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

Physical effects and characteristics

It is nearly impossible to observe magic as an essence, instead it is known through its biproducts and physical effects. Magic is believed to be similar to a natural force, a constant which has unknown causes. Those with higher magical aptitude and ability often exhibit higher body and blood temperature, among proficient users of magic, body temperatures that would often be considered dangerous or indicating illness are common and largely benign. Magic is also known to radiate outwards from the body, this can cause various effects, such as larger stature, body size, or a detectable “aura” around a magic user. Some mages have been able to manipulate their body size using this outward effect, gaining unnaturally large muscle mass, or intentionally enlarging the head or other limbs. This effect is also responsible for most practical applications of knowledge, by “releasing” such energy out of the body, X. After a certain point, the effects of magic become detrimental for the body. Burns, aches, pains, and faster aging are common. Users may incur severe headaches and feel bloated, and the eyes will often turn a bright yellow or red. Death due to an excess of magic energy becomes common with older users. Frequently dying of exhaustion or of excess burns on the skin and within the organs and veins. Many users may also turn to ritual suicide as a means to end the inevitable suffering, and mental instability from self-inflicted pain may also occur. Those who do not succumb to either will eventually reach a critical level of magic energy, and will explode into flames. Those who reach this state will suffer catastrophic puncture wounds from uncontrollable Magic energy being released from the body, which likely causes extreme pain. Mages who are resilient enough to survive the initial explosion are known to enter an extremely destructive state, capable of releasing incredible amounts of deadly energy, and often enter a rampage. These mages are known as “demons” and usually die after a brief period of time. Demons are known to have arisen throughout the history and folklore of Niove, but such occurrences are extremely rare.