Explanation of some key terms and power systems

[A/N: This chapter is coming as a result of a need i felt, so you can understand some terms in the story so far, along with brief explanations on them]

MAGIC

This is the art or practice of manipulating the mana in the atmosphere to produce, control or manipulate elements.

The source

Mana: An abundant element, highly resonant with humans and some beasts. Mana serves as fuel, while the human body acts as the engine. With the right conditions, this combination generates power, manifesting as elements.

The biology:

Magic Is practiced by manipulating the mana in the atmosphere through the help of a system of organs in the body called "The mana system." Each organ, distinct, works together in harmony to ensure a proper and free distribution of mana. Mana goes into the body via various mean, including inhaling.

THE MANA SYSTEM

Organs

The receivers: Tiny organs distributed evenly throughout the human body, enabling the manipulation of atmospheric mana.

Rail veins: A complex network of nerves (like veins) that transport mana from the main source (the mana core) to the receivers, ensuring a free flow of mana without obstruction.

Mana core: Often referred to as the second heart or mana heart, this organ is located near the heart. It functions similarly to the heart, but instead of blood, it pumps mana throughout the body via the rail veins to the receivers. It also filters impurities from the mana inhaled.

Mana categories

Humans are born with specific types of mana, called "affinities." The affinities determine the elements a person can manipulate. Multiple affinities are possible.

The elemental affinities are:

Fire

Earth

Water

Air

Lightning

The non elemental affinities are:

Light

Darkness

Nature/plant

Psychic

Some of the elements have subcategories, and mages can manipulate other forms of mana through arcane practices. (Read arcane below for more information.)

ARCANE

Arcane is a versatile practice, an art that stirs up different forces and energies to produce varying effects depending on practice. Arcane is associated and relies on the principles of language, or rather words. It is the most universal and versatile source with various modes of use. Arcane encompasses spell casting, rune inscriptions, imbuing etc. Its division and branching is a subject of intense controversy in the world, as practitioners each have different uses and applications.

With all the disagreements the generally accepted divisions of arcane are; Minor Arcana and Major Arcana

Minor Arcana

Brief Overview: A versatile branch of arcane closely related to traditional magic due to its reliance on mana. It encompasses various methods of inducing effects through the manipulation of mana.

Applications

Inscriptions: Carving or drawing symbols and runes to create magical effects.

Spellcasting: Verbal or somatic casting of spells to invoke mana-based effects.

Magic Circles: Complex diagrams drawn on surfaces to channel and amplify magical energies.

Runes: Symbols that store and release magical energy for specific purposes.

Artifact Making: Crafting items imbued with magical properties.

Examples of Effects:

Protection Wards: Creating barriers that protect against physical or magical attacks.

Elemental Control: Enhancing the power of elemental magic through focused runes or circles.

Enchantments: Imbuing objects with specific magical properties (e.g., a sword that never dulls, boots that allow for faster running).

Healing Circles: Diagrams that channel mana to accelerate healing.

Major Arcana

Overview: This branch of arcane is more complex. Separate from minor arcana that manipulates mana, major arcana is the art that manipulates the fundamental laws of the universe, making it more potent and difficult to master. Despite having fewer channels of application compared to Minor Arcana, its effects are more profound and far-reaching.

Applications:

Spellcasting: Invoking universal laws through spoken or written words.

Magic Circles: Creating powerful diagrams that can manipulate fundamental elements.

Inscriptions: Writing symbols or runes that influence the fabric of reality.

Fundamental Elements Manipulated:

Time

Gravity

Space

Void

Energy

Entropy

Order

Fate

Life

Death

[The last four are beyond the first few, as they touch on forces that relate to fate, life and beyond. They are the source of the majority of the controversies as a lot of people believe they shouldn't be classified under the majority arcane branch.]

Examples of Effects:

Temporal Manipulation: Slowing down or accelerating time within a given area.

Gravitational Anomalies: Creating areas of increased or decreased gravity.

Spatial Portals: Opening gateways to other locations or dimensions.

Void Zones: Generating areas where matter and energy are nullified.

Energy Constructs: Forming objects or constructs out of pure energy.

Entropy Fields: Accelerating the decay of materials or magical constructs.

Order Seals: Stabilizing chaotic forces or reinforcing structures against disintegration.

Fate Weaving: Shifting probabilities to influence outcomes in the caster's favor.

Life Enhancement: Boosting the vitality and resilience of living beings.

Death Auras: Emitting an aura that weakens or drains the life force of nearby entities.

SUGUDENS

Brief overview: Suguden is a term used to describe a group of individuals born with a defective mana core, preventing them from being able to manipulate external mana and casting traditional magic, hence making them seriously handicapped in a world full of magic.

However, they have developed unique ways to harness their internal mana. They harness the mana within their bodies with extreme proficiency and precision to achieve various effects.

Abilities:

Body Augmentation: Enhancing physical attributes such as strength, speed, agility, and resilience by channeling internal mana.

Energy Projection: Releasing stored internal mana as bursts of energy for offensive or defensive purposes.

Self-Healing: Accelerating their own healing processes by directing mana to damaged tissues.

Enhanced sense organs: They can enhance their 5 sensory organs, giving them incredible eyesight that has a varying range of effects, enhanced hearing, smelling etc.

Mana Infusion: with the help of arcane there are custom made weapons which can channel their internal mana. They can also imbue objects or weapons with their internal mana to enhance their properties temporarily.

Limited Magic Mimicry: Creating effects similar to minor magical spells by manipulating internal mana in creative ways.