Magic, as I presently envision it, is like radioactivity. Exposure can have either positive or negative effects, particularly over long periods of exposure (Though magic is not usually toxic). Large concentrations of magic are unstable and possibly explosive. Magic can be found in liquids, gases and solids. Magic does tend to glow in darkness. Magic is not the decay of atomic materials, but it is sub-atomic in nature. Magic's most unusual characteristic is how it reacts to focused mental effort. In its free-form, or energized state, magic responds to mental prodding. In its more common natural state, magical essence is found 'bonded' to a substance. Various processes (spells, rituals, etc) are used to energize the magic for use by the caster.
At this point, I have two different basic types of magic, Spiritual and Elemental. Spiritual magic derives its power from the will of living things. Whatever drives the will, or spirits, of the living in an area, manifests itself in the spiritual magic to be found there. Many think magic is stored in the soul, and energized by prayer and evocation. This interpretation lends itself to the various cultural expectations of deities and spirits, as well as, empowers a culture to achieve its will. The use of Spiritual Magic is very common. Over time, each community has determined (through trial and error) what conditions (prayers, rituals, sacrifices, events, etc) they receive the most benefit from the spirits, and they are very careful (superstitious) about not offending the spirits. Some cultures are more developed in how they teach the use of Spiritual Magic but success as a culture is rooted in the effective use of magic.
Elemental Magic is more like science. Having found magically imbued items in nature, cultures tested what uses could be derived from the magical essence. Much of these discoveries have led to potions, elixirs, salves and such. More refined studies have reveals processes to cast spells and change objects through alchemy.
As you can imagine, each culture can have a wide variety of roles of those who use magic.
Why two flavors of magic? Well, I felt certain that this system needed to support deity and hero worship, so spiritual magic was very desirable. Of course, I prefer science and wanted magic to be a elemental force. I've already decided that the life (soul) variety of magical essence will be the hardest to use for our Elementalist Mages. To start the game, the gap between spiritual and elemental magics will be in the skills that enable their respective castings, but I want to be mindful that ultimately, all magics flow from the same source.
That being said, I fully expect to develop the concept of a spiritual world/universe that coexists with ours where spiritual beings dwell and can be contacted/gated/visited.
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