Magic of Dwaia

There exists two main words for magic in Dwaia, Magic and Vim (sometimes Vis, or Vi). Magic is a difficult word to describe.

The textbook definition

By the dictionary, magic is a thing that exists only on a metaphysical and spiritual level, and the only physical medium of magic is sleight-of-hand and illusionary movements. In the dictionary, it is described as, a mysterious and hardly understood thing; a wickedness. This is the most common and accepted understanding of magic. It did not always use to be like that. In Ancient Dwaia, a type of magic called Vim was widely used to affect reality in different ways. Since the knowledge of it has largely disappeared, the Dwaian folk became afraid of its legendary status and became superstitious of it. Today, after many myths of witches and warlocks, the words magic and wickedness are used to describe things that are not understood. (i.e., vim or forgotten technology.)

The Vim definition

The words magic and vim refer to the same thing, but vim is a more specific term. Magic on its own refers to a broad spectrum of things that people find devilish out of superstition, such as what happened to Vim (after its usage was lost), and forgotten technology. While vim refers specifically to an ancient Dwaian practice of manipulation of fundamental magical energy to affect reality and elements. Vim users still exist but are very sparse.

In recent developments, more types of magic have manifested outside of vim. These unstable magics are under investigation by the Wizards of Eight. These 'new' magics have been labeled as unstable or abnormal magic.

The Magic of Vim

Vim as magic is a spiritual energy (like chi) that can be used to manipulate the fundamental energies of reality. With this, a user can manipulate elements and change their properties. An example of this, is the submagic necromancy wherein a Vim user replaces or adds a life element to a dead skeleton.

There are four principles of Vim:

Synomynity

Constants are flexible. Though the Cardinal Cycle dictates that aspects change linearly, through the use of Vim, they can be manipulated prematurely.

Continuity

Undecaying and uncaring. Vim is a constant potential energy that does not decay, but only run out.

Saturation

Limits are meaningless. Like fuel to a fire to make it bigger, vim can be used as an energy source, but endlessly and without saturation.

Contagion

Too much, too fast. An object or creature embued with vim must be able to withstand it. Like a bottle, a creature or object has a capacity.