Magi can be broadly classified by their functional relationship to the Æther Field, independent of training, doctrine, or sequencing specialization. This classification reflects whether and how an individual can interact with the field if at all.
There are five primary categories for magi to fall under:
- Non
- Inert
- Surrogate
- Passive
- Active
These categories are mutually exclusive and biologically stable, though social role and education vary widely within each group.
Non-Magi
A person with no magical ability (joe-human), history of magical ability, or heritage relating to magical ability. Sentia does not respond to this individual nor is this individual sensitive to Sentia in any capacity. This however, does not make the immune to effects of Æther Field manipulation. On the contrary, non-magi are the most vulnerable to magic as they have no means by which to mitigate its effects.
That said, even non-magi still have a signature or impression they leave on the Æther Field. This signature is not a substantial enough of a disturbance to actualize any effect, but it is enough to be picked up by sentinel magi.
Inert Magi
Lore Note:
‘inap’ (derogatory) Often used amongst lower-class magi communities expressing negativity, disrespect, or contempt for inert mages. Often incorrectly used to chastise cultural magi for what is seen as cowardice by other magi.
Inert mages are individuals born into magi lineages who are incapable of intentionally manipulating the Æther Field. There is debate whether inert mages can “unintentionally” affect the field.
Despite genetic correlation with magi, inert magi lack sufficient or coherent Resonance to produce magical effects. This condition is not for a lack of training or knowledge; no amount of practice enables an inapt to cast magic. (Though there are some schools of thought that don’t believe this to be true. See Ethan Havendalle.)
Inapts may still generate Æther disturbances as conscious beings, but these disturbances cannot be shaped or amplified. This inability is believed to explain their complete exclusion from casting, rather than reduced efficiency.
Within mage communities, inapts are often stigmatized or marginalized. In broader Primitian society, they are frequently subject to magi-specific restrictions without access to corresponding privileges.
Cultural Magi
A “cultural” mage is a mage who has sensitivity to Sentia of some form but consciously elects not to learn, practice, or wield magic. This is often done for political, social, or personal reasons. In modern Primitia, especially with the stigmas often associated with magic, many magi believe there is very little benefit in learning magic at all.
Surrogate Magi
Surrogate magi cannot cast magic themselves but they are not completely unresponsive to sentia either. Rather, they act as a surrogate for pre-cast spells with the ability to nullify or catalyze.
A mage who can only activate pre-cast spells seeded into objects by specialized, active mages. They may also act as a conduit through which spells are cast from an active mage.
First, surrogate magi are capable of triggering infused spells that have been previously endowed into objects or systems by Active Magi. These spells require no active channeling sequencing at the moment of use, only sufficient resonance to complete the casting sequence.
Second, passive magi can function as conduits for active magi, allowing an active caster to route energy or resonance through them. In such cases, the passive magus does not control the spell’s intention or outcome and acts only as a medium.
A surrogate mage is an individual who is used to transmit or substitute one or more active components of E.I.R. Casting Theory on behalf of another party.
Surrogacy requires the ability to project, relay, or carry Æther influence.
Note
Passive Magi cannot serve as surrogates, as they lack the ability to transmit or route Æther interaction. They are limited to inward-facing flux from the the Field.
Passive Magi
Passive magi possess a natural resonance with the Æther Field but cannot intentionally initiate or shape casting sequences.
While incapable of forming independent Intention or performing full Sentia sequences, passive magi can interact with magic indirectly in two primary ways.
Passive magi cannot modify, design, or adapt spells during activation. Their interaction is limited to completion or transmission, not authorship.
Institutionally, passive magi are poorly understood and frequently misclassified as either inapts or low-capability actives, contributing to inconsistent regulation and social ambiguity.
Active Magi
Active magi are capable of intentionally manipulating the Æther Field through structured application of E.I.R. Casting Theory.
They can supply Energy, form Intention, and achieve sufficient Resonance to produce repeatable magical effects. Active magi vary widely in power, efficiency, and specialization.
Training, doctrine, and experience strongly affect an active magus’s capabilities, but the underlying capacity to cast is innate.
All formal magical disciplines, licensing systems, and state regulation are designed primarily around active magi.