Arcana

Though not commonplace or everyday, the use of arcane magic has been a part of life in Heimlar for as far back as people remember. Most people have either directly witnessed the usage of arcane magic or know someone who has. These experiences could include the use of an arcane magic item or seeing an arcane spell being cast.

By far the most common practitioner of arcane magic (commonly referred to as the Art) are Hjelpers. Hjelpers are hedge wizards that have a set repertoire of spells that have been passed down from master to apprentice over the ages. Hjelpers are typically specialized, utilizing spells for a specific function. Some Hjelpers aid in construction, others in farming and agriculture. There are numerous different possible areas a Hjelper may be specialized in. On top of that, some Hjelpers focus purely on spell casting while others focus more on the creation of minor magic items to be used by the general masses (typically Tokens). Hjelpers are very prevalent in the nations of Helgdohm and Skógur though their equivalent can be found in smaller numbers in the northern nations of Torweg and Verstergard (where they are called Liefermar and typically act in support of the military).

The next most common practitioner of the Art in Heimlar are Mages. Mages are Sorcerers (innate arcane casters) who practice the Lesser Path of Sorcery. Mages, with their limited selection of spells, tend to use magic to support their other skills and abilities. As such, Mages often fill a specialized support role similar to Hjelpers. Mages can be found throughout all the nations of Heimlar though they are most common in the southern lands of Mabet. It is largely believed that arcane bloodlines run stronger in the SouthLands.

Magi are close 'relatives' to Mages and most folk do not know the difference between the two. Whereas Mages practice the Lesser Path of Sorcery, Magi follow the Greater Path. The Greater Path of Sorcery allows for a much broader and varied access to the arcane arts but it takes significantly more dedication and practice. Because of this, Magi have little time for other pursuits and focus completely on their arcane advancement. Magi are found in all the same locales as Mages but is substantially fewer numbers. It is believed that their are around fifty Mages for every Magi in Heimlar.

Wizards are the truest practitioners of learned (instead of innate) arcane magic. Unlike Hjelpers, a Wizard's understanding of the Art is such that they are capable of developing new spells instead of simply learning those passed down by their masters. The faith of Urda places some of the blame of societies straying from the path of morality (and thus bringing down the punishment of the Wrack) on Wizards. This has led the Urdite faith to hunt down Wizards, especially in the nations of UrHolde, Helgdohm and Skógur. As a result practitioners of Wizardry are quite rare. They are most common (but still rare) in Verstergard where the Urdite church has no influence.

Magic in Heimlar

The Planes of Existence

The Fundamentals of Matter: Essence & Essentia and their uses in Alchemy and Magic

RULE INFO

Arcane Magic Core Concepts
Rules for creating Magic Items
Rules for controlling & enhancing ManaGear Constructs