MAGIC NOTES
Last Updated: July 3, 2024
Magic that is found naturally, like the kind seen in angel or fairy magic, is collectively referred to in the field as "inherent magic". Arcana, or learned magic, is a magic system made to emulate and draw from this inherent magic, whether that be straight from the source, or from other individuals who possess magic. This system can be studied to a science, and be invented upon; it's the main system used by human mages, but isn't limited to human use. This system also has different subcategories, depending on use and origin; metaphysical, natural, virtuous, etc.
Arcana was historically kept highly secret, often passed down generations in temples and the like (with the occasional noble managing to pay their way through). The ideology behind this is the usual "we literally cannot let this shit get into the wrong hands". Eventually, it was opened up to the public a little bit around the time of the Industrial Revolution, with schools like our very own Byrnes Conservatory popping up, and even replacing some of these old magical monasteries. However, the cautious attitude towards letting people learn magic has given way to a more toxic, gatekeeper mindset. (As a side note, this elitism is why "magitech", the study of magic use in technology, is so neglected, only getting traction in recent years with the contributions from Houston and Phoebe.)
After the Embarcan War in the 90s, Byrnes was destroyed, and nearly all of its information lost. Due to this, the mass death and migration of those with inherent magic as a result of the war, and uncooperative schools from other areas, magic has effectively been lost in the setting of Kyourift. Until...
Xothian Arcana is self-explanatory; it's a variety of learned magic originating from the Xoth solar system. While research of this magic variety has begun very, very recently, with Miskatonic University's SD Labs at the forefront, there's a good amount of data already gathered on it (but for all we know, this is just the beginning). Requests for the university's astronomy program to assist in research have not been responded to as of yet.
Supernatural Derivation, or what is colloquially known as "Mahou magic", is a form of familiar magic built off of Xothian arcana (although that categorization is used rather loosely). It was invented by documentarian and local menace to reality, Renee Reed. Of course, the connection element of supernatural derivation is courtesy of them, as Mahou magic emulates some of Renee's own abilities; due to this, Mahous gain an altered appearance when viewed through cameras and whatnot, just like her.
Unlike normal familiars, Mahou magic involves a physical transformation, and can be done without the knowledge of the patron, or "Rep", among other differences; the link between Mahou and Rep is maintained through a nigh-unnoticeable psychic bond, that can make one's mentality influence another. Reaching the desired Rep is determined by the ritual done to turn into a Mahou, and must be done correctly so as to not muddy up, reveal, or misdirect the "signal", so to speak. Botched rituals can lead to severe consequences, especially if the Rep becomes aware of the connection between them and the Mahou.
However, the low complexity and high reward of Mahou magic makes it considerably more accessible than standard arcana, which has led to a quick rise in popularity– especially since it originated in an area very far from frequent supernatural activity. As such, it's regarded by a good chunk of standard arcana users as Fucking Awful, especially with the potential lethality of failing these rituals. This is especially evident with pushback for Mahou eligibility in magic contests, like the Seafarers Tourney.
Further detail can be found in the Mahou Subset Guide.
Yeah, these descriptions are pretty vague compared to Mahou subset descriptions. I mean, it's not that deep.
This is not a complete list, and will be updated over time.
Rather self-explanatory; consists of protective, regenerative, and sometimes buff-inducing magics.
Notable Characters of this Field: Houston
A location-based category concerned with magic typically found within Heaven and Hell, but mostly the former due to its dangerously anomalous properties. It includes but isn't limited to energy manipulation (light or heat, mostly), magic affected by or affecting morality, buff-inducing and intensifying magics, etc. This category, along with some other stuff, contributed to the whole "saying an angel or devil's first name is rude" thing. It also tends to involve the use of souls, though not necessarily as a mandatory component.
Notable Characters of this Field: None
Also self-explanatory; a very broad magical category consisting of basic elements and concrete concepts, as well as how they interact with one another. Sort of a required thing to study, in terms of magic academia. There's quite a few subcategories of elemental magic, as one would expect from such a far-reaching school.
Notable Characters of this Field: Aeon Erie Byrnes
A category involving flora and fauna, as well as some related topics like biomes. Some varieties of fae are naturally inclined towards this category for kinda obvious reasons.
Notable Characters of this Field: Jonathan Holguín
A particularly complex field with more vague and abstract topics, like time, space, and perception. A considerable amount of work in this field is theoretical– messing with time and space is dangerous, you know!
Notable Characters of this Field: Arturo Vargas