An Introduction to Arcana [1]
In Eldfall Chronicles, arcana (magic) is a vibrant variable that adds complexity, utility, and unpredictability to the gameplay. Spells represent a large portion of the gameplay, with factions offering the player a variety of characters who are well-versed in wielding arcana. They offer different options and solutions to the players, who will find magic challenging to master but well worth doing so. Based on seven different elemental energies (mana), the magic system is diverse, intricate, and brought to its maximum potential with some strategic thought.
What Is Arcana, What Are the Elements and Who Has the Ability to Wield Arcana?
“Arcana, commonly known as magic, is the consequence and the wieldable manifestation of mana – the omnipresent energy found in nature.”
An arcanist is born with an innate attunement to arcana and shows affinity towards a particular arcane element – a specific type of mana.
There are four principal elements, pyro, aero, hydro, and geo, which, in the common tongue, we name fire, air, water, and earth. Additionally, three elements have slightly different properties than the first four: divine, profane, and elder. Each of these elements leaves a unique footprint in nature that reveals its presence to a discerning eye. We call this evidence mana. However, each of the seven types of mana acts in a specific way and thus, has different characteristics.
If a person can sense the presence of an energy flow and its element, we think of them as having an affinity toward that element. Such talent is nowadays considered innate – that person was probably born with the ability to grasp the energetical flow.
Now, whereas it might not be possible for just anyone, the energy can be wielded. Just like a skilled trouper manipulates a melody by their will, an arcanist can learn to control mana, channeling it through their body and expelling it outwards in the form of spells. Some practitioners may find this second nature, while others may find it a taxing, neverending challenge.
While some struggle with a single element, others can master two or more with dedication. It is believed that different elemental energies are like different states of the mind; to master water, one must learn to flow and whirl. To master the earth, one must retain a firm stance, and so on. Then, when one understands the behavior of an element, one can manipulate it to act differently, still respecting its boundaries so as not to transform it into unmanageable, dangerous energy. In this way, the perseverent, or the ones that can thus take charge of their mindfulness, may master several elements and intertwine their energies into novel spells. Most successful in this matter are the Empire‘s Rishinkyō monks. They are rumored to not only house multiple disciples able to control the four natural elements but also split their minds into four parts, commanding multilayered spells.
The Arcane Potential
The Rishinkyō monks believe there is arcane potential in every individual, affirming that anyone can manipulate mana, though the individual might not seem able. They believe a seal within us obstructs mana flow through one’s body, commonly stemming from our mind’s inflexibility. This seal can then break naturally through the course of maturing, allowing us to sense mana. Those without any discernable talent are said not to have lost their seal.
Despite this, the common belief is that one has to be born with arcane potential.
No matter the case, we can safely say that rin are universally gifted with arcane potential and are usually born with at least one elemental affinity, although rare exceptions exist. On the other hand, the average human shows no apparent arcane talent and cannot sense mana’s signature in nature. However, unlike humans who can find new attunements throughout their lifetime or practice, rin cannot feel others but their birth elements (read about the differences between dominant species here). Thus, a human with arcane potential can learn new connections through rigorous practice and master multiple elements – this is nearly impossible for rin, commonly with a singular disposition.
The rin show the ability for spellcraft very early on; the environment they were born in and their birth season forms a relationship with a specific element.
Academically speaking, in the case of humans, this theory is thought to be highly unlikely – the consensus is that humans generally inherit their talent from their parents or build a connection based on their personality.
Elemental Relationships
As mentioned above, we divide mana into seven categories: fire, air, water, earth, elder, divine, and profane. Each has a unique signature, a specific behavior, and consequent underlying qualities. Despite their distinctions, we can find common features between them. In practice, if an arcanist understands one element, it is easier for them to grasp the mana of a similar, adjacent element.
Further explained by the teachings of the Rishinkyō monks, one element is related to two elements of connecting principles, while it is foreign to one principally divergent and distant element. The scholars thought of underlying principles that define these relationships. They simplified them to four connecting principles: swiftness, adaptability, resoluteness, and ferocity.
Fire is fierce and swift.
Air is swift and adaptable.
Water is adaptable and resolute.
Earth is resolute and fierce.
While three elements connect, one is always in far opposition.
We think of the elder element as central to all others – it is believed to be the essence of all matter and an underlying basis for every other element.
The divine and profane element can be interpreted as otherworldy, present in the world without an exact source of origin. While exact opposites, they are similar to one another. They balance themselves, existing across all dimensions, spaces, and realities.
An Introduction to Arcana [1]
In Eldfall Chronicles, arcana (magic) is a vibrant variable that adds complexity, utility, and unpredictability to the gameplay. Spells represent a large portion of the gameplay, with factions offering the player a variety of characters who are well-versed in wielding arcana. They offer different options and solutions to the players, who will find magic challenging to master but well worth doing so. Based on seven different elemental energies (mana), the magic system is diverse, intricate, and brought to its maximum potential with some strategic thought.
What Is Arcana, What Are the Elements and Who Has the Ability to Wield Arcana?
“Arcana, commonly known as magic, is the consequence and the wieldable manifestation of mana – the omnipresent energy found in nature.”
An arcanist is born with an innate attunement to arcana and shows affinity towards a particular arcane element – a specific type of mana.
There are four principal elements, pyro, aero, hydro, and geo, which, in the common tongue, we name fire, air, water, and earth. Additionally, three elements have slightly different properties than the first four: divine, profane, and elder. Each of these elements leaves a unique footprint in nature that reveals its presence to a discerning eye. We call this evidence mana. However, each of the seven types of mana acts in a specific way and thus, has different characteristics.
If a person can sense the presence of an energy flow and its element, we think of them as having an affinity toward that element. Such talent is nowadays considered innate – that person was probably born with the ability to grasp the energetical flow.
Now, whereas it might not be possible for just anyone, the energy can be wielded. Just like a skilled trouper manipulates a melody by their will, an arcanist can learn to control mana, channeling it through their body and expelling it outwards in the form of spells. Some practitioners may find this second nature, while others may find it a taxing, neverending challenge.
While some struggle with a single element, others can master two or more with dedication. It is believed that different elemental energies are like different states of the mind; to master water, one must learn to flow and whirl. To master the earth, one must retain a firm stance, and so on. Then, when one understands the behavior of an element, one can manipulate it to act differently, still respecting its boundaries so as not to transform it into unmanageable, dangerous energy. In this way, the perseverent, or the ones that can thus take charge of their mindfulness, may master several elements and intertwine their energies into novel spells. Most successful in this matter are the Empire‘s Rishinkyō monks. They are rumored to not only house multiple disciples able to control the four natural elements but also split their minds into four parts, commanding multilayered spells.
The Arcane Potential
The Rishinkyō monks believe there is arcane potential in every individual, affirming that anyone can manipulate mana, though the individual might not seem able. They believe a seal within us obstructs mana flow through one’s body, commonly stemming from our mind’s inflexibility. This seal can then break naturally through the course of maturing, allowing us to sense mana. Those without any discernable talent are said not to have lost their seal.
Despite this, the common belief is that one has to be born with arcane potential.
No matter the case, we can safely say that rin are universally gifted with arcane potential and are usually born with at least one elemental affinity, although rare exceptions exist. On the other hand, the average human shows no apparent arcane talent and cannot sense mana’s signature in nature. However, unlike humans who can find new attunements throughout their lifetime or practice, rin cannot feel others but their birth elements (read about the differences between dominant species here). Thus, a human with arcane potential can learn new connections through rigorous practice and master multiple elements – this is nearly impossible for rin, commonly with a singular disposition.
The rin show the ability for spellcraft very early on; the environment they were born in and their birth season forms a relationship with a specific element.
Academically speaking, in the case of humans, this theory is thought to be highly unlikely – the consensus is that humans generally inherit their talent from their parents or build a connection based on their personality.
Elemental Relationships
As mentioned above, we divide mana into seven categories: fire, air, water, earth, elder, divine, and profane. Each has a unique signature, a specific behavior, and consequent underlying qualities. Despite their distinctions, we can find common features between them. In practice, if an arcanist understands one element, it is easier for them to grasp the mana of a similar, adjacent element.
Further explained by the teachings of the Rishinkyō monks, one element is related to two elements of connecting principles, while it is foreign to one principally divergent and distant element. The scholars thought of underlying principles that define these relationships. They simplified them to four connecting principles: swiftness, adaptability, resoluteness, and ferocity.
Fire is fierce and swift.
Air is swift and adaptable.
Water is adaptable and resolute.
Earth is resolute and fierce.
While three elements connect, one is always in far opposition.
We think of the elder element as central to all others – it is believed to be the essence of all matter and an underlying basis for every other element.
The divine and profane element can be interpreted as otherworldy, present in the world without an exact source of origin. While exact opposites, they are similar to one another. They balance themselves, existing across all dimensions, spaces, and realities.
