# Intro Magic suffuses the world of Drakkenheim, but mortal spellcasters are rare. Only about one in every thousand people can cast spells, and roughly two-thirds of these only ever master cantrips and first-level spells in their entire lifetimes. The few who can work greater magic often wield tremendous personal, social, and political power. Though rare, magic is common currency for nobility, clergy, wealthy merchants, and adventurers. Only a handful of living mortals can cast ninth-level spells. Most are secretive recluses or legendary figures. Harnessing more magical might than most mortals can even comprehend, they often turn their attention away from earthly affairs to contemplate the cosmic order, fighting unseen battles against supernatural foes whose very nature threatens to tear the world asunder. The common folk regard spellcasters with superstition and awe. There was a time when arcane magic users faced extreme persecution, and echoes of those prejudices remain. Few even understand the difference between sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards — they are collectively referred to as ‘mages’. However, commoners can recognize spellcasters who are clerics of the [[Sacred Flame]] or mages of the [[Amethyst Academy]] by their symbols and attire. Spellcasters who are not (or do not claim to be) members of these recognized organizations are often mistrusted and feared by commoners. # Arcane Magic The arcane magic of artificers, sorcerers and wizards draws upon otherworldly energies. The ability to tap into these forces is reliant on a recessive genetic trait in mortals - such individuals are called [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]]. Signs that a person is [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]] typically emerge in late childhood or early puberty, usually as random displays of wild magic. In some rare cases it does not develop until adulthood. Mortals who lack the [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]] gene cannot become artificers, sorcerers or wizards under any circumstances. By law, the [[Amethyst Academy]] takes guardianship over any child born in the realms who manifests magical ability, whether they are a royal heir or commoner. A child who bristles against [[Amethyst Academy|Academy]] training — or who was not taken in by them — most often becomes a sorcerer. Bards and warlocks also work arcane magic, but do not necessarily depend on [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]] lineage to do so. Instead, warlocks gain arcane power through pacts with eldritch entities, and bards find supernatural inspiration to harness the Words of Creation. Regardless, many keep their powers secret. ![[the apothecary.png|240]] # Divine Magic In the world of Drakkenheim, divine spellcasting powers are not granted by gods. Instead, clerics, druids, and paladins learn to cast spells by channeling the supernatural forces of light and shadow that underscore the cosmos. In theory, such powers are attainable by anyone, but in practice only exceptionally gifted individuals master even the lowest-level divine spells. As such, divine spellcasting is viewed as a disciplined and sacred technique attainable only by those with sufficient will and devotion, and only after years of meditation and training. Its practitioners are not considered [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]]. Violating one’s religious tenets will not cause a cleric, druid, or paladin to lose their powers. However, a personal crisis of faith brought on by some discordant change in behaviour and morality could cause an individual to lose their divine spellcasting powers. More often, a cleric, druid, or paladin who commits some grave trespass risks retribution from other members of their religion. (see also [[Sacred Flame]]: [[Wiki/Sacred Flame#Clerics of the Sacred Flame|Clerics]], [[Wiki/Sacred Flame#paladins of the sacred flame|Paladins]]) (see also [[Faith & Religions#The Old Faith|The Old Faith]]: [[Faith & Religions#The Old Faith|Clerics]], [[Faith & Religions#The Old Faith|Druids]], [[Faith & Religions#The Old Faith|Paladins]]) ![[Cleric of the Sacred Flame.png|300]] # Other Spellcasters There are many rudimentary techniques for casting a small smattering of cantrips and lesser spells, represented by rangers and subclasses or feats that grant minor spellcasting features. Such characters are viewed as merely dabblers, not [[character backgrounds#mageborn|Mageborn]].