species template

[Damianos Julian Kattalakis]

Magi

ANCIENT MYTHS RETURNED

HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS An ancient species the Magi were almost all eradicated as the Vampires, Werewolves, and others rose to power. Driven into hiding they disappeared from the world, believed to be nothing more than a myth even by the Vampires. In recent years however the Magi have returned, some believe it is because of a restoration of the bloodlines, others believe that humanity is beginning to evolve into its respective role. Either way there are those who believe the Magi are responsible for the existence of the other species, creating Vampires and Werewolves. If this is true then perhaps they have the ability to destroy them as well. Currently there are no known Magi over the age of 400 years old. Currently the oldest group formed is The Scarlet Council. Claimed as the Magi government, the Scarlet Council was the first large coven to be formed after the Magi were almost extinct and remains active to this day. Though not the only 'Magi Government' in the world, the Scarlet Council watches over America and any Magi within her limits. For centuries the Council has been a main power but it wasn't until the early 1930's that the Scarlet Council started to recognize other larger covens and would eventually include them into their government as Head Coven's. Head Coven's are largely picked for their size and reputation within the Magi community and are only located in major cities with a large enough Magi population. Most ArchMagi, the 'Governor' of the state, are usually chosen individually by the Council but if a current leader of a large coven proves themselves they can be given the title as well. In either situation a special ritual is involved to initiate the ArchMagi and if not initiated the position isn't recognized by the Council. However there are several covens spread across the continent that are not affiliated with the Scarlet Council but must follow their rules.

APPEARANCE MORTALITY Physically there is no difference between a Magi and a Human. Any changes are purely temporary and caused by their powers. Magi are not immune to the effects of venom from either Werewolves or Vampires. Should they be bitten they will transform into that species, their magical abilities lost. However it is known that in some cases when a Magi is turned into a Vampire they have a 50/50 percent chance of their specialty carrying over, but all other uses of magic is forever lost to them. Their power is unique to themselves as no two vampire’s have the exact same powers. Werewolves do not get this chance however as the Lycan gene is dominant. Necromancy and Healing are the only abilities that cannot transfer. As a child there is nothing much to differentiate them from normal children, however their magical link is still present and may manifest itself at odd times, from helping them to survive falls that otherwise would kill them to objects randomly bursting into flame. If the child is born to two Magi parents the chances of them manifesting their abilities are sooner (typically around 12 as opposed to 18) and have a higher chance of being more powerful in both casting spells and talents. Due to their magic and the energy they hold within them, Magi are very attractive to Vampires. Even when not using magic Vampire's can often smell them among humans, the smell varying on the Magi and the type of magic they use. If a Vampire ingests Magi blood it offers a drug like euphoria effect on the Vampire and can be quite addicting. Because of this Magi are highly prized in the Vampire community and their potent blood is the cause of Magi's almost extinction many centuries ago. Though their blood effects all species but humans, other species besides Vampire's aren't aware of the blood's properties. Although seeming as nothing more than human’s when not using their powers, when a Magi performs magic they give off a pungent smell noticeable to only non-humans and other Magi. Depending on the type of magic the smell varies from a range of different odors. Healing magic has been known to come off sweet while Necromancy is considered to be vile. When a Magi uses their magic for a elongated period of time their eye’s will start to change. While using magic flecks of darkness may appear in their eyes but only the oldest of Magi are known to have eyes the color of opals. The more they use their magic the more their eyes flicker and change. Magi, though mortal like humans, age slower, sometimes by a factor of ten, the rate of aging is dependent on how often they use their magic. When a Magi dies, either from old age or unnatural causes their energy is released into the air. Only skillful Magi are quick enough to contain it within a Rune engraved box or object, preferably limestone or natural crystals- limestone and crystals are known to emit its energy, whether it be natural or placed in there, so Magi can draw from it without fear of the object taking any of the Magi's energy or magic in the process like rusted iron. The spirit's soul may also be contained with a separate object but takes a lot more power and focus as the spirit's soul is harder to catch then the energy. There are Magi, mostly Necromancers that have used Spirit Migration to transfer their spirit out of their dead/dying body and into a new body. This requires a empty, pure body and a lot of Spirit magic. There is no guarantee if the transfer will be successful as the body could reject the spirit, leaving it lost in the world forever. Souls also are able to be trapped inside objects such as mirrors. This is so the spirit can be easily reached or communicated with without releasing it first. Water is one way to reach a trapped spirit but it is much harder and the conjurer doesn't have as much control as the spirit is able to travel more freely through water. Free spirits however are contacted through water in most cases.

ABILITIES WEAKENESSESS All magic is based upon the 4 elements. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and their spells requiring combinations of these. All energy to power their spells are drawn from the surrounding area (Ex: Fire energy is drawn from heat and fire, earth energy can be drawn from the ground and plants, ect.) A fifth element does exist, Spirit, it is a very dangerous one however as it takes energy from the user and living creatures around them. All Magi are unable to simply quit using their spells, the act of casting is described as being almost euphoric. Also Magi user’s are able to sense when another Magi is performing magic, often getting a tingling feeling throughout their body. Spells: From the age of 18 Magi can begin to tap into their powers. Even from the beginning simple attacks such as fireballs, eruptions of earth, manipulating the wind and water are possible, as time progresses more complex spells can be learned/created by the Magi by combining multiple elements. The last, or hidden element, spirit, is one that the Magi is gradually made aware of over time, spells such as healing and influencing others are dependent on it. Any basic ability can be trained to such an extent that they become advanced. There are abilities that every Magi can preform, such as elemental balls, scrying, object animation, and levitation. But most Magi also have two specialty abilities, ie. elemental mastery and traveling, the first being the ability they were naturally good at and the second specialty being a ability that was learned. Spell Casting: Casting a spell requires a Magi to draw upon the energy around them and then manipulating them in order to have the desired effect. Eyesight is needed so that they can see the actual flows of energy being used. In addition to this hand movements are able to aid the process along however older Magi have little to no need for movements. All Magi can only focus their energy on one spell at a time, not matter how advanced they are. Most beginners who are unable to control their magic practice in what is known as a casting circle. The circle is etched magically into the ground, preferably hard surfaces, and lined with various symbols that glow when the magi enters the center. Within that circle they can focus their magic better until they can do so on their own. When it comes to increasing spell casting many Magi have been known to use limestone to strengthen their magic. Limestone can contain large amounts of energy, giving the Magi more strength in their spells. Often times Depositories, a place that stores either magical energy, weapons, or knowledge and hidden by magic, are lined with limestone for the energy within it never fades and lasts forever. Losing their abilities: While difficult it is possible for a Magi to lose their abilities, this can happen in two ways. The first is when a caster draws in too much energy they run the risk of ‘burning out’. Their link to the magic is forever broken. Because using magic is almost addictive the Magi must be vigilant. The second method of losing their powers is if another group of Magi severs it. Usually this requires the aid of numerous women sharing their powers and at least one male. Individually however it is possible to temporarily cut off another Magi from their power by use of a block or shield. Glyphs, Runes, and objects of Power: It is possible for a Magi to imbue objects with magic giving them characteristics beyond their normal use. From simply creating pools of magic to creating weapons capable of cutting through stone. Another form of this is the creation of glyphs, ruins, and tattoos used primarily for two purposes, the first to bind a protective spell onto the user, the second to facilitate the manipulation of energy. These objects once created do not need any more input to have active. As strong as Magi are they still have a weakness to rusted iron. If they touch it or are within close proximity while using magic their magic is weakened and the energy is absorbed into the iron. Rusted iron can consume large quantities of power and is a sort of magnet, drawing the magic to it automatically when touched by the user or a certain chant is said to draw in the power without touching it. There is a limit to how much the metal can hold so after filled it can no longer take in any more energy unless engraved with runes. Unless special wards are placed upon the rusted metal the power contained dissipates on its own depending on the condition of the metal. Fire melts it thus releasing it in one burst of energy before dissipating. If the metal is saturated in water for long periods of time the water would make the metal weak and any chance of holding large amounts of power would be shortened, or if already holding magic, the power would dilute quicker. The air would make it frigid and fragile, upon breaking it would be released into the air silently and slowly. The most used method is by burying it in the Earth so the power leaks into the ground, making the area around them stronger with energy. Magic placed in Earth is permanent. Limestone, though can hold unlimited amounts of magical energy, does not draw in magic on its own and must either be placed within the stone or found naturally, ie. the mountains located in Harper Valley, New York. Necromancer’s are also known to use rusted metal boxes or cages, with additional ingredients, preferably iron or limestone, to hold spirits for their magic. Rusted metals, or any metals for that matter, cannot be used to steal and then consume the power physically into themselves for their own gain/needs as a Magi cannot use another's power as their own, only combine their own with another's, either through a trinket or some kind of object. Although they can take the power from the Magi, they also risk losing their own power as well if not skilled enough during the ritual. However if a circle is made the powers can be magically contained and then later used by the circle for additional strength in their spells. Most Magi family's do this after a Elder has died. Only a group of skilled magi can contain another Magi's powers into a object without the power fading, usually a group of women and atleast one male.

MATING GENDER DIFFERENCES From the moment they are born a Magi is destined to be with another one of their kind. Wether they find one another however is a different story. There are incidences in which a Magi falls in love with a human or one not of the species and lived full and happy lives. When the two Magi do meet however a bond is formed linking them forever. Should a Magi mate with a non human the chances of the magic manifesting itself is very low as the trait is recessive. Bonding: Although it doesn't trigger at first sight, if two Magi destined for each other meet they will feel as if they are drawn to that person and in some case feel a sense of instinct to be with them. Once bonded, only triggering after sexual intercourse, the pair are linked in more than simply a physical way. A psychic link is formed between the two individuals causing them to know exactly what the other is feeling and have a general idea of where this mate is at any time. In addition the male feels a constant urge to protect and help their mate, becoming a body guard of sorts. He becomes stronger, faster, and is able to go longer without sustenance or rest. The female on the other hand increases her own magical abilities until they are on par with their mates. Loss of Mate: The loss of a bond mate is a traumatic affair that many Magi do not overcome. Initially they will feel a strong urge for vengeance seeking out the one responsible for their mates death, soon after however depression will take hold. It is possible to a Magi to go on with their lives but the loss of that constant presence in their mind is a difficult one to overcome. They suffer a loss of power along with their mate, in addition their casting becomes more chaotic once that link is severed. There are slight differences between the two genders in using magic. They do tend to balance one another out however and there are of course exceptions to the rule. Males: Are stronger in using Fire and Earth and are also stronger at using magic in general however they are unable to share their power with others except for their mate or in a circle with women Magi included. Females: Are stronger in Air and Water, while weaker than men they are able to share power with other women and create circles. Two women together are always much stronger than any man.

Thanks to Jason and Ishy.
Inspiration gathered from multiple sources.