Good day! Manny with you again this month. It’s become a habit of PH to rely on me to share some information from Hemmethin, the world in which Gallantea exists. Last month I shared a summary of a lecture written by my brother, Brotherd. The discussion is meant for beginning students at the Mage Guild and calls for new initiates to understand their role in the world as would-be mages. This month, I share the continuation of the lecture in shortened form for this newsletter.
Given the history and nature of magic, controls now exist that forbid rampant abuses by means of magical practice. It is imperative that you understand the constraints as part of your learning. Merely knowing a spell is only half the task in this day. Now, you also need to gain a full understanding of the role of magic and how it may be used.
One might say that the mage is now hobbled and cannot practice the magical arts freely, that the mage can no longer use skills for any proper self-interest such as a profitable living. This could be nothing further from the truth. Many mages now ply their trade in numerous ways, some even to fame and profit.
As to magic, there is a defined set of types that are coupled with abilities. You will be tested to discover your affinities for your specific types of magical abilities. Your affinity for elements and types will be determined so each of you can be adequately trained for a profession as a mage.
These forms of magic vary widely among practitioners and their abilities. Some mages are merely able to use some magic while others can use most, if not all, forms of magic. Those with specialized or limited abilities often devote themselves to their art as suits their capabilities such as the alchemist, the illusionist, the healer, and many others. The greatest of mages often spread themselves into many areas, capable of casting magic most any way available through their being or devices or inscribed means. Wands, or casters as they are now termed, are the most ordinary form of casting magic as a way of focusing magical essence and its control but other means include potions, scrolls, and now, in these most auspicious of times, through a variety of technological advances, namely various kinds of fleer cells.
Such discoveries allow for the use of magic in all manners of daily life by everyone within the more scientifically developed nations and Gallantea is foremost among these countries. Here, common travel via the tram or carriage is conveyed through the invention of magical cells. Common devices for entertainment, personal protection, military uses as well as agricultural and medical are often created for use by non-magical users for the greater benefit of all citizens. It is in this way that mages have come to view themselves as caretakers and partakers in society, affecting the economy, health, and the wider communities of humanity.
While the more primitive and selfish mages exert their wills by fear, the modern, educated mage shares his ability with others much as any craftsman or tradesman does. Various devices are created and used every day by innumerable people while the creators equally take part in society with other skilled professionals.
Training is now more formalized as opposed to mere apprenticeships or learning from fearsome users. In ages past, such clan-based teachers lacked standard knowledge and skill in addition to possessing vengeful, terrifying intentions where deities were invoked, and rituals performed. Innocents often suffered at the hands of such ill-intentioned individuals. Schools now teach and inform students of information as well as ethics of magical usage. You step now through the doorway which conveys you to a broader, grander realm of mage learning than ever before this time, the beginning of a journey far beyond the petty notions of narrow-minded practitioners of the past.
Well, Manny here. I hope that provides you with more perspective regarding magic and it’s uses. It goes without saying that I encounter many practitioners who, shall we say, consider magical laws and regulations to be mild suggestions instead of what they are.
Manny
