Arcane magic is known widely across the world as the Scholar's Magic, as it is the only path of magic that is possible to learn through self-study alone. It is a wide branch of magic that requires memorizing hand gestures, incantations, and specific materials that are used in order to cast specific spells. Arcane magic is also known to be one of the most versatile fields of magic. Through plenty of research and study, one can gain a deep and unique understanding of Arcane spell casting, and can even come to learn how to create their own spells. However, there is a dark side to the Arcane: the insanity that slowly leeches the mind as one delves deeper into the throes of the Arcane. Though the insanity's cause remains a mystery, it does not deter those who are hungry for knowledge and eager to learn more.

Basics of the Arcane

The Mysterious Source:

Every other magic path is granted from an otherworldly source, such as the God of the Light with The Church of Light, the Spirits with the Shamans, and Saria with the Druids. However, for Arcane magic, there is no known discernible source. Since material components play a large part in Arcane spellcraft, many people believe that the source actually comes from the material components themselves, and that somehow, through an unknown means, magic is channelled through the body into what they desire. Others tend to latch on to the fact that in order to even learn Arcane magic, everyone has to learn the same first spell no matter which branch they may choose to go down. They believe that by learning this spell, blink, you must somehow tap into a realm outside of the mortal plane, and that must be the source of magic.

Arcane Study:

Arcane magic is something that has to be studied and taught, as opposed to gifted. Thus, Arcane magic requires lots and lots of practice, reading, and trial and error. This is the same with spells. Arcane scholars like to say that spells are not created, but discovered. Through connecting the dots with techniques and components that are common between all other spells, new spells can be “found”. Most Arcane scholars tend to study under a teacher. Instruction is insurmountable when learning Arcane magic, as it allows for better focus and more efficient learning. However, plenty of Arcane Scholars teach themselves through reading textbooks (though it can be very dangerous, the proper books need to be used, and it has to be DMed).

A mage is only as good as their teacher. However, if Arcane magic can be self-taught, where does a teacher come into play? As will be mentioned, there are material components and intentional components. Though learning about the material components is easy enough, the intentional ones are much less intuitive. Thus, a teacher’s job is to provide aid to pronunciation and form. They will also provide drills and training exercises, as well as required readings in order to get their students used to the strange movements and words needed in order to learn. However, all mages become self-studious by the end. There is only so much a teacher can teach, but after enough instruction, the student will have enough resources to research on their own.

In terms of how spells are cast themselves, there are always at least two components: One that is always used are mana crystals (lapis lazuli) that acts as the base material component. Some more complex spells may call for larger amounts of lapis lazuli, and most require other materials in order for them to work. The next component is the component of intent. This is, depending on the spell, an incantation, hand and body movements, or both. Materials and intention are what allows for arcane magic to function.

Improvement at magic is linked equally to the time put into it. There are people that dedicate their entire lives to its study. Those who lack the time to research, study and practice will not become nearly as proficient as one who dedicates all their time to it. Arcane magic also has a rather steep curve. The beginning spells are simple, purely utility spells that have very little consequence and almost anyone can learn them. Harder spells contain some of the most powerful magics out there, even among the other magic types.

Arcane Insanity:

As enticing and easily accessible Arcane magic is to those who want to learn it, there is a massive, well known drawback to its practice: The fact that the Arcane path of magic consumes the mind. Over time, with repeated use, the insanity becomes more and more intense until the mind is completely lost. Though minor for beginners, those who dedicate their life to magic also inadvertently risk it with each spell they cast. Those afflicted with insanity tend to experience hallucinations, and as it worsens, these hallucinations get worse, and longer. Slowly, these hallucinations turn into delusions until the mind goes completely blank, and the afflicted becomes an unresponsive husk.

There do seem to be commonalities between all those who experience the Arcane Decay. A common hallucination are lemurs— sometimes one, sometimes several. That seems to be common. Another one is a strange voice from an ambiguous gender. From there, it can vary wildly.

Those who succumb fully to the decay tend to disappear within a day. Keeping them under lock and key doesn't work. Constantly keeping an eye on them can tend to delay when they disappear, but even looking away for a second will cause the afflicted to disappear. It is unknown where they go.

The direct cause of Arcane insanity is unknown. Some scholars theorize that since Arcane magic uses more of the body's internal mana than most magic, this is somehow linked to the insanity and could potentially be present with other paths of magic, though no studies have been conducted. Regardless, this remains the most popular theory. Another popular one is that it's not insanity at all: it's enlightenment. Through exposing your brain to Arcane magic, you experience a higher being of reality and thus, are able to comprehend more of the world - to the point where your brain stops functioning. However, it's also widely believe that this is a way of coping via denial for those who wish to dedicate themselves to the craft.

The Branches of Arcane Magic

These branches of magic aren't definitive differences between the types of arcane magic usable, but instead, an agreed upon way to categorize spells through similar means of casting and affects. However, like with most things, there is always a grey area, and there are some disputes about which spells belong in which categories. However, the general rule is that these categories are not a be-all-end-all - far from it, as the majority of mages tend to learn spells from every branch. However, there are those that dedicate themselves to one particular branch and find that their magic under that branch are more potent.

Enchanting:

This is the branch that gains the most focus and has the most versatility. Unlike the other branches, which contain spells that last only for a few moments, enchantment focuses on imbuing magic within an object, or removing it. This is commonly used for weapons, but the applications extend much further. Those who like to create golems tend to be enchanters; in fact, many see golemancy as a sub-branch of enchanting. It is usually explained like turning your magic into a set of instructions, then placing those instructions in lapis lazuli, which is then embedded into the object that is to be enchanted(akin to programming).

Illusory:

This branch in its simplest form deals with the senses. All magic in this branch can make something seem like it’s there when it isn't— this can be an image, sound, scent, and in more advanced cases, a touch, a feeling, or a taste. Advanced mages can seem to shape the terrain to their will, and even remove some senses entirely. Though it is treated as a branch filled with party tricks, practiced mages know to respect illusion spells.

Warding:

Magic under this branch is all about protection. These are spells like barriers, auras, and even healing, though Arcane magic does not contain many healing spells. If it's a spell that can be used to protect, it’s likely contained in this branch. Those that devote time to this branch will find themselves able to create incredibly strong wards that can protect a city from invaders, and make skin hard as steel.

Conjuring:

Magic under this branch involves any spell that allows magic to manifest into interactable things; like spectral weapons, balls of light, and arcane “creatures” that can be commanded. Those that tend to devote themselves here are able to call forth great arcane creations, or sometimes, even summon something from beyond.

Transforming:

Transforming magic relates to any spell that either moves a physical object, or changes its properties (both its mathematical and more common definition). This could be a spell that’s as simple as telekinesis, or as complex as turning lead into gold. Those that do commit solely to this branch are able to use magic to move unbelievably large objects, as well as dismantle, put together, and rearrange the properties of almost any object. Transforming is the branch for alchemists and those who enjoy math.

Offensive:

This term is used in relation to magic where the only practical uses are destructive. Balls of fire and arcane missiles are synonymous with this branch, and are what Arcane magic is famous for. For those who want to stick only with this branch, they’ll find themselves able to rain ice shards from above, erect pyres of fire, and send blasts of energy powerful enough to cause shockwaves.

Commonly Known History

Note that the following history can be treated as common knowledge amongst mages and non-mages alike:

Arcane magic was discovered a long, long time ago by a man legendary among scholars: A high elf named Lefyn, though he is commonly referred to as "The First Scholar" or "The Initial Mage" amongst scholarly groups. The legend goes that Lefyn taught at a university and was always hungry for knowledge. Through that thirst, they managed to discover the secrets of Arcana. Rather than hiding it and keeping that secret only for himself, he instead shared it with the world. Lefyn started the very first school of magic and was welcoming to all to learn the craft. However, Lefyn's story ended in tragedy. He was in fact the first to discover Arcane magic, and alas, he was also the first to succumb to Arcane insanity.

Over the years, Arcane magic grew. The Stone City that the High-Elves lived in became the centre for all Arcane Magic. It would draw travellers from all over, hungry to learn the secrets of this new form of magic. However, not everyone was as excited about the Arcane. Devout believers of the light who lived at the base of the mountain that raised the Stone City, were appalled. They believed Arcane magic to be the handiwork of demons, and thus, believed it to be a cursed form. Thus, the inquisition raised a militia to storm the Stone City and tore down the schools. However, in a last ditch attempt to save the City, a group of mages woke a Dragon from its slumber. However, this dragon was not selective. It burned and killed everyone, mage and cleric alike.

For hundreds, potentially thousands of years, Arcane Magic was believed to be a lost art - a myth even. With the Stone City lost, now only a fable, this mythic art form was considered to be only a dream to chase. That dream was eventually chased by a group of mountain dwarves who were searching for a new home, after the destruction of their original. They came across the ruins of the city... and to their surprise, found well sustained books detailing the basics of Arcane Magic. Thus, over time, Arcane Magic was formed, and through the improved trade system of the Mountain Dwarves, it was shared throughout the world, thus making Arcane Magic a mainstay and putting Mountain Dwarves at the centre of it all, where they remain to this day.

The mountain dwarves were not only skilled arcanists. Through the years, they also saw a boom of technology. In fact, it was rumoured that their technology was boosted through the use of large scale enchantments. However, once more, the mythical Stone City was lost. Some say one day, it sunk deep below the mountain. Others say that the Dwarven Titans got angry (or jealous, depending on who you ask) and pulverized the city. Regardless, it's now relegated back to the status of myth and legend.