In The Blood
Whether you have been guided into the ranks of House Sdrathozth, The Mages Guild, the beacon of magical enlightenment, the beacon of magical enlightenment, or you are a rogue talent navigating the mysteries of the arcane on your own, one truth remains: Magic is in your blood. To be a Child of Magic is to hold a key to the unseen forces shaping Ertha, a unique birthright woven into the very essence of your being.
Your journey may have begun in the structured halls of magical academia, among the scholars of the Mage Guild, or perhaps you have sought out the elusive Schools of Mystery, where knowledge is whispered in candlelit chambers. You may even stand as an Apprentice Adept , standing on the threshold of arcane revelation. No matter your path, this is your first step toward understanding the nature of magic itself and how to wield it wisely.
The Dual Nature of Magic
Magic, much like the elements that shape the world, exists in two distinct but intertwined forms— Natural Magic and Lesser Magic . Understanding the difference between the two is key to mastering your gifts.
Natural Magic is intuitive. It is raw, unfiltered, and manifests in ways often beyond conscious control. It is as much a part of you as the breath in your lungs, flowing through your very essence, waiting to be harnessed. This is magic in its purest form—volatile, unpredictable, and deeply personal.
Lesser Magic is learned. It requires discipline, study, and the honing of skills over time. Unlike the instinctive power of Natural Magic, Lesser Magic is structured, cultivated through ritual and understanding. It grants precision where Natural Magic is wild, but it also demands patience and mastery.
Most apprentices discover that their abilities are a combination of the two. Some spells will come as naturally as breathing, while others must be studied and refined before they can be wielded effectively. Magic is not a force that can be controlled—it is a current to be navigated, a storm to be steered through with care.
Perils and Responsibilities of Magic
Magic is a gift, but it is not without cost. The world is littered with cautionary tales of those who sought to command magic rather than harmonize with it, only to be consumed by their own ambition. House Sdrathozth, The Mages Guild, the beacon of magical enlightenment has long warned its students of the dangers that come with unchecked power. A wise apprentice understands that magic must be respected , not merely wielded.
There are risks to both
Overuse: Magic is a living force. Channeling too much too quickly can drain the body and mind, leading to exhaustion, madness, or even death. The lure of power can also lead to dependency—many have fallen into obsession, using magic compulsively until it burns away their very being.
Abstention: To refuse magic altogether is to deny one’s nature. In critical moments, the failure to act can be just as dangerous as recklessness. A mage who fears their own power may leave themselves and others vulnerable when magic is needed most.
Balance is key. The path of the Apprentice Adept is one of measured growth, where magic is not a tool but a partnership —one that demands both respect and responsibility.
The Art of Spellcraft
As you progress in your studies, you will begin to recognize the areas of magic to which you are most attuned. Some will excel in elemental mastery, bending fire and water to their will. Others may feel drawn to divination, glimpsing truths hidden to ordinary eyes. Still, others may find a natural talent for enchantment, weaving magic into the very fabric of reality. Through rigorous practice, you will refine these talents, transforming your Natural Magic into something more precise, more deliberate. You will also discover the art of Replication Magic —the ability to mimic spells witnessed in action, adapting them to your own capabilities. With every lesson, with every spell cast, you will shape the foundation of your magical identity.
But always remember— power without understanding is perilous. The strongest mages are those who know not only how to wield magic, but when not to.
The Path to Mastery
The life of a mage is not a race, but a journey. Mastery is not a destination but an ongoing pursuit. House Sdrathozth, The Mages Guild, the beacon of magical enlightenment teaches that the mark of a true wizard is not how much magic they can unleash, but how much wisdom they possess in choosing when to act.
As you progress, you will have the opportunity to rise through the ranks— from Apprentice Adept to Magus, and beyond —each level offering greater insight and responsibility. But even the greatest archmages once stood where you stand now, staring into the unknown, full of questions and eager for answers.
Take your time. Absorb the lessons before you. Let magic shape you as much as you shape it. And remember: The most powerful spell you will ever cast is the one that defines who you become.
GM Tips
For Game Masters integrating the concept of Children of Magic into their Dicesongs campaign, consider the following elements:
The Awakening: Introduce a scenario where one or more players experience a sudden surge of Natural Magic, signaling the beginning of their arcane journey. Perhaps an unexpected magical outburst alters the course of their adventure.
The Mentor’s Path: Have an NPC from House Sdrathozth, The Mages Guild, the beacon of magical enlightenment guide them—either as a benevolent teacher or a secretive observer evaluating their worthiness to enter formal training.
Rivalries and Alliances: Not all mages agree on how magic should be wielded. Perhaps a faction within the Mage Guild believes in strict control, while rogue talents reject formal training, leading to political tensions or outright conflict.
The Spell That Should Not Be Cast: Introduce a powerful but dangerous spell locked away in a forgotten tome, tempting the players with untold power but at a terrible cost.
The Burden of Magic: Magic leaves a mark. Consider having magic wielding characters develop unique traits—physical changes, prophetic dreams, or a growing hunger for magical knowledge that drives their actions.
Mystical Artifacts: House Sdrathozth, The Mages Guild, the beacon of magical enlightenment’s vaults hold legendary items that amplify or alter magical abilities. Perhaps a stolen artifact resurfaces, and the players must decide its fate.
Ascension Trials: To rise from Apprentice Adept to Magus, a character must undergo trials—solving arcane puzzles, defeating magical guardians, or proving they can resist the corruption of power.
The world of magic is boundless, and the Children of Magic are its future. Whether they embrace their heritage or struggle against it, their journey will shape the fate of Ertha.
