Magic in Meliora and Religion, Where does magic come from? Who uses it?

[Venea Zephyrius]

Magic in Meliora

The Spirits of Nature and Leviathon
The exact source of Meliora's magic is unknown, but the authorities on magical activity have their theories. The unknown forces which provide individuals with the ability to manipulate the elements are known throughout the country as the Spirits of Nature. It is believed that the Spirits of Nature have some connection to the mages that helped defeat the Leviathon, but the methods of performing magic used before and during the conflict with Leviathon no longer work. It is also believed that magic is given as a gift from the lost souls of the fallen mages. The tale of the Leviathon remains a well known story to this day for many reasons, but its assumed connection to the existence of the deities is probably the most significant reason. It is a story that is known by almost every soul in Meliora.

Magic of the Deities
The deities are chosen by the Spirits of Nature to represent the Spirits among the people. It does not matter what their race is or their age. No one knows exactly what traits earn this power, but only exceptional creatures are gifted with the ability to manipulate nature. They may be good, evil, or indifferent. Most often they are complex in many ways, never fully living in a white or black area, but an ever-changing shade of gray. There are never two deities with the same power at the same time. When one deity falls, another is chosen to take their place (either immediately or after an uncertain amount of time).

These deities have complete control over their element (whether they can figure out how to unlock certain abilities or not depends on the individual), but cannot use magic of another element. One power that every deity shares is the ability to transport. The method which each deity uses to do so varies slightly, but every one of them is able to travel great distances almost immediately with practice. It is also in their power to give abilities to others. Most deities are very hesitant about sharing their power, but those that are allowed to manipulate the element of a deity assume the position of a mage.

Magic of the Mages
After being chosen as a potential mage and completing a trial determined by their deity, an individual is deemed worthy of sharing in the powers of their god or goddess. Mages are able to use abilities given to them by their deity, and may only use these specific skills within their deity's element. Some mages may be allowed to utilize more powerful magic than others, but regardless of how they can manipulate their element, they are still far more powerful than most people in Meliora. Each deity has different rules concerning mages, but abusing one's power will certainly have consequences.

Magic of the Athanhaer
Magic of the Athanhaer is gifted in a way similar to the magic of the mages. The founder (Hunter O'Shea) of the Athanhaer was a deity of sorts, and therefore he had the power to give power to whomever he wished. Deliah Torashin has taken his place as the guild's leader. What is unique about the magic of this secret mage society is that it is not confined to a single element. Mages of the Athanhaer have the ability to channel the energies of all elements. However, most mages of the Athanhaer are not as powerful as mages of the deities. These people favor quantity over quality when choosing their path of magic.

[Venea Zephyrius]

Religion

Although there are certainly different religious groups in Meliora, the most widely accepted religion pertains to the existence of the eight deities. Even those who choose not to align themselves with a deity or live their lives according to the laws and philosophies of those deities rarely deny their power. It is commonly accepted that there is a higher power beyond the deities of Meliora and that they are responsible for the magic in the country.

History
Few choose to attempt to understand the Spirits of Nature from which it is believed all magic originated, but it is said that Meliora began with them. For the sake of understanding their history will be explained as fact, but the truth remains unknown.

Meliora was created by the Spirits, shaped by the eight elements and occupied by creation. From there the Spirits cared for the land, protecting it and shaping it to their will until it was decided that mages should walk amongst the people. These mages were gifted with the ability to control various magics, various elements and abilities, and they were highly respected. Magic existed in this way, a gift by birth to the most dedicated of students, until Leviathon, the enemy of the Spirits, threatened the land of Meliora. The greatest mages assembled to defeat the shadow-beast, and in their attempt to seal away Leviathon for eternity, magic was lost to the land.

However, the Spirits eventually saw fit to give magic to Meliora once again- this time in the form of deities, their chosen representatives and guides to the people. Soon deities of all elements ascended, and the people of Meliora turned to them for protection and guidance as was the will of the Spirits. The deities, all-powerful in their elements, spread their magic across Meliora, placing it in the hands of trusted students who would help them to lead the land into lasting prosperity once again.

It was then that Meliora was truly reborn into a land where magic could be seen in all things, respected mages walked amongst the people, and messengers of the Spirits bridged the gap between the helpless and their omniscient leaders.

Of course, some deities have come and gone, leaving when they have outlived their purpose and making room for those who will serve the changing Meliora as needed. Some deities serve for many years, and others for only a short time, but all are respected and honored as the chosen representatives of the Spirits.