Magic

The magic system in the world of the Talented is based on words or, to be precise, the written word.

Each item or state of being has a symbol, an image of its truth. This image, akin to a written name in plain ink, can be altered or embellished to create an effect on the object itself. The act of doing so is called ‘scribing’, though in modern times is often referred to as ‘tracing’. Some few effects can also be created by tracing, such as the creation of light, heat or other forms of energy.

The degree of difficulty differs with each spell as is often related to the degree of change. To enhance a property- to make a feather lighter for example- is quite different to changing it- to make the feather weigh as much as lead. To completely change an object into another is, as far as the records show, impossible. Expending close to the limit of one’s energy first manifests in headaches and lethargy. To push further may result in pallor, tremors, blindness and eventually the complete loss of the ability to see or trace.

Full blood Talents have the honour of seeing the tracings of others, as well as the possible variations of each word. They are able to learn by demonstration, and to easily see if an object or objects around them are affecting by a tracing. Half-bloods, however, are not able to see tracings. It is believed the genetic trait that enables one to do so must be passed by both parents. The raw talent only needs a single gene to be passed down. The ability to trace may not be passed down by a half-blood. Though the gene will exist in the child of a half-blood and a mortal, it will be dormant and not passed any further down the familial line.

Though there methods of gaining or increasing the ability to scribe, those are reliant on dark magicks that are best left unspoken, or upon the benevolence of the Fae, an occurence that happens less than once in a thousand years.

 

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