Magic System and Arcana, Part 1
In Eldfall Chronicles, Arcana—commonly referred to as magic—is a vibrant, dynamic force that adds depth, utility, and unpredictability to the world and its gameplay. Spells form a major part of the strategic landscape, with each faction offering a range of characters adept in the art of wielding Arcana. These practitioners present a variety of tactical options, each with unique capabilities and challenges. Magic is not easy to master, but for those who persevere, it is exceedingly rewarding.
Rooted in the manipulation of magical energies known as mana, the arcane system is rich, intricate, and brought to its highest potential through careful planning and creativity.
What Is Arcana? What Are the Elements? Who Can Wield It?
"Arcana, commonly called magic, is the wieldable manifestation of mana—an omnipresent energy coursing through the natural world."
An arcanist is one who is born with an innate attunement to Arcana and an affinity toward a particular element of mana.
There are four principal elements—pyro, aero, hydro, and geo, or in the common tongue: fire, air, water, and earth. Alongside these, three additional elements possess more obscure properties: divine, profane, and elder. Each element leaves behind a distinct mana signature in the world—subtle traces that can be read by those with the gift to see.
The ability to perceive and channel mana is commonly believed to be innate, yet there are exceptional individuals who awaken to this power later in life. If a person can sense the flow of mana and identify its element, they are said to possess an elemental affinity. Once awakened to this flow, they may learn to shape mana into spells—channeling it through their bodies and expelling it outward into the world.
For some, the practice is intuitive, even effortless. For others, it demands relentless discipline. While most struggle to master even one element, the truly gifted may learn to wield two or more. It is said that each element corresponds to a particular state of mind—one must flow like water to command it, stand firm like the earth to shape it, and so forth. By understanding these behaviors, arcanists may manipulate the elements without distorting their nature into chaos.
Among the most successful of these elemental polymaths are the Rishinkyō monks of the Empire, rumored to split their minds into four currents—each controlling a different element in harmony, weaving complex, multi-layered spells.
The Arcane Potential
The Rishinkyō monks teach that every living being possesses arcane potential, even if dormant. According to their philosophy, most individuals are hindered by a mental “seal” that blocks the flow of mana. This seal may be broken through deep introspection, natural maturation, or moments of great need. They believe that mana flows through all, and any soul may one day grasp it.
This teaching contrasts with the common belief: that one must be born with the gift. Despite this divide, it is universally accepted that the rin are innately attuned to Arcana, typically exhibiting a natural affinity from birth. Humans, by contrast, more often lack arcane sensitivity—but when they do possess it, they demonstrate a unique advantage: the ability to develop new affinities through study or spiritual transformation.
The rin, while powerful, are usually limited to their birth element, shaped by the season and place of their birth. This link is so strong that few rin ever gain access to other elements. Humans, however, may cultivate multiple connections through rigorous training and alchemical means, making them more versatile if less innately gifted.
Elemental Relationships
The seven known elements—fire, air, water, earth, elder, divine, and profane—each possess a unique signature, distinctive behavior, and metaphysical resonance.
Arcanists often find it easier to learn an element adjacent to one they already command. The Rishinkyō teach that elements are bound by four connecting principles: swiftness, adaptability, resoluteness, and ferocity.
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Fire is fierce and swift.
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Air is swift and adaptable.
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Water is adaptable and resolute.
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Earth is resolute and fierce.
Each element has two allies and one adversary—an opposing element whose nature is entirely contrary. For instance, water tempers fire, just as fire consumes air.
The Elder element is considered central, the primordial essence from which all others derive. It is both the root of all matter and the first breath of Arcana.
Divine and Profane energies, meanwhile, are thought to be extrinsic—foreign to the natural world, yet ever-present. Though diametrically opposed, they mirror one another and exist across all realities, bringing balance to creation and decay.
Read part 2 here.
