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Description
Right, so I think I'm going to codify my magic system for Thaumata. After all, if I'm going to do a comic ABOUT magic, I should have some basic rules for it, right?

Right?

Anyway, Magic in Thaumata is broken into three separate methodologies. Let's take a look at them:

Top Circle:
This circle represents Gwydonic Theory, the original codified language of magic emerging at about roughly 230 BR (Before Revolution) and named after the Sage/Mystic who recorded it. It is a old art, dealing primarily with arcane forumlae as a vehicle for enforcing the casters will on the world. Gwydonic theory states that reality is but an illusion, and that magic is merelt changing one's perception of that illusion.

Indeed, Gwydonic magic works very much in that way. No spellcaster casts a Gwydonic spell the same way another would. Gwydonic spells are mutable, flexible, adaptive, and highly personal. A single spell from Gwydonic theory can cover a variety of different uses.

However, there are drawbacks. First, Gwydonic Magic is a mana intensive art. External sources are rarely enough to deal with mana requirements of the spells, thus requiring the caster to devolop their own internal reserves. Second, the caster must be of strong will and resolve and imagination. Lesser minds are incapable of shaping reality in this way. Third, enchanting is difficult and costly. The mutability of Gwydonic magic fares poorly when confined to objects. And fourth, it is really, really hard to learn.

Gwydonic magic is still used in modern times, but not to the extent it used to be. Which is understandable, since it used to be the ONLY magic.

Bottom Circle:
The Venaci Models are a new form of magic, and the foundation of modern life. This form of magic was developed in VA 45 by renowned alchemist and wizard Venaci Domingo as a rebelion against the entrenched magi cartels of his homeland.

Venaci Models are rigid and logical. They are a science, and the progression from Gwydonic theory to the Venaci models is like the progression of alchemy to chemistry. It is a magic that anyone, provided they have the will and the understanding, can learn.

Venaci models require very little mana to use, and work superbly for enchantment. Simple spells using Venaci models are so easy even a peasent can learn at least one, and can be effortlessly powered by an external source. More importantly, every bit of force (Called a thaum, the standard measurement of magical energy) used is understood in a scientific way. Unlike Gwydonic magic, there is very little guesswork involved.

Unfortunately, Venaci models are not very flexible. A venaci spell fits one function, and one fuction only. Also, they tend to have comparably less powerful effects when compared to Gwydonic magic (Thaum for Thaum) but the ease of use, and the utility as a enchanting tool has enabled the modern age of magic.

In short, Gwydonic magic is an Art. Venaci magic is a science.

Middle Circle:
The newest of the magic, is Kinetisim.

It does not deal with incantations, or spells, but is rather a magic focused on the enhancement and expression of power through the physical body. Only showing up about 20 years ago, very little is understood about it's orgions, but its use and methods are well defined.

A soliders magic, Kinetisim draws energy from the body (As Ki, or the soul) and focuses that power through the physical body. Kinetisits can run at amazing speeds, crush rock with their bare hands, climb walls like a spider, or even harden their skin to iron levels of durability.

However, kinetisim is an art that only appears in those who have killed before, and thus unlock their third spiritual gate. As such, kinetisists are almost always veterans of martial proffesions.

...

And that's all I have to say about magic!

Description
Right, so I think I'm going to codify my magic system for Thaumata. After all, if I'm going to do a comic ABOUT magic, I should have some basic rules for it, right?

Right?

Anyway, Magic in Thaumata is broken into three separate methodologies. Let's take a look at them:

Top Circle:
This circle represents Gwydonic Theory, the original codified language of magic emerging at about roughly 230 BR (Before Revolution) and named after the Sage/Mystic who recorded it. It is a old art, dealing primarily with arcane forumlae as a vehicle for enforcing the casters will on the world. Gwydonic theory states that reality is but an illusion, and that magic is merelt changing one's perception of that illusion.

Indeed, Gwydonic magic works very much in that way. No spellcaster casts a Gwydonic spell the same way another would. Gwydonic spells are mutable, flexible, adaptive, and highly personal. A single spell from Gwydonic theory can cover a variety of different uses.

However, there are drawbacks. First, Gwydonic Magic is a mana intensive art. External sources are rarely enough to deal with mana requirements of the spells, thus requiring the caster to devolop their own internal reserves. Second, the caster must be of strong will and resolve and imagination. Lesser minds are incapable of shaping reality in this way. Third, enchanting is difficult and costly. The mutability of Gwydonic magic fares poorly when confined to objects. And fourth, it is really, really hard to learn.

Gwydonic magic is still used in modern times, but not to the extent it used to be. Which is understandable, since it used to be the ONLY magic.

Bottom Circle:
The Venaci Models are a new form of magic, and the foundation of modern life. This form of magic was developed in VA 45 by renowned alchemist and wizard Venaci Domingo as a rebelion against the entrenched magi cartels of his homeland.

Venaci Models are rigid and logical. They are a science, and the progression from Gwydonic theory to the Venaci models is like the progression of alchemy to chemistry. It is a magic that anyone, provided they have the will and the understanding, can learn.

Venaci models require very little mana to use, and work superbly for enchantment. Simple spells using Venaci models are so easy even a peasent can learn at least one, and can be effortlessly powered by an external source. More importantly, every bit of force (Called a thaum, the standard measurement of magical energy) used is understood in a scientific way. Unlike Gwydonic magic, there is very little guesswork involved.

Unfortunately, Venaci models are not very flexible. A venaci spell fits one function, and one fuction only. Also, they tend to have comparably less powerful effects when compared to Gwydonic magic (Thaum for Thaum) but the ease of use, and the utility as a enchanting tool has enabled the modern age of magic.

In short, Gwydonic magic is an Art. Venaci magic is a science.

Middle Circle:
The newest of the magic, is Kinetisim.

It does not deal with incantations, or spells, but is rather a magic focused on the enhancement and expression of power through the physical body. Only showing up about 20 years ago, very little is understood about it's orgions, but its use and methods are well defined.

A soliders magic, Kinetisim draws energy from the body (As Ki, or the soul) and focuses that power through the physical body. Kinetisits can run at amazing speeds, crush rock with their bare hands, climb walls like a spider, or even harden their skin to iron levels of durability.

However, kinetisim is an art that only appears in those who have killed before, and thus unlock their third spiritual gate. As such, kinetisists are almost always veterans of martial proffesions.

...

And that's all I have to say about magic!