Well, we've come a long way, from discussing Dwarven Magic rocks to the nature of the Arcanum itself. But that's not a bad thing. I'll start by discussing the different types of magic and their theological reprecussions.
Arcane Magic: Consisting of both Elder and Eldritch magic, this Arcanum is notable for the sheer flexibility of the spells involved. Arcane Magic can basically be whatever you want it to be, as long as you have a proper understanding of the Arcanum and force of will needed to shape creation. Also known for the Wasting Disease. While effects vary depending on the subject, it all ends with the physical breakdown and death of the spellcaster involved. The Sorcerer-King is said to have a cure. Arcane Magic is championed by Sarish, the God of Secrets, which makes it a wonder that somehow the clergy have managed to make Arcane Magic "supplanting the will of the Gods", if Sarish allows it. Arcane Magic users consist of Elder Sorcerers, Eldritch Sorcerers, Elder Warlocks, and Sorcerer Priests.
Divine Magic: Notably not championed by a single god, Divine Magic is the art of a Deity granting magic to their spellcasters. Unique to Arcanis, gods don't directly grant the cants of faith. Rather, the original formula is created by the god and passed down to the followers with two rules: 1. You must have faith, and 2. you must follow the exact formula for it to work. This means Divine Magic is more restricted in terms of flexibility, but it is also more reliable. Divine Magic users consist of Clerics and Holy Champions.
Shamanism: Shamanistic magic is not championed by a god, but rather spirits. Spirits are manifestations of the living world, where gods might embody ideas such as Light, Water, Earth etc, spirits are more likely to represent a particular river, or a mountain. Rather than granting cants or spell formulas, you must make a pact with the spirit. In exchange for certain magic spells and abilities, you must follow the rules set in place by the spirit. Perhaps a Dolphin Spirit grants enhanced swimming capabilities in exchange for embodying the playful nature of it's namesake, or a Wolf Spirit makes you embody the pack nature of the Wolf. This is the only Arcanum looked down on or disrespected, as many gods see trucking with lesser spirits as disrespectful. Of course, I have asked some priests if it's okay to have gods after the pantheon (in correspondence to the "thou chalt have no gods before me rule), but in all cases it got me yelled at by everyone present. Shamanistic casters consist of Shamans and certain types of Furies.
Psionics: Psionics is a unique Arcanum, as while the first three are mutually exclusive to one another, Psionics can be combined with anything. Psionics doesn't rely on an outside source, rather, you manifest your powers by creating "foci", of fragments of consciousness. These fragments are then focused into pathways of power or are collapsed into "expressions", which grant spell-like effects. Races such as the Val, Ssanu, Brood of Caneturec, Voiceless Ones, Sansho, Il'Huan, Obnu-il, and many, many others are all allowed to manifest Psionics through a unique organ known as a Neurological Shiv. Psionics is also not championed by any one human god, but those in inner circles may have greater insight as to why that is. Psionic caster consist of Psions and Psi-Warriors.
Dissolution: Less of a type of Arcanum and more of a tradition, it's unique enough to warrant discussion. Dissolution magic consists of channeling the power of Entropy, and is often seen as a yellowish mist. Known for the ability to erase things from reality (which violates several laws of physics), Dissolution is utilized exclusively by the servants of the Silence. I personally have a theory that Entropy is to the Silence in the same way that Cants are to gods. That is to say, Divine Magic can be used for evil and Entropy can be used for good. Anyone who practices the tradition and wants to share it outside of those loyal to the Silence are probably dead before they can share their secrets, but it would be a major advantage for the Forces of Creation to learn how to "fight fire with fire", if you will. When Codex of The Mind comes out, we will get greater insight into the Forces of Entropy and how their magic works. Dissolutionists commonly come from the Arcane and Psionic Arcanums, the most common of which are Entropomancers and Mist Walkers, respectively.
_________________ With regards, signing out.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sigismund Jupiter val'Holryn von Tralia
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