Magic in Endarion
What is magic?
There are many forms of energy in the world, and it is possible to convert from one to another. Simply put, magic is the conversion of kyanic energy into heat or light or movement. Nothing a mage does breaks natural laws; it only seems that way.
Kyanic energy has been equated by some writers with the life force or soul, though this is rather a mystical way of looking at it. It is found in all natural things, to a greater or lesser extent, but while that in forests and lakes and mountains is fixed and inert, that flowing in the blood of living creatures is fluid and active. Thus it is the kyanic energy in blood that can most easily be accessed and used.
The discovery of magical energy was closely followed by its development as a weapon. In those early days, an entire caste of people existed whose only purpose was to supply blood to the mages who controlled them. Over time, another strain of magic user came into being: those who refused to use anyone else's blood but their own. However, it is the dark and bloodthirsty side of magic that people remember, and that has led to its current status as something outcast and reviled.
Kyanic energy has been equated by some writers with the life force or soul, though this is rather a mystical way of looking at it. It is found in all natural things, to a greater or lesser extent, but while that in forests and lakes and mountains is fixed and inert, that flowing in the blood of living creatures is fluid and active. Thus it is the kyanic energy in blood that can most easily be accessed and used.
The discovery of magical energy was closely followed by its development as a weapon. In those early days, an entire caste of people existed whose only purpose was to supply blood to the mages who controlled them. Over time, another strain of magic user came into being: those who refused to use anyone else's blood but their own. However, it is the dark and bloodthirsty side of magic that people remember, and that has led to its current status as something outcast and reviled.
Becoming a mage
To become a mage in Endarion requires three things: a steady hand, a willingness to risk insanity, and an acceptance of the fact that you will be ostracised for the rest of your life.
The steady hand goes without saying. In order to gain the ability to use kyanic energy, the would-be mage must cut out his birthstone – and to an Endaranian the birthstone is much a part of the body as the head or the hands. If he can suffer the pain long enough to succeed at this, there will be one of two results: either he will go mad, or he will become a mage. It is debatable which of the two will give him the best chance of survival. If insane, he will be shunned for what he tried to do, but left in relative peace; if a mage, he will be put to death ... if he is discovered.
The law makes no distinction between those who use the blood of others and those who use their own. It is nature, and not intent, that condemns a mage.
Return to Endarion main page
The steady hand goes without saying. In order to gain the ability to use kyanic energy, the would-be mage must cut out his birthstone – and to an Endaranian the birthstone is much a part of the body as the head or the hands. If he can suffer the pain long enough to succeed at this, there will be one of two results: either he will go mad, or he will become a mage. It is debatable which of the two will give him the best chance of survival. If insane, he will be shunned for what he tried to do, but left in relative peace; if a mage, he will be put to death ... if he is discovered.
The law makes no distinction between those who use the blood of others and those who use their own. It is nature, and not intent, that condemns a mage.
Return to Endarion main page
