Aether

The Aether is the mysterious force behind the magic system in the series The Last Horizon. There are three main ways a person can channel or call on the Aether, through magic, a Combat Art, or Aethertech.

Magic

Spells

Most magic is done through spells. To cast a spell, a person must chant an incantation. All incantations start with the same syllable that is essentially a call to the Aether. Incantations are not just simply stating the words of the spell. The words must resonate with Aether, so there must be some level of understanding of the spell by the caster.

Incantations do not need to be audible for the Aether to respond. It is possible to chant to cast a spell in a vacuum, or even casting a spell by tracing Aetheric sigils with your hands(though this method takes more time). There must be some attempt at communication to the Aether, however, as gagging a mage prevents them from casting.

Multiple people casting one spell, especially in perfect unison, improves the strength and capability of the spell.

Some spells leave spell anchors. These are a visible and semi-permanent result of a spell. The result of destroying it causes the spell to break.

Rituals

Rituals are a complicated form of magic, typically needing multiple people casting a spell and/or taking place in a ritual room/area.

Disciplines

Mages can only specialize in one magical discipline, however they can also "learn" another discipline by finding overlap with their own magic. The only known exception to this rule is Varic Vallenar, who has seven different disciplines.

Mage vs. Wizard vs. Archmage

A mage is anyone who is capable of doing magic and specializes in a discipline. A wizard is a step above that, and an Archmage is even better, though wizards and archmages can still be called mages. An Archmage typically specializes in their discipline, however they may be an Archmage of a very complex spell as well.