Docendo discimus
“Welcome, Aygarn and Zenith,” I began, my voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. “It is a pleasure to greet you at the House of Vin-Yathneneern. Your lineage, the Marblex-Neriusto, carries a profound connection to magic. But today, you will begin to truly understand its complexity, its mechanics, and its place in the world of Ertha.”
Magic is not merely a force to be wielded; it is a tapestry woven with intent, emotional resonance, environmental forces, and internal discipline. To master it, you must first comprehend its pillars, including the Mechanics of Magic, Classes and Subclasses, and its Uses and Purposes.
In the First Age, before the formation of the Great Guilds, the foundations of magic were laid by the enigmatic First Ones. These beings, ancient and powerful, were the architects of the magical principles that continue to govern Ertha. They were the custodians of the arcane, crafting spells and knowledge that would later influence the structures of the Second Age. The First Ones used their gifts to shape the very fabric of existence, their magic transcending mortal understanding.
The Mechanics of Magic are deeply rooted in the legacies of the First Ones. Magic operates through structured yet fluid principles. Intent serves as its cornerstone, focusing the caster’s will and determination. Emotional states amplify or temper its effects, creating a dynamic interplay between the caster’s inner world and the external forces at play. Environmental factors such as the Trinity Suns’ alignment or the presence of natural magical conduits like ley lines further shape its outcomes. Internal discipline, cultivated through lineage, training, and inherent aptitude, completes the equation.
The classifications of magic that emerged from the First Ones include healing, protection, offense, nature magic, and divination. Healing magic was a gift used to restore vitality and mend both physical and spiritual wounds. Protective magic shielded civilizations from the relentless assault of Voidborn forces unleashed by the Shadowgate. Offensive magic wielded elemental forces to combat threats and maintain balance. Nature magic fostered harmony with Ertha’s flora and fauna, drawing power from the world itself. Divination unraveled mysteries and revealed paths hidden in the shadows of uncertainty.
The purposes of magic were as varied as its forms. It served as a tool for healing, a barrier against darkness, a weapon of defense, a means of creation, and a source of insight. Magic was never static—it was a living force shaped by the intent and mastery of its wielder. Healing addressed wounds and illnesses, while protection forged barriers that safeguarded the fragile threads of peace. Offense delivered decisive force in moments of conflict, while creation transformed raw elements into objects of purpose and beauty. Insight through divination illuminated the unknown and brought clarity to the uncertain.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. The misuse of magic during the First Age resulted in the catastrophic Great War, when the Voidborn spilled forth from the Shadowgate. It was the First Ones who stood against this tide of chaos, their mastery of magic instrumental in sealing the Shadowgate and restoring balance. The scars of their battle remain etched into the history of Ertha, a reminder of both the potential and peril of magic.
Aygarn and Zenith, your journey will shape the future of magic on Ertha. The power flowing through your veins carries the legacy of the First Ones. Whether you become healers, protectors, creators, or defenders, your choices will determine how that legacy unfolds. Let this journey deepen your understanding of the Mechanics of Magic and reveal the wonder and responsibility it entails.
GM Tips
For GMs, the Mechanics of Magic and the role of the First Ones provide rich opportunities to enhance storytelling and create compelling NPCs. Consider weaving the history of the First Ones into your campaign through ancient artifacts, forgotten texts, or remnants of their creations. NPCs can include descendants of the First Ones who serve as mentors or enigmatic figures whose actions influence the players’ paths.
The legacy of the First Ones offers fertile ground for backstory development. Perhaps an NPC carries a fragment of their knowledge, using it to guide or hinder the party. A descendant of the First Ones might struggle with the weight of their heritage, caught between upholding the principles of their ancestors and navigating a world that misunderstands them. These connections add depth and complexity to the narrative, creating emotional stakes for the players.
Incorporating the Mechanics of Magic into your game world can also provide players with unique challenges. A magical anomaly tied to the First Ones’ forgotten rituals might require the party to unravel its mysteries. Ancient sites linked to the First Ones could serve as quest locations, filled with puzzles and arcane traps that test the players’ mastery of magic and strategy.
For NPC backstories, consider characters shaped by their relationship to magic and the First Ones’ legacy. A scholar seeking to preserve the remnants of First Age knowledge, a protector guarding a sacred site, or an antagonist corrupted by the misuse of ancient power—all can serve as pivotal figures in your campaign. By integrating these elements, you not only enrich your world but also give players a deeper connection to the narrative tapestry of Dicesongs.