from Odezia is a difficult thing. It is like trying to describe a feeling for which you do not know the word. Nonetheless, as your guide I feel obligated to try and explain anyways.
What is magic?
Mysticism is not uncommon in this world. Practitioners of the mystical arts, universally known as mages, exist in one form or another in every culture of Odezia. The natural laws behind mysticism are still a mystery—neither customer nor hedge-witch wonders how she binds luck into a charm, she simply does. With the increasing interest in natural philosophy, several individuals have started to ask questions. Why do some minerals contain magic when others don't? How do the Rising Falls run upwards into the sky, defying gravity? Answers to these questions have yet to be unravelled.
What is known with certainty is that mystical properties reside in a dormant state with an object—magic. This magic needs to be activated to be expressed. That is where mages comes in—they can activate the dormant magic and sometimes even manipulate it to be expressed in a way they desire.
What is known with certainty is that mystical properties reside in a dormant state with an object—magic. This magic needs to be activated to be expressed. That is where mages comes in—they can activate the dormant magic and sometimes even manipulate it to be expressed in a way they desire.
Manipulation of magic
Like most skills, manipulation of magic has developed and changed significantly over the course of history, and still differs greatly over time and space. Two forms of magic manipulation have been defined: activation and extraction the latter being subdivided into transfer and transformation.
Activation of magic is the easiest and safest form of manipulation. When in a dormant state, magic can be activated, or more accurately, it can be manipulated to perform a certain task. In contrast to activation, extraction of magic is a more difficult and dangerous form of manipulation. Extraction of magic can be used in two ways: to transfer the magic or to transform it. Transfer of magic from one object to another results in the granting of specific mystical properties or the increase of the power of an already existing mystical property. Transfer of magic is also known as enchanting. Transformation of magic is a newer form of manipulation compared to activation and transfer. It often leads to release of magic in the form of pure energy. Transformation of magic is becoming more common with each passing decade, but is often still seen as either an improper way of magic manipulation, or tolerated by claiming it is in fact not manipulation of magic as no physical form is left behind.
A more informal distinction defines three types of mystical arts: hedge-witchery, sorcery and magery. Hedge-witches perform common mystical practices such as spell-binding for talisman crafting, and simple potion brewing. This usually only involves activation of magic. Sorcery, on the other hand, is viewed as a more grand form of mysticism. City mages, tower-dwelling sorcerers and mysterious enchantresses are known to perform sorcery, and they are often regarded with awe or avoided out of fear. Lastly, magery is reserved for a specific type of mages: the magiers of Garyiala. Their abilities are mostly focused on transformation of magic.
Activation of magic is the easiest and safest form of manipulation. When in a dormant state, magic can be activated, or more accurately, it can be manipulated to perform a certain task. In contrast to activation, extraction of magic is a more difficult and dangerous form of manipulation. Extraction of magic can be used in two ways: to transfer the magic or to transform it. Transfer of magic from one object to another results in the granting of specific mystical properties or the increase of the power of an already existing mystical property. Transfer of magic is also known as enchanting. Transformation of magic is a newer form of manipulation compared to activation and transfer. It often leads to release of magic in the form of pure energy. Transformation of magic is becoming more common with each passing decade, but is often still seen as either an improper way of magic manipulation, or tolerated by claiming it is in fact not manipulation of magic as no physical form is left behind.
A more informal distinction defines three types of mystical arts: hedge-witchery, sorcery and magery. Hedge-witches perform common mystical practices such as spell-binding for talisman crafting, and simple potion brewing. This usually only involves activation of magic. Sorcery, on the other hand, is viewed as a more grand form of mysticism. City mages, tower-dwelling sorcerers and mysterious enchantresses are known to perform sorcery, and they are often regarded with awe or avoided out of fear. Lastly, magery is reserved for a specific type of mages: the magiers of Garyiala. Their abilities are mostly focused on transformation of magic.
Mystical artefacts
Both activation and transfer of magic leads to the formation of a mystical artefact. Throughout history, mystical artefacts have increased in complexity. From stones to weapons and jewellery to detailed contraptions bordering scientific inventions.
Mystical artefacts can be made in two ways. For instance, a mystical ring can be made from imbued metal, but can also be imbued after the creations of the ring via transfer. The former can be made by a mystically inclined craftsman, while the latter is made by a regular craftsman and subsequently enchanted by a mage.
Mystical artefacts can be made in two ways. For instance, a mystical ring can be made from imbued metal, but can also be imbued after the creations of the ring via transfer. The former can be made by a mystically inclined craftsman, while the latter is made by a regular craftsman and subsequently enchanted by a mage.
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