Arcane Magic

Arcane magic is derived from the Plane of Mana, many times in conjunction with the Elemental Planes. Mana is the substance from which arcane magic is composed. It can be manipulated to create a variety of effects.

Apprenticeship

There are a few ways to attain arcane instruction. One way is to be recognized by a resident wizard and taken on as an apprentice. Most wizards take an aloof approach to instructing their apprentices, telling them what to study or practice and then leave to peruse their own tasks, periodically returning to check their progress. Once an apprentice shows competency (read: Wizard level 1), their master will allow them freedom to travel locally. Masters keep tabs on their apprentices, but to not feel compelled to baby sit them.  One may gain the diverse skills of a bard simply by receiving training from many teachers. 

Formal Schooling

Another is to enroll in an Arcane Order accredited mage academy. The expense required for this education is high, but may be paid by wealthy family members or a previous instructor. Their curriculum is largely independent study, providing the necessary materials for research rather than lecture oriented. These schools are few, generally one or two per nation, in populous cities. Locations include Hackport, New Veralys, Ruunmir, Mysthaven, Tespus, Selenia, and Muirstone. Bardic academies exist to teach a wide variety of skills, foremost among them being entertainment and arcane magic. 

Innate Talent

It was once thought that only those with dragon blood had the capacity to develop an innate arcane bond. The truth is, anyone with the desire to seek their ancestors' legacy within themselves has potential to tap into the arcane. 

Divine Magic

Divine magic flows from higher powers, whether from the gods, nature, fiendish lords, or from a variety of sources. Aether is the substance from which divine magic is composed. Deities allow their power to be channeled through the ethereal plane to give access to their followers.

Temple Service

Clerics receive their spellcasting abilities through devotion to a god, spirit, or fiendish lord.

Personal Dedication

Oracles are imbued with divine power by providence, drawing power from a numerous sources which embody a concept or force.

Veneration of Nature

Druids draw their power from the forces of nature and the spirits thereof.

Clerical Ranks

Druidic Ranks

Dark Magic

Dark magic is not evil as the name may imply. It is a burdensome and grave power to wield, which some would describe as undesirable or regrettable. The occult practice of dark magic stands to keep the knowledge thereof hidden from all but a certain few.

Shadow is the substance from which dark magic is composed.

Cursed Legacy

Burdened by power they do not fully understand, Sojourners are able to altar reality through directing consequences and inevitability. Though unlimited in their ability to manifest powers available through both arcane and divine magic users, every spell they cast has a price.