Magic

Basics of Magic

The primary means of magic is through a metaphysical art called Thaumaturgy. Thaumaturgy is often considered a science as much as it is magic, as it works by shaping and/or reshaping the existing energy and matter within the environment. This allows the Thaumaturge to bend reality around them to suit their needs, producing miraculous effects that are likened to magic. These steps are taken when casting or learning a spell, and though it may look lengthy, actually casting a spell can be as quick as the snap of a finger.

1: The Thaumaturge begins by identifying essential elements (referred to as 'Aspects') within the area. These compounds can be broken down or reshaped at a whim. (In the eyes of someone normal, a rock is a rock. To a skilled Thaumaturge, they'd notice that the rock can be broken down into a string of Arcane runes called Aspects, which may be shaped or reshaped on a whim.)

2: This recombined into an appropriate catalyst. This can be done through scripture written on paper. The ground in chalk. Or even ink tattooed into the flesh.

3: The Thaumaturge fuels the recombined aspects with their mana, often destroying the aspects in the process. Any excess aspects burns into flux. This is where the spell is cast.


'Laws' of Thaumaturgy

Though these aren't laws by 'legal' rights so to speak, these are typically the types of laws most Thaumaturges follow for the sake of not only morals, but also the danger that comes with breaking them.

Aspects not only fuel Thaumaturgy, but are also what make up the world. Everything can be broken down to very simple aspects. Our world has atoms. Nobella has Aspects. Aspects are far more simplified but make up everything you can find in this world. Each aspect has its own properties and Thaumaturgical rune associated with it.

ASPECT Page: https://pastebin.com/X83MHWgj

The Law of Conservation: States that one must give an equal amount in order to receive an equal amount fairly. In order to create a truly efficient spell, the Thaumaturge must avoid casting too much than they can handle. If they were to give too little for their spell, then they suffer a rebound(detailed below). If they were to give too much for their spell, then the excess mana or aspects used burns away into deadly flux.

Yuma's Law: A simple statement is said for this law. 'All is One, One is All.'. This law states that all aspects can be inevitably traced to one another in some way. This allows Thaumaturges to break down and change nearby matter into anything they please. Something as simple as a rock, for example, could be broken down and changed entirely to water instead. In short, it means that the Thaumaturge is capable of using their mana to supplement for any aspects not present or easily attainable in a cast spell.

The Flux: A phenomena that occurs whenever far too much magic is put into use. Thaumaturgy is cast, it leaves very trace amounts of the used aspects in the air. When cast irresponsibly, these trace amounts may increase in quantities. Regardless of the case, these lingering aspects mingle and coalesce together into a mess of different aspects, fusing together into what's called the 'Flux'. Flux causes very unpredictable and odd changes within the area, warping and twisting anything unfortunate enough to come into contact with it.

Rebound: Happens whenever a spell that's far too overbearing for the caster to handle is cast. To make up for the lack of mana, Aspects, or other such energy, the Thaumaturge must pay in the form of something else. The most common payment is their flesh, which is broken down into basic aspects to fuel the spell.

Meddling with the Soul: A common question among the Thaumaturgical community is: What is the weight of a human life? Whatever the case, meddling with the soul will almost always result in a horrific rebound. This includes bringing back the dead, binding souls, or bringing back a soul. All of this isn't guaranteed to work, and all of it is also likely to result in great suffering from the caster.


Mana Usage

What it says on the tin. Using Mana allows the user to perform various feats. Mana is found in everyone, and is essentially likened to the energy of one's soul. Mana has a variety of applications; but typically focuses on enhancing the physical abilities of the caster. Example, fueling your own fist in order to create a powerful punch.

Or fueling your legs to run really, really fast.


Artifacts

Artifacts, or Magitech, as they're sometimes called, are unique magical devices that can be found scattered across the world. Artifacts are found coming in a variety of different forms and appear at random, though artificially created artifacts exist, such a task requires an exceptional amount of mana and usually relies on a team of Thaumaturges to create just one. The creation of an artifact is very taxing, requiring an exceptional amount of mana and energy to produce.

The most common form of artifact can be found just about anywhere. To this day, Nobella is a massive world, with many unexplored nooks and crannies found across it. Multiple artifacts can be found left simply laying around in different parts of the planet. To this day, Thaumaturges know very little about the origins of these artifacts.