The Magic of Ayrelon: Soulfyr

Soulfyr or Soul Casting is so named because the source of its power is generated by, and derives from the caster’s own being. The caster gains an inexplicable bond with the planet’s living essence, and that bond causes them to generate their own internal magical weave.

Those with the power to cast Soulfyr magic are born with their abilities. This form of magic cannot be gained through study, or practice. Many have tried to do so, and all have failed. Furthermore, those born with the gifts do not always realize their abilities. Many live and die natural deaths without every discovering their potential.

This is due to the fact that such abilities, while present from birth, lie dormant until unlocked. Unfortunately for the person so imbued, unlocking those abilities seems to require a violent, untimely death. It is unclear why this is the case, though some who have studied it believe the reason to be spiritual in nature, and this extremely hard to define.

Unlike other casters who must memorize spells or draw from external sources, Soulfyr casters expend part of their own soul in their casting. This leads to extreme exhaustion, and is the only true limit to a soul-caster’s power. Through learning and constant use, such casters can extend the limits of their power and how much they can cast without rest.

The lack of dependency on external sources of power is a big draw for those who seek to become Soulfyr casters. This is a driving force for many who try, and ultimately fail, to become one.

A lesser known factor of Soulfyr casting is that once the abilities are unlocked, their owner gains a modicum of immortality. They are, of course, capable of being killed. However, their attachment to the world’s living essence has the chance of resurrecting them, and their powers prevent them from aging.

These factors have lead to several cults throughout Ayrelon’s history. Cults which attempt to create Soulfyr casters through violent, ritual sacrifice or even suicide. These cults are seen as horrible tragedies by those who have studied the Soulfyr phenomenon.

Only a handful of Soulfyr casters have ever been recorded by magic historians and scribes.

What kind of Soulfyr casters are there?

Celestials

Soulfyr casters who are naturally predisposed to protect others and fight for the common good are known as Celestials. The name derives from their close approximation to the physical representation of the gods, for that is what most people see them as.

Celestials have a natural, irresistible distaste for the malevolent, and often find it difficult to be near those of questionable morals. They often assume positions within society that allow them to advise and guide society.

It is theorized that only one Celestial will ever exist at any given time.

Cosmists

Cosmists are naturally driven to seek balance in all things. They may sometimes act with benevolence, and other times malevolence. What inspires them to move in one direction or the other seems to be based upon their attachment to the world’s natural order. When an overabundance of good or evil is present, the are driven to act in opposition to drive that force back into a state of balance.

A Cosmist will never seek to drive good or evil from a land. Such a motivation stands in contrast to their all-consuming goals. However, normal citizens rarely see them for what they are. More often, Cosmists are assumed to be evil by the populace.

It is theorized that Cosmists are the natural form of Soulfyr caster, and that Celestials and Diabolists are extreme perversions of the union between mortal soul and the essence of the world.

Diabolists

Diabolists are driven toward personal power and dominion over the world’s populace. Their actions are often seen as malevolent, for they have little regard toward the consequences and victims of their actions. From their perspective, they often see their own actions as they only way to save the people of the world from themselves.

Diabolists stand in opposition to Celestials, seeing them as weak or misguided.

It is theorized that only one Diabolist will ever exist at any given time.