Lore: Magic Traditions

Also called magic types.

Despite these classifications, all forms of magic derive from the same vast energy that underlies all of reality. Some magic traditions evolved out of older ones, but all forms of magical interact equally with each other.

Alchemical


Alchemical magic is the combination of outer alchemy (waidan), the esoteric mixing of materials, and inner alchemy (neidan), the esoteric mixing of essences within one's body. The alchemical caster is able to use their neidan to generate magical effects with special specific mixtures of materials that would normally not synthesize in any special way. Unlike other magic traditions, alchemical magic always requires material components.

Traditional ability score: Intelligence.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Alchemist, investigator.

Arcane


Arcane magic, sometimes known as arithmancy, was developed through rigourous study and testing of the metaphysical morphic structure of the ethereal energy known as magic. these intense studies broke down magic into reliable arcane expressions. Arcane spellcasters are able to cast spells by running these expressions into specific formulaic combinations and equations in their mind, and if their calculations are correct, the spell manifests. These arcane expressions are highly complex, and combining them into formulas is exponentially even more so. Much of an arcane spellcaster's training is simply retraining their mind into thinking on a more metaphysical level that arithmancy requires.

Traditional ability score: Intelligence.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Arcanist, beguiler, spellthief, summoner, wizard.

Bardic


Bardic magic, sometimes known as emotion magic or song magic, is powered by emotions and feelings. Oftentimes, these draw from the caster, but can also draw from the emotions from others, as well as the history of a location and the lingering emotions associated with it. Generally, it is the arts that are used to cast bardic magic, such as singing, a stirring speech, or an evocative dance. The real hurdle in any bardic caster's training is being able to be skilled enough to draw powerful enough emotions necessary to trigger the magic.

Traditional ability score: Charisma.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Bard, skald.

Blood


Blood magic is inherent in the biology of the caster, typically in their blood. The caster may still need perform other actions or require outside materials in order to cast their magic, but they only need to depend on themselves to power it. The blood caster still needs to find a way to unlock and feel the magic flowing in their veins, but when they do so, they gain an instinctual understanding of it. One special characteristic about blood magic is that the caster's blood (or other organs) can be a potent source of magic in and of itself, even when separated from the caster themselves!

Traditional ability score: Charisma.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Bloodrager, sorcerer.

Divine


Divine magic originates from the magical nature of extremely powerful entities. These entities are able to grant a portion of their power to divine spellcaster. The divine spellcaster must be able to form a metaphysical link with the entity, usually in the form of intense faith and loyalty. As the divine spellcaster deepens their loyalty to their entitiy and develop their own mental and physical fortitude, they become more capable of accepting and conducting greater amounts of power of their patron. One notable characteristic of divine magic is that a spellcaster's ability to cast this magic is only granted or denied by the whim of their patron.

Traditional ability score: Wisdom.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Cleric, paladin, oracle, warpriest.

Nature


Nature magic originates from the life energy among all living things, the essences of physical elements, and their self-sustaining cycle of interaction between all of them. Nature spellcasters have trained themselves to deepen their own inner nature and their place within the greater ecosystem. This allows them to form a deep link with the natural essences around them in the physical world, and tap into the underlying power that runs through the connections between everything. Nature magic is heavily dependent on the self-sustaining cycle of the physical world, so its potency can fluctuate on the state of the natural environment and how integrated the spellcaster themselves is with it.

Traditional ability score: Wisdom.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Druid, hunter, ranger, shaman.

Occult


Occult magic is manifested from superstitions that have been repeated over and over for so long to have ingrained a belief that they are, in fact, magical. The superstitions, which can come in the form of fetishes, mantras or rituals, likely had a kernel of truth relating to magic, but were also likely to not have any magical power at all. However, through ignorance and chance, people have come to believe that they do have a magical effect, and have continued such superstitious practices over many generations. Over time, the combination of repetition, belief, and interaction with the supernatural, these superstitions can become a method to cast magic. Such is the paradoxical nature of magic, where belief can be so strong as to turn a falsehood into a truth.

Traditional ability score: Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Archivist, civilian, hexblade, medium, occultist, spiritualist, witch.

Prana


One of the oldest, and most simplest (but no less potent), form of magic is prana magic. Prana is the essence in all life, and this tradition of magic has its practicitioners trained in drawing upon the life essence within themselves to accomplish supernatural effects. Akashic magic and qi (or ki) magic are both refined forms of prana magic.

Traditional ability score: Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Daevic, guru, helmsman, kineticist, monk, ninja, rajah, sage, vizier.

Psychic


Psychic magic, also called psionic magic, is generated by the power of thought, for what is magic but making thoughts into reality? These spellcasters must be self-aware with a consciousness. They have trained their minds, their thinking process, in a way beyond most people can imagine. It is this intense training that allows their thoughts capable of altering reality to their desire.

Traditional ability score: Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma.

Traditional spellcaster classes: Aegis, cryptic, dread, marksman, mesmerist, psion, psychic, psychic warrior, tactician, soulknife, vitalist, wilder.

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