General
There are meant to be two general working theories of magic in Primitia:
- The more scientific understand utilizing Æther Field Mechanics
- The set of more spiritual reflections around “Sentia” expressed most commonly by the Oratory and many of the primary Magi factions
Note:
In these notes, I will often use “Æther Field”, “the Field”, and “magic” interchangeably. For the purposes of expressing the magic system, they roughly refer to the same phenomenon.*
Magic—more commonly referred to as Sentia in formal or “academic” contexts—is the practical manipulation of a non-physical substrate known as the Æther Field. While perceived by the general population as mystical or supernatural, magic in Primitia operates under strict physical and energetic constraints.
Limitations
Magic cannot violate conservation laws, thermodynamics, or causality. No spell can produce more energy than is supplied, reverse entropy, or create a closed system without loss. All magical effects are therefore limited, costly, and finite.
In-Society
In modern Primitian society, magic is treated as a regulated, yet declining, and potentially destabilizing force, but also one that is necessary for certain sustainability efforts though technology modified by magic. Magic’s theoretical foundations are suppressed, simplified, or mythologized depending economic, political, and existential necessity. By and large, magic is not normally an every-day observation for most people. The exception to this might be technologies supplemented by magic, though these magic enhancements are often taken for granted or not even realized to be infused with any kind of magic.
History
Magic was once considered far more powerful and accessible than it is by modern Primitian standards. Much of this decline can be attributed to lost knowledge by the magi community, both naturally and artificially by means of force.