Magic System

The gods are dead, but they are not gone. Their bodies remain, brimming with divine power. Those brave enough to seek out their remains can gain great magic, or be consumed by the very magic they seek to harness. Each god had one or more Aspects, collectively forming the Circle of Eight. The first four correspond to the Elements; Air, Earth, Fire and Water. The others correspond to the Realms that make up the Great Cycle itself; Dream, Life, Spirit and Void.

The Elements

Air– this aspect is the most ephemeral and unpredictable of the eight. It allows the caster to command the winds, summon bolts of lightning and even allows them to fly. Air is the elemental componment of both Illusion and Enchanting, two of the most potent and underestimated Greater Paths.

Earth– this aspect is the most unyielding and solid of the eight. It allows the caster to command not only stone, mud and earth, but also grants dominion over all plants. Earth is the elemental component of both Protection and Nature, two very powerful Greater Paths.

Fire– fire is the most volatile and destructive of the eight aspects. It allows the caster to control flame, harnessing it provide warmth or destroy foes. Fire is the elemental component of both Destruction and Divination, two highly coveted Greater Paths.

Water– this aspect is fluid and ever changing. It allows the caster to control water or ice. Water is the elemental component of both Summoning and Binding, two of the most highly feared Greater Paths.

The Realms

Dream– this aspect is ephermal and ever changing and is tied to the Dream Realm. It allows the caster to put others to sleep, manipulate dreams and to use glamours to charm others. Dream is the realm component of both Illusion and Divination, two of the most utilitarian Greater Paths.

Life– this aspect is the most tighly bound with the world, as it is connected to the Mortal Realm. It allows the caster to create light, cure poisons and diseases and to heal the injured. It is the realm component of both enchanting and nature, the two most highly sough paths by every kingdom in the West.

Spirit– this aspect is tied to the Spirit Realm. It allows the caster to communicate with the dead and to inflict horrible suffering on the souls of others. It is the realm component of both Binding and Protection, giving it enormous utility.

Void– this aspect is tied to the Endless Void, which encompasses the Great Cycle itself. It allows the caster to unmake objects, both living and dead. It also grants the caster the power to places curses. Void is the realm component of both Summoning and Destruction.

These eight Aspects collectively form the Circle of Eight, something all mages are familiar with. See the diagram of the circle below.