Sorcery

This an introduction page for a free-form roleplaying universe.

Hocus Pocus
Set in “mythic Europe” - a historically-altered version of Europe and the neighboring world around 1300 to 1500 AD, with the added conceit that conceptions of the world prevalent in folklore and institutions of the High Middles Ages are factual reality.

A number of folkloric and legendary creatures exist within the world of Sorcery, most prominently however are the mages, sorcerers and sorceresses who are gifted and educated in the use of magic. Known scientifically as Sources, for their ability to extract magic from energies existing in parallel worlds, the fueling force behind the mage’s powers.

Mages practice a multitude of different abilities. They can teleport, heal, kill in the blink of an eye, control the elements and reshape reality with the sheer force of their will. They usually possess extensive scientific and political knowledge and many are involved in religion and art.

The words "mage", "sorcerer" and "sorceress" are used mostly to refer to people with formal education in magic, as many other magic practitioners exist, such as druids, priests, clerics and shamans.

There are numerous magic schools in the world, most of them teach the Hermetic Arts, the most common variety of magic, due to its generally predictable nature and methodical, mathematical manner in which it’s studied. Developed into concrete Magical Theory by the renowned sorceress Sophia Corpas about two centuries ago.

The World
This is a world ruled by superstition, faith and mystery. Many regions are similar to our modern day nations, though they are by no means the same. In general it can be viewed as a medieval world, however with the aid of magic it had many scientific advancements achieved ahead of time, though without any evidence of gunpowder.

Magical Theory
Sources are usually attuned to one of three known Realms of Power, which shapes the nature of their magical ability:
 * The Divine Realm is the land of of God and creation, represented by holy scriptures and the power of letters. Strongly opposed to all things infernal. Doves and pigeons are usually associated symbols of the Divine.


 * The Infernal Realm is the land of Satan and his demonic forces, this includes everything from Satan himself to illnesses and bad smells. Demons are compelled to corrupt, destroy, and tempt all mortals to sin. Dragons are usually associated symbols of the Infernal.

It is not to say that Divine Sources are righteous and “good” and Infernal Sources are corrupt and “evil”, the way they are attuned to their respective realms only means they have an affinity for forces of that realm, morality is a matter of personal choice.
 * The Faerie Realm is the land of traditional fairy tales. These creatures are often capricious, sometimes malicious, but invariably addicted to (even dependent upon for their very existence) human attention, emotion and creative expression. Fruits and butterflies are usually associated symbols of Faeries.

By combining different techniques and forms, mages can achieve any effect and spontaneously cast a spell with that desired effect, though improvised magic is usually dangerous and unpredictable, it is much safer for them to use a formulaic spell they have already memorized.

Notable Mages

 * Andre Revault is the decadent leader of the Parisian Court of Mages. Known for his cruelty and seventy-seven course feasts. Rumor has it that the Parisian mages has had enough, and that a rebellion is at hand.


 * Demetria Morel is both an artist and a mage, famous for being a critic and a creator of equal renown. Among mages she is known for perfecting the technique of music magic through voice and song, and for animating an army of sculptures that abide to her will.
 * Ludovico Sangiovanni is both a necromancer and an architect based in Italy, known for harnessing the power of magical leylines hidden in the architecture of Rome, and commanding an army of undead. Both helped him secure the position of leading the Court of Rome.
 * Sophia Corpas is the author of Guide to the Hermetic Arts, being the first person to articulate magic into techniques and forms with mathematical accuracy and precision. She is also the founder of the first magic school.
 * Victoria Harlow is the leader of the Court of London. Belonging to the prominent Harlow family of English mages. She achieved her position after thwarting many rivals, including her brother Ambrose and father Arthur.

The Order of Thorns
A Christian military order of anti-mage militants led by a leader known as Edric of Veen, a man with a deep-seated hatred toward mages. They employ anointed oils, applying them to their blades, that seeps through a mage's blood and sever their connection to their respective realm, rendering them powerless. They are planning a full-scale war against mages.