Magic comes in a dizzying array of forms, and its manifestations, most often termed ‘spells’, range in embodiment from the visible appearance of energy leaving a magician’s hand to the subtle spells of witches or gypsies, which hide their effects in the happenings of everyday life, and can often be attributed to coincidence.

The fact is, however, that all magic works with one basic force, termed ‘mana’ or ‘magical energy’ by modern practitioners. A spell must first invoke raw or pre-shaped energy, then precisely shape it to the desired ‘flavour’, next bind it to this form, and finally release the magic in a directed fashion so that it can seek a ‘target’.

The reason this is not easily accomplished is that mana, the basic energy of the world, always makes an attempt to disperse into its raw and unfocussed form.

All systems of magic, then, effectively combat mana’s natural tendency to disperse.

All things must take the basic energy of the world and shape it in order to have any form that registers as ‘reality’. For instance, a rock must gather, harness, and hold steady a certain amount of mana if it is to retain its ‘realness’. A mage, casting a spell to disintegrate it, does not so much attack the rock’s physical manifestation as the rock’s ability to hold magic in form.

The best way to think of it, perhaps, is if one imagines all the world being composed of one substance – instead of mana, we will suppose it to be water. Water always makes an attempt to keep to its natural state – that being as low and still as possible. This is evidenced by the simple experiment of putting water into an odd-shaped container. The water will swiftly move to the lowest part of the container and achieve a quiet stillness.

Water, however, can be manipulated by certain things – wind, for instance, can shape it into waves. And cold can freeze it to solid form. And humans can take up that solid form – ice – and carve it to any desired shape.

Mana, like water, tries to return to its natural, unformed shape. But the forces of nature act on it to create ‘forms’, such as rocks, people, and trees. Humans, then, by understanding the principles of magic, can learn to take these ‘forms’ and further shape their energy into purposeful spells.

What all of this means is that most magical systems utilize ‘reagents’. Herbs, stones, the elements – all manner of objects – each is used for the virtue of its pre-formed mana, saving the mage or majae the trouble of shaping raw, unformed mana. Thus, if attempting a spell that would grant me flight, I might utilize feathers, which have the ‘energy’ of flight within them.

When magic is taught in modern schools, the types are broken down into three rough categories.

Native Magics – These are subtle magics which are often heavily reagent-based. The magical systems of the gypsies, of tribal shamans, of witches, and of various schools of magical thought practiced by common citizens (such as Chromatic magic, which states that colors have inherent powers and can be worn or gazed at to attain certain effects).

Ancient Magics – Any of various old, archaic magics which possess great power but are slower and less efficient, and often more dangerous, than today’s magics. Examples would be Arcane Summoning, Arcane Alchemy, the Elder magics, and Ritualistic magics.

Modern Magics -- Broken into three main branches, these are the orthodox magics taught to and by almost all practitioners today. They are swift, efficient, and their power is close to, if not quite equal to, the powers of some of the Ancient magics.

Modern magic, then, the magic which concerns us most here, is composed of these three branches –

Deity Magic- The practitioners of these magics are called priests and priestesses, and they pray to one of the deities for certain effects. Although well-documented and very effective, the subtle and natural manifestation of these magics cause some modern practitioners to argue that Deity magic should be put into the category of Native magics. I put it here because of its orthodox nature and widely accepted standing.

Substance Magic- A direct relative of the Elder magics, Substance magic can create powerful effects and is extremely reliable. Spells almost never fail if properly cast, and the results can be rock-shattering. Almost all Substance spells utilize reagents, and take some time to cast, although they are much faster than the Elder magics.

Invocative Magic – The newest of the magical practices, Invocative is designed for speed. It is unusual in numerous respects – for one thing, no reagents are used. The Invocative magician is taught to instantly achieve a mind-set which spontaneously goes through all the processes necessary to cast the spell. Thus, a spell can be cast almost instantly – say, in the space of a single breath, but this speed has trade-offs. First of all, the spell is not always effective, because the quick gathering time requires a mana-rich area if the proper amount of mana is to be gathered. Secondly, the lack of reagents and exercised focus makes Invocative magic less powerful, overall, than its kin. It is, however, the most popular magic today, accounting for nearly eighty-five out of a hundred practitioners.

And what does all this mean for non-practitioners (that being almost all of us)? In truth, magic is understood to be real, but because only those born with the ability to feel and recognize the presence of magic typically become practitioners, magic is an invisible, mysterious force to most of us.  Many, back in the Goddard era, went their whole lives never seeing magic practiced. Today, most people have seen at least one or two magical performances, or perhaps have even witnessed a magician utilizing magic in self-defense.

The practice of magic is becoming more and more common, and it remains to be seen what Queen Lillian will do to prevent another situation that parallels what happened in the fallen city of Antara.

But in the meanwhile, we can all watch the waxing of magical practice, and have a chance to be personal witnesses to what, in other ages, was a rare or even unknown sight. It is my personal hope that a responsible system of practice can be adopted that allows the practice of magic to grow and expand, while at the same time keeping the practice within bounds that will prevent the magic taking on a life of its own. If the reader is confused at this last, seek information about Antara.