Categories of Mages
- Location
- Straya
So these are little informational updates that are put up from time to time, even though Swallow won't have access to all this information as of yet. However, I don't expect it to become relevant particularly soon, so I'd rather the thread have access to it when it does become relevant.
While there is no formal system to categorise the various sorts of magic that exist across the land, they are often divided depending on how each practitioner uses their "pool" of magic. In short what limitations exist on how the mage can cast spells, how often they can cast spells, how long it takes for them to learn spells, and so on.
The first categorisation of such are termed the Internal mages. That is to say that their power is not expressed externally through lightning, wind, or fire but rather something inherent to them. Once they have gained the power they use, they are thereafter able to use it without limitation. The first example of such mages are the Bladebound, who once having learned a skill can then use it as often as they would like. The fundamental drawback, is that such matter such magics take time and effort to learn. Compare this to a Stormchaser, who upon gaining their powers can immediately strike their enemies with lightning, and butcher Spinewolves in their dozens if they need to. The Bladebound as such still has limitations on their power, but once power is gained it is kept.
The other mages that fit this category are the Thunderfists and the Longshots. The Thunderfists improve their bodies, and each improvement builds upon the last and nothing is lost. The Longshots improve the skills as the Bladebound do, increasing their abilities with the bow as their magical pool increases.
The second category are what are termed the Storage mages. These are mages who in some shape or form store their power, and while they are subject to similar limitations as the External mages, they are in theory able to store virtually unlimited power. The Fleshcrafters fall into this category, as do the Runesmiths, and Alchemists. In theory, an Alchemist can create concoctions forever, Fleshcrafters can shape their allies indefinitely, and Runesmiths can forge items upon items.
The third category are the External mages. The external mages are those who are able to effect changes on the world around them, but not within themselves. That is to say, a Stormchaser has no limitation on the energy they can manage, outside of their pool of magic running dry, and their skills in doing so. A Stormchaser can call down lightning enough to eliminate her enemies until her pool of magic runs dry. It will then recharge over time, whereas a Bladebound could fight for as long as her body held out. Likewise, an Alchemist could continue to use concoctions until their storage of such had run dry. All mages who do not fall into the first two categories fall into the third.
While there is no formal system to categorise the various sorts of magic that exist across the land, they are often divided depending on how each practitioner uses their "pool" of magic. In short what limitations exist on how the mage can cast spells, how often they can cast spells, how long it takes for them to learn spells, and so on.
The first categorisation of such are termed the Internal mages. That is to say that their power is not expressed externally through lightning, wind, or fire but rather something inherent to them. Once they have gained the power they use, they are thereafter able to use it without limitation. The first example of such mages are the Bladebound, who once having learned a skill can then use it as often as they would like. The fundamental drawback, is that such matter such magics take time and effort to learn. Compare this to a Stormchaser, who upon gaining their powers can immediately strike their enemies with lightning, and butcher Spinewolves in their dozens if they need to. The Bladebound as such still has limitations on their power, but once power is gained it is kept.
The other mages that fit this category are the Thunderfists and the Longshots. The Thunderfists improve their bodies, and each improvement builds upon the last and nothing is lost. The Longshots improve the skills as the Bladebound do, increasing their abilities with the bow as their magical pool increases.
The second category are what are termed the Storage mages. These are mages who in some shape or form store their power, and while they are subject to similar limitations as the External mages, they are in theory able to store virtually unlimited power. The Fleshcrafters fall into this category, as do the Runesmiths, and Alchemists. In theory, an Alchemist can create concoctions forever, Fleshcrafters can shape their allies indefinitely, and Runesmiths can forge items upon items.
The third category are the External mages. The external mages are those who are able to effect changes on the world around them, but not within themselves. That is to say, a Stormchaser has no limitation on the energy they can manage, outside of their pool of magic running dry, and their skills in doing so. A Stormchaser can call down lightning enough to eliminate her enemies until her pool of magic runs dry. It will then recharge over time, whereas a Bladebound could fight for as long as her body held out. Likewise, an Alchemist could continue to use concoctions until their storage of such had run dry. All mages who do not fall into the first two categories fall into the third.
