Magic
Magic is ubiquitous in Avendar as a preternatural aspect of the plane's laws and is a necessary aspect of both the ecosystem and the function of nearly every society. Like every natural force and law, it was woven into the structure of the plane by Iandir upon its creation. During the Sundering,
Nearly anyone is theoretically capable of performing magic save the alatharya, but discrimination, prejudice, and poverty all affect access to education and tools. As a result, the ability to become trained to perform magic may vary wildly between regions and even within different neighborhoods in the same city. In particular, the School of Heroes historically severely restricts licensure based on the species and study of an individual; for example, there are no chaja or srryn scholars among adventurers because the School will not issue licenses to them. This does not mean scholars are not represented (if rarely) among the broader population of srryn or chaja, only that they are barred from being adventurers.
Arcane Magic
Arcanologists formally divide magic into six spheres, and each sphere is associated with a specific resonance. All sphere magic is arcane magic, but not all arcane magic falls within a sphere; some very basic types of magic, such as rudimentary armor spells, interact with resonance but are not more than superficially affected by it. Those whose personal resonance is too far removed from a sphere are generally unable to access those spheres of magic. There is disagreement between academics on the true nature of magic, the spheres, and resonance.
Water
Water is resonant with the concept of life, movement. Like Fire, it is a linear sphere.
Fire
Fire is resonant with the concept of destruction, agitation. Like Water, it is a linear sphere.
Earth
Earth is resonant with the concept of structure. Like Air, it is a creative sphere.
Air
Air is resonant with the concept of ephemerality. Like Earth, it is a creative sphere.
Spirit
Spirit is resonant with the concept of freedom. Like Void, it is a planar sphere.
Void
Void is resonant with the concept of death. Like Spirit, it is a planar sphere.
Non-Sphere
Other paradigms exist to challenge the traditional, mainstream academic views of magic. Though arcanologists dismiss those preternatural forces which fall outside of the traditional spheres as not being "true" magic, practitioners outside of mainstream academia or the arcane guild system have their own varying opinions.
