The Magic

Magic is a benevolent natural force — an energy that flows through all matter and life forms, seeking to be wielded. It’s the embodiment of syntropy, a power with an innate tendency for creation and enhancing life.

Magic was brought to the world of Symvalia by the spirit Arialma, who many people now regard as a goddess. Magic is, in essence, her life force — given to the Forty-two Isles as she sought to make the world a better place.

Although magic is naturally good, it can be corrupted with evil intent, becoming dark magic with a tendency for destruction and death.

The Three Forms of Magic

1. The Magica Bond

The easiest way to gain magic is to form a Magica Bond — a life-altering connection between a humanoid and an animal or creature companion. The type of magic the pair gains is tied to their natural skills, personality, desires, goals, and outlook on life.

When a Bond forms:

Both person and creature share emotions, thoughts, and instincts
The creature is uplifted — gaining human-like intelligence and the ability to communicate with their bonded partner
Creatures with short lifespans gain much greater longevity, often living as long as their partner
Both parties gain access to unique magical abilities tied to their talents and personality
The Bond strengthens over time — but a broken Bond (through death, magical interference, or personal choice) results in immense trauma for both

2. Natural Magic

The land itself has its own magic — sometimes called ancient magic or Arialma’s magic. This extends into the seas, mountains, plants, and even some beasts.

When natural magic is corrupted by malicious intent, it can morph into monsters — shades, gorgons, fiends, and other living forces of evil.

3. Enchanted Objects

Magic can be imbued into specific objects, giving them power anyone can use — even those without a Bond. These include items like enchanted binoculars, bags of holding, instruments that allow teleportation, and crystals for long-distance communication. Most enchanted objects have limited uses before needing to be magically refreshed, though some ancient artifacts can last centuries.

What the Bond Can Do

Through a Magica Bond, both person and creature access magic shaped by their nature. The manifestations are as varied as the people themselves:

A baker might gain magic that enchants their baking
A war bear might gain enhanced strength
An empathetic rabbit might sense and discern others’ feelings
A knight might gain the ability to shield people from harm
A dragon might gain enhanced firebreathing powers
A bard might calm raging emotions through music
A beaver might gain the power to move wood with its mind

Powers grow stronger as the bonded pair strengthen their relationship. Unity and harmony are key to effectiveness. Using magic is physically and emotionally draining — overuse can cause injury, just like physical overexertion.

Mages and Spells

Anyone can gain magic through a Bond, but not everyone is a mage — just like anyone can draw, but not everyone is an artist. Mages dedicate themselves to honing their magic through study and practice, and many make a career of it.

Mages find a specific focus point to channel their power:

Chalk spellwork — drawing designs to cast spells
Chiming bells or incantations
Crystals, stamped symbols, or potions
Staffs or wands

Mages are seen as magical problem-solvers. They get exceptionally good at specific tasks and find work doing them.

Sentient Magic

Magic can take on a life of its own:

Spirits — Benevolent magic that coalesces into helpful beings, often called nature spirits. They take forms inspired by the natural world and are loyal allies at best, sneaky pranksters at worst. A person cannot form a Magica Bond with a spirit, but spirits may choose to be companions on their own terms.
Monsters — Dark magic can form malevolent creatures that seek to do harm. They can be killed in battle (losing their form and reverting to raw magic) or purified using rare spells. Monsters can be commanded by wielders of dark magic.

Magic’s Impact on Society

Magic has allowed civilisation on the Isles to develop in fascinating ways. For example — thanks to trained mages who can draw a renewable energetic signature called essence from living animals — people enjoy eating meat without hunting or slaughter. This essence is used to craft “mock meats” that are indistinguishable from the real thing.