Magic

Magic is one of the main focal points for the story, existing in each of the main character's weapons and also in many of the antagonists'. Magic Crystals, in the world of Yaalheim, is, unbeknownst to most, a form of crystalline bacteria. It takes many shapes, but is almost always used by forging it into a weapon. The way the bacteria function, is very similar to a symbiotic relationship, as when not touched, the microorganisms lay dormant. When a person touches a crystal, their bio-electricity causes the bacteria to become active. Feeding off of their host's heartbeat, the bacteria copy the electric synapses in the brain, essentially creating a telepathic link. Different crystals take different effects. Within fire, or heat crystals, the microorganisms will start vibrating, to such a speed that they light anything they touch on fire. Their direction is then controlled by the user. Other types include,

Ice or Cryomancy (slowing activity on a molecular level),

Gravity, or Neutromancy (condensing to such a degree a gravity well is formed),

Sound or Vibromancy (creating extreme sonic frequencies through vibration),

Life or Cellumancy (manipulation of instinctual animals and plants through pheromone releases),

Death or Necromancy (artificial necrotic poisoning manipulation)

Water or Aquamancy (absorbing, condensing and manipulating liquid within range),

Wind or Aeromancy (local air current manipulation)

Lightning or Electromancy (production and transference of electrical energy)

Light or Lumomancy (enhancement, reflection and manipulation of photons via refractive bodies),

Shadow or Umbramancy (transfer and absorption of matter through dark energy pockets by molecule attachment)

Mercenaries, Nobles, Royalty, and the Military employ the use of catalysts, objects with magic crystals forged inside. The objects are quite rare, and thought to be owned by only 2.5% of the population. Mercenaries who catalysts are known as Nephilim, agents of chaos. In turn, Governments give them to military officers and generals, some who combat the Nephilim, like the infamous Arbiters. Many families often hold them as family heirlooms or treasures.

Magic can also be used without a catalyst, though it is thought incredibly dangerous, and results in a shortened lifespan. Magic users who ingest the crystals are typically known as warlocks, while catalyst users are defined as either wizards, those who use magic with great precision from staves or jewelry, and warlocks, who use combat-based magic forged into weapons.