The magic in this world is a force not easily understood, and even harder to master. It is more than just an element that flows through the air; it is the pulse of the universe itself. Magic here can be harnessed, bent to one's will, or allowed to destroy everything in its wake. But with power comes peril, and in the hands of those unprepared, even the most fundamental of magics can twist into something horrific.
Elemental Magic
The first and most widespread of all magic forms, Elemental Magic, seems simple enough: the manipulation of fire, water, earth, and air. But that's where the simplicity ends.
At its most basic, the Elemental Magic for those with the inherited gift could start with controlling a spark of fire, a gust of wind, or a few grains of sand. As one grows in power, though, they learn to bend the very laws of physics. The skilled fire mage can thus create Blazing Storms-arc Grounds of flame that scorch whole landscapes. An Aqua Mage is able to summon Tidal Walls-monsoths of water crashing down with the fury of an ocean. It's not simply a case of the elements, but about a balance of them. Every Element has a different kind of cost. Fire would burn, but it consumes. Water flows, but it erodes. Earth may rise, but it crumbles. Only the rarest of mages-true masters over their element-are able to retain their power from destroying them. Masters of the Elements can actually alter the weather, summoning entire ecosystems into being. Masters of this sort are feared and respected throughout the Regimes in equal measure. The Regime of Elements, with its sprawling cities of brass and copper, holds sway over the land, ruling with the strength of its elemental powers.
The Forbidden Power:
1. Shadow Magic (Forbidden, Dark)
There is magic of light and then magic of consumption of light. One of the most sinister arts that have ever existed is Shadow Magic. It draws nourishment from the energy of the soul, from the very fabric of reality, making the shadows dance by the whim of a user. The saying goes that to master Shadow Magic is to be embraced by the abyss itself. The Regime of Shadows is a silent order, working from behind the scenes of the other Regimes, always present yet unseen, feared throughout the lands.
At the beginner level, a practitioner can create illusions, make a person see what is not there, or shroud themselves in darkness. At higher levels, they can phase through shadows, walk unseen among enemies, and manipulate the very essence of fear and despair. The most powerful users tap into the Void itself, conjuring dark creatures feasting upon a person's mind and soul. Those who embrace too much of the power often get to the point of losing what makes them human: monster-trapped things between worlds.
2. Soul Manipulation (Cursed, Forbidden)
With Soul Manipulation, one can reach into the very core of a being's existence: the soul. They can steal memories, alter personality traits, and even swap the souls within their bodies. That is complete dominance over the will of another human, which is utilized by the Regime of Souls through this very forbidden form of magic to cow the weak.
The first steps in Soul Magic are deceptively simple: read thoughts, influence dreams, or make a person see images of their past. Higher levels of the same magic grant entry and theft of memories, rewriting the history of a person, even taking over the person's body. Advanced users are able to bind souls with it, enslaving people in eternal servitude or forcing them to fight against their will.
Well, such an effect comes with an immense price since it will ravage one's soul from the inside out, tearing them away from their humanity. Those who use such a magic eventually succumb to madness and turn into fleshless specters, walking around the world, trying to find a new soul to consume.
The Power of a King
As the Regimes fight among themselves, the true battle lies in the balance of power. Each Regime claims dominance over its territory, its magic, its people. But the higher you rise in power, the more at risk you are of losing your humanity. A Regime's ruler is not just a leader; he or she is a reflection of the magic that governs them.
In the world, one does not become strong by merely having strength. You need wisdom, the art of compelling others, the mere will to make the rules of reality succumb to your will. However, the magic in and of itself is a different tool altogether for that matter. And there are consequences involved where power always leaves a certain mark-a scar on the soul.
A Moment of Reflection
Alone, Kaelen stood atop the high balcony, staring down at the city of brass and copper extending before him. The wind swept through with it the great machines' cacophony-those steampunk devices that powered this world-whirring and clanking as they forged the very foundation of the social order. Still, his thoughts were elsewhere, caught in a storm of his mind.
"Is it worth it?" he whispered, his eyes scanning the horizon. "To wield such power… to control so much… but lose yourself in the process?"
His hand brushed against the cool metal railing. Somewhere below, he could hear the faint sounds of conflict-fights between Regimes, power plays between mages. But it all felt so very far away, like in another world altogether.
A soft, almost imperceptible voice echoed in his mind, "You are more than what you know, Kaelen. Don't let them keep you in their game. You don't need to play it by their rules.
He shook his head, trying to banish the voice from his head; the words fell, and within them, he felt the ring of some dreadful echo at the bottom of his soul. What was the meaning of everything? What did all that have to do with the cost of power? More important, into what was he being changed?
In the infinity above him, he saw one truth: the world was about to change. Along with it, himself.