Magical Theory
How Magic operates, as taught by the Imperial Mages Academy
Prior to the dawn of time, Chaos reigned free. In the midst of this Chaos,
separated from each other by the infinite expanse, were the elemental powers of
Light and Darkness, also known as the Positive and Negative elemental energies.
These were the foundation of Law and Creation. As these two elemental planes
expanded, they grew closer together. As Positive and Negative are diametrically
opposed and cannot occupy the same space, this growth resulted in a compression
of the Chaos between them. Ripples in the chaotic Ether created four additional
elemental planes between these two, the planes of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.
Because the equilateral triangle is the ultimate symbol of Law, these six
elemental planes came together in the form of a double triangle, the
six-pointed "star of Magic," as in the accompanying diagram. [This diagram has
also come to be incorporated into the tattoo of the registered spellbinder.]
The Positive, or Light, and the Negative, Darkness, each became the apex of a
"triangle of Law," with two semi-opposing elements forming its base. The
overlap of these triangles serves to keep the universe in order... no element
can exist separate from the others, and those that are diametrically opposed
cannot approach each other. Depending on one's orientation when viewing the
star of Magic, any diametrically opposed pair of elements (Air and Earth, Fire
and Water) become the paired apexes, supported by a pair of semi-opposing
elements.
Where a conjunction occurs between the six elements in the Ethereal mists, the
world of creation, the world of Kyranath, exists. The interaction between these
six elements and the Ether is the power behind our magic.
Magic is performed and spells are bound from the mists of the Ether. Every
spell that is to be bound relies on two of the six elements (three, if you
count the Ether, which makes each spell a miniature triangle of Law). Only
elements with a point of contact can be combined. Magic that relies on the
boundaries and connections of the triangles of Law within the star of Magic is
"Creative Magic." Creative Magic supports, and is in turn supported by, the Law
of the Cosmos. Magic which bypasses the triangles of Law and instead makes its
connection around the circle is "Entropic Magic," the magic of Chaos. Civilized
realms typically ban studies into Entopic Magic. There are rumors that the
binding of entropic spells catches the attention of Chaotic powers, possibly
higher powers than the Gods themselves. This is merely rumor, however, and has
not yet been proven.
Creative Magic
The spells of Creative Magic are the spells of Law, the spells which are taught
in the IMG and all other civilized guilds of magic.
Entropic Magic
These are the spells of Chaos, the spells which have been outlawed in all
civilized lands. This magic is only practiced by madmen and those who would
tempt the dark powers of Chaos. Most of these spells will fall under the
schools of Conjuration/Summoning, Invocation/Evocation, and Necromancy. Spells
which access other-dimensional spaces or produce effects of pure force will
also be found here.
