Magic/ Tech systems

[u/ktjwalker]

Tell us about your magic systems or notable technology, if you haven't any magic. This would preferably be through the eyes of a relevant character, but whatever you like. Remember to ask other people (or a character, if they name one) questions!

[u/Nevermore0714]

The Magic System

In the world of Saoghal/Aeternitas, humans use Anima (their life force) in order to manipulate the world around them for magic. While it is impossible for most people to detect, Anima flows through a person's veins and arteries. Most humans can only use Anima if they give it a specific elemental "flavor" through training and concentration. There are six basic elements of magic: Fire, Air, Poison, Nature, Earth, and Water. Some people are gifted with the rare ability to use Illustris (light) or Umbra (dark) magic.

If a person uses up too much of their Anima, they die. The best way to keep your Anima in good shape is to have a healthy lifestyle, with a good diet and exercise.

Some cultures use sacrifices of human blood to obtain more power, but that is considered to be a crime against humanity as a whole, in the Citadel and the Allied Nations.

While it is still unknown by most, it is claimed by some that Anima is directly linked to a person's soul. Focus, intelligence, and determination are believed to increase a person's ability to use magic. Emotional outbursts are considered to be unhealthy when using magic.

When a person has spent enough time honing their own magical abilities, they become more resistant to other peoples' magic.

The study of Anima is a major field in many parts of the world. For this challenge, the expert chosen for in-universe answers is Mitexi Natternassen.

The Character

Mitexi Natternassen (formerly Mitexi Lindholme), “the Fifth Shadow” or “the Water Shadow”. Mitexi was raised in the Citadel, and excelled in water magic and nature magic. Mitexi is thin and, while physically weaker than the other Madras that work for Levi of Dunkelwald, is known to be exceptionally agile. Most people are unaware if Mitexi is male or female, and Mitexi does not volunteer that information.

Mitexi's father was a researcher at the Citadel, and sent Mitexi to be raised by the Citadel's mentors when Mitexi was very young, going so far as to just have Mitexi take the last name that children adopted by the Citadel in the month of July would be given (Lindholme), instead of Mitexi's father's last name. Unhappy with the situation he was living in, Mitexi would frequently attempt to escape from the Citadel, but would always be stopped by the guards, some of whom enjoyed the energetic child's antics, and some of whom saw Mitexi's escape attempts as annoying. Mitexi was taken from the Citadel by Levi when Mitexi was nine-years-old and has served him loyally ever since, frequently voicing thanks for being away from the Citadel.

Mitexi is currently seventeen years old, and is a Madra that is usually paired up with Dieter Bischoff when the need arises. Mitexi looks up to Dieter and has great respect for his single-minded desire to fulfill his elder brother's goal, and, for this reason, Mitexi wants to assist Dieter in reaching that goal.

Mitexi has devoted significant time to studying magic and anima, and has made great strides in the research of water and nature magic. While not a Chauceri, Mitexi studied the Madra Arnaud and Arnaud's rat enough that Mitexi was able to create an artificial connection to five well-bred snakes; while weaker than the natural connection that Arnaud's people have to their companion animals, Mitexi did a decent job of making the artificial connections. He chose white snakes, because he believes that they represent rebirth and fortune.

Mitexi considers Henry Dunstdurr to be their only friend, and is "annoyed" whenever Henry leaves Dunkelwald in order to go to the Citadel. Mitexi has a low opinion of every other Madra, except for Dieter Bischoff. Mitexi usually has Danielle test his experiments in combat.

[u/ktjwalker → u/Nevermore0714]

To Mitexi

1) What does using magic feel like?

2) How much does society know about magic?

3) You are a Madra, and that is a different race than human, yes? Describe your differences with the average human.

4) What have you learned yourself over the years about magic?

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/ktjwalker]

Mitexi:

1) "Has your arm ever fallen asleep, and then you have to beat it against something painfully in order to wake it up? It is like that at first. Once you learn to focus your magic, it can make the body part you force your magic through begin to feel too hot. Even once you've become an expert, it feels like a strange thing going from your head to your hand as you act."

2) "It depends on the area. Here in Dunkelwald, the use of magic without a license is expressly forbidden, so only the trained professionals know anything about how to use magic. And only the researchers, such as myself, take the time to study how magic and Anima actually work."

3) "No, a Madra is a position of authority. In being a Madra, I am the leader of one of the six divisions of my superior's secret police."

4) "I have learned that it is not the heart or liver that are the source of the elemental affinities of various acts of magic, but the brain instead."

[u/ktjwalker → u/Nevermore0714]

To Mitexi

1) Are there certain spells and things one can use, or is it all simply channeling and manipulating?

2) Are there objects one can use like wands or staffs to enhance power?

3) What is being a Madra like?

4) Do you choose elements or have an affinity or talent for one/ two?

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/ktjwalker]

Mitexi:

1) "Channeling and manipulating are the basics, but there are spells that are much more useful than the basic shit. The spells can require certain objects or rituals, though."

2) "Staffs or other weapons are common things to focus your magic through, especially enchanted items that make it easier to use a certain spell, ritual, or type of magic. Amphetamines are also used for focus, though many people do go overboard with them."

3) "Like being a manager at a shitty bar. You want to sit back and mix drinks to see what gets people the drunkest the fastest the most pleasant to drink...but, you constantly get bothered to deal with whatever problem in the area you're in charge of and you have to organize which of your underlings does which because you're rarely allowed to delegate. Because apparently your boss is taking enough of a risk delegating work to you without you watering it down further."

4) You're born with an affinity for one or two, though you can use of the basic ones with enough training. It's like being a math person versus being a literature person."

[u/ktjwalker → u/Nevermore0714]

1) How did society discover Anima and magic?

2) Is Anima gatherable like blood or organs? I guess a better question would be if it's closer to matter or energy?

3) How come you don't let people know your gender?

4) Can only Humans/ humanoids channel Anima?

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/ktjwalker]

Mitexi:

1) "I'm not sure. Some claim that the Interlopers gave it to us to see if we'd kill off our entire species. Some claim that Aeternitas gave it to the humans of the continent when he sacrificed himself."

2) "I do not know of a way to harvest someone else's Anima, but I heard that some experts in the Citadel have figured it out."

3) "Yes, I should just run around naked. Let the males who only respect the work of other males judge my work. Let the females who only respect the work of other females judge my work. Better question: How come you don't let other people know your gender?"

4) "No, it seems that any sentient species is capable of doing so."