Codex Arcanum

The Book of Magic

On Magic In Mithria

Magic is a vast and nebulous thing, not fully understood by even the most powerful of sorcerers. Those who have devoted decades to its study only know a small part of the whole. Thus, this book was created to introduce the wonders of magic to those who wish to learn of it. In my years of study, I have discovered not a few amazing new spells, and only a few decades ago I opened up an entire new school of magic, that had been unknown previously. This I tell you, so that you will understand that I know whereof I speak. There are many faces to magic in this world, some beautiful, others hideous beyond mortal comprehension. There are many masters, eager to teach willing new pupils how to tap into and control the arcane energies of the world around them. There are also many charlatans, wishing only to lighten their pupils’ purses by a few hundred crystals. Each of you must judge for yourself who you wish to apprentice youselves to, and this will not be an easy task. But once you begin to learn, to understand the energy flowing around and between each living thing, you will see that the beauty of pure magic has no equal. I leave you with this final remark: seek only to better yourself, and you will never fail; seek to dominate others, and you will be overthrown; seek to help others, and you will be welcomed; seek wisdom, and you will understand that wisdom has its own time – for power does not come lightly. Good luck to you, intrepid traveler, on the road to the unknown!

Magnus,
Patriarch of Fire

Schools of Magic

There are at present only six schools of magic. It is certain that others exist, but they either have been lost in the mists of time, or have simply not yet been discovered. The schools at present consist of the four elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth), Light, and Dark. Light and Dark are the oldest of the schools, as they are the basis for the teachings of both healers and combat wizards. Light magic is concerned with healing the body, curing illness, disease, or poison, and protection, while Dark magic is primarily oriented towards causing harm to an enemy. The elemental schools concentrate themselves on control of their respective elements, both to damage an enemy and for other, more subtle effects. Each of the six schools has an opposite. Those who choose to specialize in one school are forbidden to learn any spells from the school opposing it. The schools are arrayed as follows: As you can see, Fire and Water are opposites, as are Air and Earth. Dark and Light also oppose each other. The complex and delicate balance between the different types of magic, and the interactions between them, is what gives rise to life, in all its complexity and mystery. Be most cautious in your studies and research, young student, lest in your dabblings you waken something you have not the power to control. The slightest error in any of the major incantations may lead to unforeseen, and sometimes unfortunate, results.