Magic in Niove

Magic is a known phenomena in Niove, discovered and practiced since at least the -81st Century. Many exact aspects about Magic are unknown, but it can be used to enhance one’s physical abilities and prowess beyond what is normally capable. Magic is known to be powered by The Flame, a sort of soul. Some are born with a higher magical aptitude than others, but anyone can improve their magical aptitude through training. The only known effective way to improve one’s magical abilities (to feed The Flame) is through the infliction of pain and suffering. Events that cause pleasure or joy are shown to cause little growth in The Flame, while infliction of pain will cause much more acceptable growth levels. This phenomena is known cross-culturally, and has lead to magic-users, often called 'Mages', to feel isolated from others. Mages have been known to exist for hundreds of centuries, but the first organized research and cultivation of magic began only around the -1st Century. The first ever mage guilds were founded in the Empire of Moyungsong around the Xth Century