Post by Emma on Sept 23, 2010 11:35:49 GMT -5
Tolerated magic in Alagaësia, and the most used, is the use of the ‘true names’ of objects, and relies on energy to fuel spell power. Generally very white magic, it does have its limitations- the spellcaster can only do what their own energy can allow, although he or she can also sap it out of surrounding people, plants, or animals, although using people for fuel is regarded as unethical and has severe consequences if discovered. Magic is regarded as a barrier in one’s mind that is difficult to break through at first, but eventually becomes linked with the caster’s mind and can be touched at will. Finally, anyone can learn magic, but having true power, known as the Talent, is very different.
Talent depends on mental ability first and race second, never on sex or genetics. Humans, especially the ones in Broddring, are one of the least Talented races- hints of it are uncommon among them, and powerful Talent is practically an endangered species due to their short lives and suffering. Most can do little more besides light a candle with a wave of their hand. Elves, on the other hand, are all born with the Talent, and it is very strong with them throughout their entire childhood- an elven child with a tantrum can give even the most senior Riders pause. It ebbs away when they reach adulthood, and for a rare few, disappears entirely. Werecat magic is unconventional and unknown, and Shade magic is exceptionally powerful, as it has the multiple energies of its spirits.
Being a Rider maximizes one’s magical strength, which is why they are the universal teachers of the art. All elven children study under the Riders over the course of their childhood, as do all human children found with remarkably high Talent. For the elves, it is commonplace practice, but most humans are unwilling to give their children away to the Order for fifteen years or so despite the Riders meaning it to be a way of healing relations between them and the elves. Few human children who complete their training are welcomed back into their parents’ arms, as magic is largely feared and reviled and believed to be used for evil only. Most either remain with the Riders or go to Carvala to work for the king.
For the ancient language dictionary, please click here.
Also, since so few words are available in the books, making spells pretty simple, I'm also offering an English to Old Norse dictionary. This should make spells a lot more interesting. =3
Staff Notes on Magic-
- Magic is much rarer among humans than elves, as I pointed out above, and since humans cannot be Riders in this setting, if we see too many zomg-awesomesauce-skillz magical humans dancing about, there may be restrictions placed.
Talent depends on mental ability first and race second, never on sex or genetics. Humans, especially the ones in Broddring, are one of the least Talented races- hints of it are uncommon among them, and powerful Talent is practically an endangered species due to their short lives and suffering. Most can do little more besides light a candle with a wave of their hand. Elves, on the other hand, are all born with the Talent, and it is very strong with them throughout their entire childhood- an elven child with a tantrum can give even the most senior Riders pause. It ebbs away when they reach adulthood, and for a rare few, disappears entirely. Werecat magic is unconventional and unknown, and Shade magic is exceptionally powerful, as it has the multiple energies of its spirits.
Being a Rider maximizes one’s magical strength, which is why they are the universal teachers of the art. All elven children study under the Riders over the course of their childhood, as do all human children found with remarkably high Talent. For the elves, it is commonplace practice, but most humans are unwilling to give their children away to the Order for fifteen years or so despite the Riders meaning it to be a way of healing relations between them and the elves. Few human children who complete their training are welcomed back into their parents’ arms, as magic is largely feared and reviled and believed to be used for evil only. Most either remain with the Riders or go to Carvala to work for the king.
For the ancient language dictionary, please click here.
Also, since so few words are available in the books, making spells pretty simple, I'm also offering an English to Old Norse dictionary. This should make spells a lot more interesting. =3
Staff Notes on Magic-
- Magic is much rarer among humans than elves, as I pointed out above, and since humans cannot be Riders in this setting, if we see too many zomg-awesomesauce-skillz magical humans dancing about, there may be restrictions placed.
