Laying the Foundation: Magic Systems in the Age of the Anathema

Let’s talk MAGIC!

When it comes to epic fantasy stories and worlds, one of the things readers (myself included) find exciting is the magic system(s) in place. From tales like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto: Shippuden to Lord of the Rings and Mistborn, we all are enthralled by the intricate workings of magic woven into the very fabric of the story. We all want to know what sort of magic is wielded and, to an extent, how it works.

In this post, you’ll discover the four main magic systems in Age of the Anathema and how they work (sort of).

THE FOUR MAIN MAGIC SYSTEMS IN AGE OF THE ANATHEMA

• Bloodborne/innate magic

e.g. Adomin, Shifting, Travelling (opening rifts).

These are inherited from their ancestors, like the dragon shifters inherited their ability from the Cursed Ones after they were punished by the gods (see Goleah’s Lore and/or The Felsai Morgaron), and the AlFhairie shifters and healers from their Elven and Fae ancestors. The Lepane ancestors were gifted with the adomin ability from the Great Owl when the Wicked Elder, Carmen, first sought to start a war in the heavens and spread the taint upon the earth. (That’s all in The Felsai Morgaron.)

• Elemental Magic 

Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Soul.

The magic chooses you. It is believed that each element chooses whom they will serve, and once chosen, the individual is branded (with a magical tattoo of snaking vines and a phase of the moon on their arm) by the magic. The element may also choose to lend their power to some with an affinity for wielding it.

While all practitioners of any kind of magic are known as mages, those who specialize in the practice of specific schools are known by monikers relating to their field of training:

Wind mages are called Geysers

Water mages are called Zephyrs

Fire mages are called Cinders

Earth mages are called Terras, and

Soul mages are called Tamashi

One chosen by and given mastery over an element is known as a Lord of that element—or a Prince, in the case of a royal (yeah, lol, even royals have to earn their title and rank). This is often symbolised by a magical tattoo that appears on the side of their inner wrist.

When chosen and branded by two elements, the wielder becomes a MaLord. For a royal, they become a King or Queen.

A master of at least three elements is called a Lord Royal, despite their bloodline.

• Tinkering

Science, mechanics and alchemy.

This school of magic pushes science to its limit. With the continental ban on the use of human technologies, tinkerers/tinkers often come up with their own creative concepts to stretch the laws of physics while harnessing the magic within nature and imbuing their creations with it.

• Blood magic

Includes blood bending and necromancy.

Thought of as taboo in many parts of Eutopia, blood magic is mostly practiced by the AlFhairie daemon sect (followers of Carmen’s teachings), and while not all daemon are considered bad, many lean towards the use of kahva (the taint) and are thus corrupted by it.

Their greeting: The Chief Arkon shall rise again

Response: And we shall rule alongside him.

A master of all magic is known as a Grandmaester, though few ever achieve this due to the warring natures of the elements driving the wielder to madness long before they can master the power of all magic.

What magical ability would you like to have? What magic system do you like the most? Let me know in the comments or by hitting COMMENT!

Till next time,

Xyvah