All creatures in Eaxia are influenced by what is called The Flow. This is supply of magical essence that stems back to The Before Time in Eaxian history. Some beings have the power to tap into the Flow and harness its energy to work magic. These people are trained as clerics and mages, and depending upon their path, learn the light and dark ways to manipulate the Flow. Others such as fighters and travelers aren't directly capable of using magic unless they receive further training in their evolved classes.

When you first join the Cleric or Mage guild, you will be given beginning spells (or with mages, training points to choose spells). To view what spells you know, type SPELL [#] where the number refers to the spell level. As you advance within your class, you will receive higher level spells. Here is an example of what you might see:

        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Looking through your spellbook, you find that you have learned the following         level 3 spells:
                Lesser Restoration [lr]
                Cure Poison [cp]
                Chameleon Skin [chs]
                Pollen
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can also access notes on these spells by using SPELL INFO [spell name].

        SPELL INFO CURE MODERATE WOUNDS (or CMW)

        You read your notes about the Cure Moderate Wounds spell...

        "I have learned Cure Moderate Wounds and it appears to be a level two spell.         Moderately low-power healing spell granting moderate wound repair to the         target."

---

To prepare a spell to cast on yourself (such as healing spells or other self-effecting spells), type PREPARE [name of spell] or you can abbreviate: PREP [name of spell]. Then, you wait for the spell to be completely prepare before you CAST. You can also cast spells on targets (healing spells, attack spells, or other spell effects requiring a target). To do this, simple PREP [name of spell] [target], wait for full preparation, then CAST. Here are some examples:

        PREP DW
        You begin chanting the words to summon the powers of Death Watch.

        You feel completely prepared to cast your spell.

        CAST
        You gesture slightly and begin to see the auras of life in the area.
        [Roundtime: 5 seconds]

-or-         PREP ILW RAT
        You focus your mind and begin to recite the Inflict Light Wounds spell.

        You feel completely prepared to cast your spell.

        CAST
        You point at rat and watch as light wounds begin to form all over its body.
        [Roundtime: 4 seconds]

As you may notice, casting the spells causes some roundtime. It also costs mana. Mana is the amount of power that you can harness from the Flow. You can check how much harness you have remaining by typing MANA. This is given in a percentage, and when you have reached 0% or lower than the power required to cast the spell, you will be unable to prepare it.

Mana slowly regenerates over time. However, there are several ways in which to speed of the regeneration. Some magical items are enchanted to increase this process, and there are potions that you can drink to enhance your regeneration as well. These potions are pale and deep yellow infusions. To review how to make these potions, please visit Astrid's Alchemy Reference.

If you are a spellcaster, using magic in combat may not come easily in the beginning. Wearing armor (as you should be in combat unless you are studying with the monks) inhibits spellcasting, especially while engaged with creatures. This causes spells to backfire, sometimes at the most inopportune times. To counteract this hinderance, there is the skill of Combat Casting. To learn this skill, simple cast spells while wearing armor of any type and be engaged at melee with a creature. The heavier the armor, the more Combat Casting you will need to counteract the armor and thus reduce your chance of spell backfire.

More will be added to this section as scholars seek out a deeper understanding of the Flow.