J. R. Douglas
Magic in Valecium
Stop! This is your SPOILER ALERT.
If you have not read the book, and do not want to hear spoilers, please postpone your exploration of this page until later. There are no major plot spoilers, but a few things will be revealed by exploring the nature of magic here.
Ahem. As we were saying...
Fundamentals of Magic
As we hear Sorwin say, "Magic is in all living things." This means that technically any individual could learn to use magic. There are some with innate gifts, such as larger natural reserves of magical energy, or an affinity for specific skills (we see Zak demonstrate natural talent with sight and shield magic). Even without natural gifts, an individual could develop quite a bit of skill through grit and a willingness to learn. Magic energy is not unlike a muscle. While it may have natural abilities and limitations, much can be achieved through training and regular exercise.
Types of Magic
There are many types of magic in Valecium. For the purposes of this forum, we'll limit explanations to known magics in the first book (read: no future spoilers!).
In Zak's time period there are three main branches of magical study: elemental, light, and dark. All mages joining the League of Kingdoms study in the House of Elements, Temple of Light, or Den of Darkness. Each house focuses on its own type of magic, yet they also cover general magic skills. For example, every mage has the ability to use fire magic. It is the universal element. Any mage can learn the basics of shields, or other defensive magics, too. In this way, every mage can learn the tegoperignis (fire shield) spell we see Zak master.
There can also be unique combinations with a general skill and a mages' specialized branch. For example, Elemental mages can create shields using other elements such as water or earth, Light mages could make them out of light, and Dark mages could leverage shadows to sustain a shield.
Sight magic tends to be a gift individuals are born with. While it is not impossible to develop the skill, few would be determined to spend the years needed to master it for a glimpse of the past or a shimmer of a potential future.
Using magic
There are three modes of using magic, or casting spells: Word, Guide, and Thought.
Word refers to the use of Power Words, or short incantations. We hear several mages throughout Zakolor use different Power Words. A brief glossary with rough translations follows below. This is the easiest form of casting because the words tell the magic energy exactly what to do.
Guide refers to the use of physical movement to direct a spell. Hands and arms are the most common, though physical objects such as staves, wands, swords, or others could be used. This is an intermediate form of casting as it requires precise movements.
Thought refers to the use of visualization and belief to control magic. This is the most advanced form of casting as it relies exclusively on the mages' mental prowess to remain focused on the outcome of the spell.
While each of these forms of casting can be used independently, combining them will enhance a given spell's success as well as potentially increase its power.
Other notes
In addition to various geographical cultures in Valecium, magic has a subculture all its own. For example, every magic user is a mage, regardless of their house or level. Even though there is a level in the Elemental House titled Magus, the term "mage" remains generalized. Additionally, colloquialisms exist among mages. It is common to hear Elementalists referred to as mages, Light mages referred to as priests, and Dark mages referred to as warlocks. The shorthand is a quick way to refer to a specific type of mage, rather than reciting their exact titles and levels.