Magic
The world is governed by two magical forces: Eminence - the magic of experience and Cyclicity - the magic of existence.
Eminence
Experience is how all living are. A subjective internal state of being. This state is characterised by Emotions. These Emotions can... will affect the outside. These effects vary tremendously - from igniting a tiny flame to triggering a vast continental storm. Emotions hold immense potential and are the very basis of the magic of the living.
The governor of that magic, the Tree of Emotions, is believed to be dead. It does not deny this, nor confirm it - it has simply vacated its role, by the virtue of being cut down and unresponsive. This fact is belived to have amplified this magic.
The Study of Emotional Magic
Scholars have extensively studied this phenomenon and have reached one key conclusion: any emotion can produce any effect. It is up to the individual to determine what that effect will be - yes the individual has control, with training and self-reflection. For example, one person’s happy smile might burn down a house, while another person may need intense anger to cause the same combustion. Understanding how emotions will manifest requires a journey of self-exploration.
Each culture has developed its own way of handling the impact of emotions. Some societies strictly prohibit public displays of emotion, while others rely on magic as their way of interacting with the world.
Emotional Effects
A Self-Propagated Emotionally Loaded Leakage, or Spell, for short is the physical manifestation of an emotion. An important characteristic of emotions is that they must be felt. When emotions are repressed, unable to find external expression, they can cause significant internal stress. If powerful enough, these repressed emotions may crystallize and manifest in the form of a trapped emotion, called "Trauma". These Traumas can be felt or used by others. Research has found that emotional effects often pass from generation to generation. Family members frequently share similar emotional manifestations, a pattern observed across all cultures.
Emotional Drain
The most severe condition an individual can experience is Emotional Drain. When drained, a person loses access to their magic entirely. This process usually begins with feeling Overwhelmed and, if left untreated, can lead to a state of being Numb - an irreversible condition where the individual permanently loses their emotional and magical capacity.
Cyclicity
The innate and the living all exist in someway and at somepoint. The first principle of Cyclicity is that Existence cannot be controlled. One would think inanimating someone ends their existence, but this is not simply true - it just creates a new state for them, a new cycle. This is the basis of Cyclicity - everything has a beginning, a middle and an end. Existence happens regardless of will or action, it is outside of the reach of the living.
Examples of this magic are the seasons, time itself and natural phenomena sych as fire and water. It's governor, The Tree of Cycles is alive and well and makes sure to remain noticed.
Magic Interactions
Eminence is the only magic accessible to living beings in its purest form. Many have dreamed of uncovering ways to interact with Cyclicity. Sighchemy is the use of cyclical crystals from the Tree of Cycles imbued with Eminence. Another effect of interaction is Memory. The ability to peek into the future, called Prominence is theoretical effect, yet to be observed. Other magical interactions remain unknown, but a field of ongoing research.
The Tree of Knowledge?
The most popular theory is that it is simply an observer of all - the past, the present, the future. It knows all there is and all there will be. In a sense, existing beyond existance itself. Other theories state that it simply is another type of magic, complely incomprehensible to the living. The Tree is responsible for all knowledge any mortal has had access to - via its tomes of lore and wisdom, which it produces.