Magic and Mages in the Shardscape

[TLDunn213]

The most common spellcasters are Wizards and Sorcerers who use Arcane magic. Maguses, Shamans, and some Warlocks also use Arcane magic. But more on them in a bit.

Arcane magic works by subtlety adjusting the balance between Order and Chaos that underlies our reality.

The primary difference between Wizards and Sorcerers is in how they learn and cast their spells. Which most of you are likely already familiar with.

But, for completeness and those who may not know. Wizards load spells into their minds with the mana attached and once the spell is cast it vanishes from their mind leaving room for a new spell.  

Sorcerers on the other hand learn spells permanently (well simi-permanently. more on this in a bit)

With the mana as a pool to be taped and channeled through the spell as needed.

Wizards can take a Feat called Spell mastery that allows them to permanently learn a spell the way a Sorcerer does.

And likewise Sorcerers can take a Feat called Spell Flexibility which allows them to temporarily learn a spell as Wizards do.

Seeing the advantages of being able to do both some adventurers tried training both ways. This proved to be quite difficult as the two ways of learning spells are almost opposites. Which puts quite a bit of strain on the mind of the student. Which eventually lead to the development of the Magus class. Which is designed specifically to address that problem. Progress is somewhat slower than for students who follow just Wizard or Sorcerer paths. But those who choose Magus say that it worth it.

Anyway moving on.

The next most common type of spellcaster is the Cleric or Priest.

Priest are typically those who stay in Towns and Cities taking care of their congregations. While the Cleric is out with groups of adventurers keeping evil beings away from civilized lands. 

These spellcasters use Holy Magic provided by the Gods. Or Infernal magic provided by Demons or Devils in the case of Evil Clerics and Priests. 

Typically their handling of spells is much the same as Wizards. With the spells they are likely to need being provided by the Being they serve. 

Healing spells being a notable exception in most cases. These tend to be installed Sorcerer style and can be cast extra times by sacrificing other spells for the mana needed to do so.

The difference between Good and Evil Healing spells is a side topic that I'll expound on more fully another time.

 

Just as I will cover Warlocks, Shamans and the rest a bit later in this series.

 

Edited Saturday at 11:55 PM by TLDunn213