Magic & Technology

Magic Trichotomy

While mechanically speaking, the magic and spellcasting system in Chronicles of Terre does not differ much from vanilla 5th edition, the lore and theories behind them deviates significantly from that of Forgotten Realms.

The Magic Trichotomy is a theory that divides all kinds of magic and magical energies in Chronicles of Terre into three categories: Netheric arcane, Druidic, and Faith. These three categories serve almost exclusively thematically, with little to no effect on actual mechanical gameplay.

Netheric Arcane

Netheric Arcane is the designation of magical energies traditionally belonging to the classical arcane theme, practiced by most sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards. The Mages’ Guild at Labyrinthine, as well as the Imperial Academy of Okeanos (and the population in its entirety), are almost exclusively comprised of practioners of Netheric arcane.

Netheric arcane utilizes mana in its most traditional form: pure magical energies that permeates the atmosphere of Terre, that mages and spellcasters can siphon from their surroundings and convert to advanced forms such as elemental forces and kinetic energies. These mana are consumable resources - once converted and expended, they do not naturally regenerate, and instead dissipates into the world, requiring the spellcaster to continuously siphon and convert mana to continue casting.

The name “Netheric” stems from the fact that the mana flowing in the atmosphere of Terre currently comes from the Nether plane - otherwise known as hell. The most monumental event in the history of Terre, now known as “The Ascension”, caused mana from the Nether to flow into Terre, the material plane, from the Gate built by tieflings at the start of the Ascension Calendar. As a consequence of the shattering of the Gate at the hands of the Verzae Legion, there is no longer any major “source” of Netheric arcane on Terre, meaning that eventually the mana in the atmosphere will dry out; currently however, the continent has more immediate threats on their hand to consider, as opposed to this arcane drought in the distant future.

While the concentration of mana around Terre largely remains consistent and ample enough for most spellcasting needs, some greater spells and feats would require larger supplies of mana, calling for the need to seek out channels and foci of Netheric arcane. Currently, Netheric arcane on Terre converges and cycles around Labyrinthine, the only known focus of Netheric arcane, taking the form of the Folly of Storm that ravages the entirety of Albion’s March. From the focus, arcane mana outflows via Channels towards every corner of the continent, that slowly resupplies the mana vacuum created by spellcasting. Shattered Gate used to be another focus of Netheric arcane before its destruction; it is rumored that a thrid focus exists within the world, but its location is unclear.

Conversions from Netheric arcane mana into more practical forms is the core study of arcane practitioners on Terre, and its efficiency and quality determines the effectiveness of the spell cast. Sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards each converts and utilizes netheric arcane differently; Sorcerers rely on innate talent to do so, capable of producing practical effects simply from diffusion, breathing, and natural energy intake; Warlocks siphon energy directly from their patron, who might source their mana from varying locations, including directly from the Nether plane; Wizards employ a more systematic form of spellcasting, using “circuits” of all kinds to convert mana into their respective forms, which forms the basis of spellbooks, scrolls, and magic circles.

Under Construction.