Magic in Taychend is broadly divided into two categories, arcane magic and divine magic. To most Taychendi, all magic has some sort of divine origin, though they differ on what exactly that divine origin is – arcane magic, the magic of the Slaver-Nobles, which is harnessed and wielded by mages and those with mage-blood, comes from the Dragons and the Storm Serpents before them, the creators of the world. Divine magic, on the other hand, originates from the ascended “gods” who now reside in Dhivumanhu, the heavens. Divine magic is granted by the gods, and wielded with their permission.
Arcane Magic[]
Mages trained in the arcane arts, based on both Kheionai and Slaver-Noble traditions, are rarer proportionally than in other parts of Aelantir – though due to Taychend’s high population there are still many of them – and are found in much greater numbers only in Katelperai and among the Thekvrystana.
One must note that though “Arcane-Trained” mages are limited, there are still as many people born with magic capabilities as in other ruinborn populations. These magically capable people – usually able to cast cantrips and the like – are valued for their ability to wield Precursor relics (which rely on their wielders having mage blood).
Those possessing mage-blood are therefore often employed as elite soldiers wielding the most common relic-weaponry such as precursor spellblades and staffs (common in relation to other Precursor relics – these relics represent a tiny fraction of the total weapons in Taychend). A rare few rise to become true Relic-Lords, wielding more powerful precursor relics.
The Nila Tenvch (the “Blue House”) of Nagar Vyechei is regarded as the natural home of Taychendi arcane magic, and it is there that, before the conquests of Laskaris, most Taychendi mages were trained. Other centres of magical training include Korrimutren, the centre of Taychendi divination magic, the Cennayakuta, who possess advanced knowledge of conjuration magic (though they generally keep their secrets to themselves) and Katelperai, where radical and maverick mages, exiled from constricting institutions like the Blue House, conduct themselves however they see fit.
Divine Magic[]
Divine Magic is traditionally the more highly regarded version of magic within Taychend, as it is gained through worship and devotion to a god-hero, which is usually accessed through a Hero-Cult.
Theologically, God-Heroes are the one who allow people into Dhivumanhu – the heavens. To the Taychendi, this means that they would naturally want “more elves like them” to ascend. This is a fundamental theological pillar for the hero-cults (the first being that since existing god-heroes ascended, if you imitate them so can you). If you emulate or give favour to a god hero, they will likely give you gifts in return. These “gifts” are what Cannorians refer to as “divine magic”.
There are two types of Taychendi divine magic, blessings and intercessions. Blessings (when they are demonstrably present) are long term enhancements, while intercessions take the form of either short term enhancements or magical actions/miracles.
Blessings[]
The Taychendi believe that if you are devoted enough to a god-hero, you may find yourself gaining a Blessing. These are essentially “minor enhancements” that affect you so long as you keep the favour of your deity. Despite the Taychendi evidently believing in their existence, investigation has consistently shown that the benefits of most blessings are usually “within the margin of error” – it is questionable that most blessings are actually of divine origin, and may instead be purely psychological, with many feats attributed to the aid of blessings being just as easily attributed to someone’s personal skill.
However there are very occasionally individuals who demonstrate visible and noticeable Blessings, similar (in both power and frequency) to the Avatars of the Regent Court. Perhaps the most famous example of these individuals is Aldam Valkadevu, a warrior who fought in the semi-mythical Lanahine War that preceded the rise of the Mudaliar Empire. His incredible speed, according to the Advethekana granted to him by “all the gods of swordsmanship”, whom he dedicated all of his kills to, is consistent with the exceptional powers of other figures through Taychendi history.
The Taychendi have generally used the abilities of other avatars and divinely imbued people to inform their own knowledge of blessings. For instance, Taychendi scholars explain Corin’s powers as being a personal “blessing from Agrados”, that did not falter due to her quest (Agrados’ will) to end the Greentide being ongoing, even if she did not adequately patronise him during her life.
Intercessions[]
If you are devoted enough to a god-hero, you may attempt to “call for an intercession.” You need to have absolute faith in your god-hero’s existence and power to call for one, though even then though there is no guarantee that you will be granted an intercession – intercessions are about as rare as any other sort of divine magic. Though there may be tens of thousands of Taychendi calling for an intercession during a battle, only one or two are likely to be granted.
Intercessions represent asking your god hero to directly intervene and help you – it is essentially “casting” divine magic. Intercessions are rare and powerful – the Taychendi also believe that it is transactional – you must give something in return for an intercession, or find yourself scorned by your god hero. Giving gifts or dedicating sacrifices to one’s god-hero after an intercession is acceptable, as is giving your life, should you be granted an intercession in a battle you fail to survive – giving the life of another, such as an enemy of renown, can also be acceptable.
In terms of access, though a Kheionai atheist would say there is nobody to actually scorn a Taychendi who does not adequately “pay for” an intercession, the natural societal guilt from one’s betrayal will likely break your divine connection anyway – the Taychendi also believe that not giving something in return for an intercession will result in you losing your blessings, should you have any.