Magic

Magic was the supernatural power employed by certain beings and societies throughout the history of the universe. Capable of performing the otherwise impossible, the art of magic was studied by numerous humans, and manipulated for a variety of purposes to great effect, with spellcasters commonly referred to as mages. While common in the earlier eras, magic waned in use and belief in the Third Period after the Levianta Catastrophe.

History
Used in the creation of the different universes, magic was well practiced in the Second Period before its eventual destruction. Afterwards, the sun god Sickle created the Third Period and all its inhabitants, setting up the legacy of the Second Period, Sin, for humans to congregate around. With the resulting foundation of the Magic Kingdom Levianta, the majority of magic-wielding clans gathered at the nation and became the most advanced magical society of the world.

Following the kingdom's destruction in the Levianta Catastrophe, a vast majority of mage families were wiped out, leaving only the shamans scattered around the Evillious region and the few surviving bloodlines settling on the outskirts of Levianta's territories. As the centuries progressed, magic became a rarer and rarer art and shamans began to die out with the rise of formal medical professions. By the 6th century EC, magic was regarded as little more than myth.

As time passed, magic use continued to diminish in the Evillious region and only a handful of practitioners existed. In the Eastern region of the Bolganio continent, magic use continued to be upheld and recorded in the region's Eastern Magic Records, as far as the mid EC 800s.

Mechanics
At a certain level, magic was omnipotent and had the potential to do anything imaginable, allowing it to create or bend the natural laws of the universe. Due to its metaphysical nature, it was able to manipulate life and the elements or create something entirely out of nothing. In the Third Period, magical power was greatly influenced by the moon. Depending on the time of month when the moon undergoes different phases, magical power could either be stronger or weaker. During the full moon in particular, magical power was at its strongest and could even completely rejuvenate one's magical power.

Magic existed within select individuals or bloodlines and was passed down onto descendants throughout the generations. As a result, magic users' magical talent and ability varied and most humans had little to no magical power at all. As such, only individuals born with great magical talent were capable of performing complex spells, while others would have extreme difficulty even casting simple spells. In contrast, spirits, gods, and demons held a great amount of magical power and could perform a plethora of techniques and spells that humans could not. Regardless, gods and demons could lend their power to humans even if they lacked any innate magical ability.

As a result of possessing magic, users were able to detect and recognize magic in other beings or objects and could feel a certain of difference between a magic user and a regular human. Trained practitioners could therefore seek out and train disciples to the art, passing on the knowledge to an apprentice who would repeat the process, teaching it to others Likewise, unique magical abilities that could manifest in certain bloodlines could be continually passed down within the clan to preserve its existence and use. Similarly, objects could be created and imbued with magic, making these "magic tools" or devices serve some practical use for the owner.

Combat
Whether through arranged duels or informal encounters, numerous mages entered combat with other mages or similar magic users. Because magic relied so heavily on the moon, mage combat on the night of a full moon was both the most advantageous and risky, putting both parties at their most powerful. Due to the flexible utility of magic, a majority of magic types were useful for combat.

Tactically, mages took on a variety of approaches to battle; some preferred to place most of their magic power early on and quickly overwhelm the opponent while others preferred to conserve magical power and draw out fights until finding an opening in the opponent's attacks. Because of the required focus and time needed to perform some spells, mages could falter under pressure and be forced to be on the defensive.

The environment was also extremely important for mage combat as some magic relied on preexisting elements to cast or supplement their spells, leaving a mage powerless in certain environments. Likewise, mages were especially susceptible to ambushes, assassinations, and traps if not properly prepared. If properly set up, a mage could quickly turn a battle to their favor before the combat even actually began.

Mages
Magicians, or mages, were formally trained spellcasters and the most common practitioners of magic. Mages could learn from a variety of different magics, making them particularly diverse in their specialization. A master mage typically passed on their knowledge to an apprentice. Many mages formed clans specializing in certain magics or blood-inherited magic abilities. They were often considered idyllic and bewitchingly beautiful people. Mages were originally numerous during the reign of the Magic Kingdom Levianta. After the Levianta Catastrophe, the surviving mages' knowledge slowly died out over time. Mages eventually became considered the product of fairy tales and fiction.

Shamans
Shamans were medicine men or women specializing in healing. Shamans used their magic ability to give them a stronger connection with the natural and spirit worlds, allowing them to communicate with both spirits and gods. Using their knowledge, shamans studied the practice of conventional medicine and used their craft to help heal injuries and sickness or relieve pain. They largely existed in Elphegort and were members of the Held sect. Following the Levianta Catastrophe, humans continued to advance technologically and require "formal" medicinal licenses for taxing, leaving shamans to slowly die out over time.

Witches
Witch was a term typically associated with powerful and typically malevolent female magic users. Witches were often associated with death and destruction. Like mages, witches died out in the years following the Levianta Catastrophe. They eventually became considered the product of fairy tales and fiction, commonly stereotyped as old hags in black robes with cat familiars that gave off a sinister aura.