“The world breathes with it, bends with it, burns with it. Magic is not learned—it is survived.” — Unknown Scalespeaker
Magic in Etheria is not a system—it is a consequence. When the ancient, near-divine creature Irion collided with the world during The Collapse, it ruptured the land and embedded fragments of itself throughout the continents. These fragments, known as Scales, are nearly indestructible and pulse with raw, chaotic essence. Magic in Etheria is the residual pulse of Irion's being, diffused into the world like breath into glass.
Each Scale is a titan's shard, with different magical properties based on its structure, color, and resonance. Communities have formed around these scales, using their ambient magic for survival, innovation, and control. However, each use of this magic deepens a hidden cost—corruption.
| Scale Name | Description | Magical Character |
|---|---|---|
| Armour of Or | Largest, crystalline red-white beneath tundra | Heat, pressure, metallurgy |
| Batès Lamina | Smallest, radiant red, in a sacred lake | Calm, spiritual resonance |
| Eldeviérs Shell | Opal spire holding Mohinders in the air | Healing, levitation, light |
| Umperas Hull | Wall-like yellow, broken top | Defense, warding |
| The Asara Plate | Broken blue scale with crystalline reflections | Illusion, perception manipulation |
| Orinite Ring | Orbiting black ring with glowing red lining | Unknown, celestial influence |
Raw magic leaks from breaches or natural vents in the scales, forming Sparks—chaotic bursts of energy. These sparks can be harnessed, refined, or left to dangerously evolve. Stabilizing them is extremely difficult, and forbidden in most places due to historical disasters like Kin'Darei.
Arcane infrastructure formed around scales allows cities to draw sustainable magic through engineered resonance chambers. This is common in cities like Or (through metallurgy) and Mohinders (through floating portals and healing).
When raw magic interacts with organic matter and elemental energy, Iridians are born. These beings are living proof of magic’s transformative, adaptive nature—resonating with nearby scales, but independent of magical consumption.
The scale-connected dimension known as The Dense is a warped layer of compressed space. Magic here is unbound by natural law and interacts with thought, emotion, and intention. It is believed to be both a byproduct and a reflection of Etheria's magical saturation.
A metaphysically concealed research enclave accessible only by arcane resonance compatibility. It stabilizes scale studies under extreme restrictions. Some claim the Rift chooses its scholars, not the other way around.
Dwarves master Harthrûn Metallurgy, fusing ore with scale-essence through Core Heat derived from the Armour of Or. This refined practice is seen as controlled and sacred, blending magic and technology without breaching laws.
Religious protectors of Batès Lamina. They believe scale magic is the remaining soul of Irion and practice harmony through spiritual resonance and sound-based rituals.
Magic in Etheria is not a skill. It is a force, a remnant of divinity, a constant gamble. Every interaction, every enchantment, and every discovery is a risk taken in the shadow of Irion’s broken majesty.