The Hexade (Magic System WIP)

Magic is the art of harnessing of an individual's connection to the world's energies. It is a central part of life in all societies of the known world. The vast majority of the population, regardless of ancestry, is born with a natural affinity for magic. While many individuals can perform small personal spells subconsciously that aid them throughout their daily life, magical talent cannot grow without dedicated training. Those who do undergo training and hone their talents are collectively called Mages.

Every variation of magic can trace its power back to one of six sources, collectively known as the Hexade. When an individual awakens to their magical power, are Attuned to one of six sources. Attunement usually occurs around the age of six or seven. Prior to Attunement, children do not display any signs of magic, though they may interact with it. Children born without magic, who will never Attune (such as Wayfarers), cannot interact with magic even at a young age.

Attunement dictates the type of magic an individual can perform, affect and control.

The Hexade

Also known as the Six Spheres of Magic, the Hexade classifies all brands of accepted magic. There are three pairs of spheres, divided by internal and external magic. Internal magic channels magical energy through and towards the self; external magic channels magical energy to the world around. In addition, Arathian Classification has assigned each sphere a class name, though these titles are not typically used outside the Guild of Mages.

It is a long held belief by the Meissandium (the dominant religion in Rhesainia) that magic is deeply connected to the gods. Each sphere falls under a god’s jurisdiction and influence and, by extension, shares a relationship with the Sentinels. While Meissandic doctrine teaches that all magic is a pre-determined blessing from the gods, Rhesainian scholars and researchers discovered several centuries ago that there is a strong genetic component to Attunement.

Arathian Classification

Dual Attunement

In rare cases some individuals may attune to two spheres. These individuals have heightened magical abilities as powers from one sphere combine and mix with the powers of another. In some cases, individuals can be attuned to the same sphere twice, which heightens their powers beyond the usual limits. The Guild of Mages watches carefully for children who are dual attuned and often intervenes to overseen proper training. 

Most dual attuned individuals are mages; however, there are other orders and organizations who seek out dual attuned specialists (such as the Corsida Brightblades, who only accept Bloodbinders—specialized Brightwardens who attuned to the Sphere of Preservation twice).

Due to the number of combinations that occur when Attunement overlaps, Arathian scholars have not yet fully classified all of the possible powers that come from such combinations.