The Arcane Arts
Magic is both the saving grace of Mennara and its greatest curse. The First and the Yrthwrights used magic to speak creation into existence, and the wizards of civilized realms have attempted to tap into that magic ever since, for deeds of great heroism and great evil. Wizards could imbue weapons and armor with incredible enchantments or raise massive castle walls to defend the bastions of civilization. The very same power could call down the wrath of the skies and tear civilization asunder, killing untold innocents in the process. Luckily, such power to work wonders or wreak havoc is rare in Mennara, but those who have the gift of sorcery must be taught how to harness it and use it in the interests of all. Magical Implements such as staves and wands serve as a focus for this power, but they aren't necessary.
In the days of the Penacor Kings, humankind finally settled down and turned their efforts to more scholastic pursuits. For the first time, magical theory was codified in parchment, and mighty wizards from the sands of Al-Kalim to the fledgling Lorimor Empire began to unlock the secrets of the Turning— of the Verto Magica. In the current days, institutions such as the University of Greyhaven preserve these ancient practices, although admission to such prestigious colleges is the province primarily of the upper classes. Magical tutelage is a painstakingly long process and the number of faculty is few and far between, and therefore the schools of magic can charge exorbitant fees. The noble houses of the Fair Realms are happy to pay for this extravagance as the wizards within their ranks greatly add to their own power and prestige.
While talented sorcerers can easily find a role for themselves in the Free Cities or the baronies, many of them still take up a life of adventure. Hedge wizards, or “magicians” as they are sometimes known, tend to be treated with suspicion, which is not altogether unwarranted. Many such vagabonds took to the life because it was easier than the stringent standards expected of the magical schools. Others may have been expelled due to carrying out their own unsupervised investigations into magic, including occult practices. The magic of such wizards is therefore wilder and more inclined to dangerous side effects than that of their more disciplined classmates. More scrupulous wizards may also take up adventuring, usually on their own personal quests to uncover strange magical practices or lost magical artifacts in the wild places of Mennara.
There are several methods of tapping into the mysterious powers of the magical arts. Mages, Disciples, and various magical practitioners usually specialize in one of these spellcasting arts. They are as follows:
References
- Realms of Terrinoth