The force of Magic and its uses appear an impossible conundrum to an uneducated spectator, for what it accomplishes should not be possible by any means, and the spectator is not aware that Magic is not a force unto itself but power that exists from within the Self; with its divisions seen clearly in that which stands and manipulates existing Forces, and that which flows and creates Forces of its own to use. People who are wise and foolish enough to comprehend the power from the Self and attempt to utilize these forces must practice a balance of recklessness and discipline, and be content with their own limitations when they show themselves.--from Of Magic and Its Divisions, Paollo Fachset; y. 768 preceding-Recession.
Paollo's version of how magic manifests definitely had some roots in F'ano mysticism, but that doesn't stop his writings on the subject to still remain one of the most accurate references to date. Students of magic in Philosopher's academies are often expected to have most of his works memorized before they're allowed to do any actual magic themselves. Recently the study of magic has become even more difficult as theories concerning is existence are reviewed and rewritten-- it was thought that somehow the existence of the wasteland made it possible.
Magic is seen with two distinct forms, called concrete and fluid:
Concrete Magic
This is the more common form of magic used, as well as the safer and more predictable. Like mathematics (or a better anaology would probably be physics), it has a ton of tried-and-proven rules and theorems and laws to it, and certain formulas in the concrete magic system always get you certain results without fail. Understanding and memorizing these formulas is quite a trial, and magicians who use "incantations" are probably just speaking the formula so they can get a spell right. Those who can "do the math" in their minds can perform concrete formulas very easily.
The beginning of a concrete formula is always the "anchor", which gives the spell a place to manifest. The location, distance, material, and other notable properties of an anchor must always be taken into account or the spell won't work-- from this basic concept alone, one can see how mindbreaking the practice of a magician can be. From there the properties and function of the spell are established, ending with its activation. Some more advanced spells such as lightning require more than one anchor.
Studies on spell anchors gave birth to an art called spellcarving: to put it simply, writing the formula of a spell into an object can enchant that object or give you easy access to it later on. It's a nightmarish trade to learn, as the more "practical" formulas are very complex and perfect aesthetic balance is needed for it to work, but these days there's a high dependence on spellcarved artifacts for various purposes. It is forbidden, both by tradition and law, to practice spellcarving into the flesh.
Fluid Magic
Fluid magic is definitely "easier" since it doesn't have any rules to follow... but it's also a lot more risky for the same reason. It is an infinitely unpredictable force to try and control, and beginners must be prepared to endure all sorts of bumps and bruises and random maladies. Something as basic as conjuring a small fire could end up summoning a kumquat instead. The best teacher is practice and perseverance; everyone has their own way of taming fluid magic.
An accomplished flowsman, however, can seamlessly flow from one element to the other without pause and without error-- hence the name of people who practice the art. The only limit of someone who's overcome all of its trials are his imagination and physical well-being. Many Unmade are particularly skilled with fluid magic, using it for healing; it's also becoming more common for flowsmen to delve into the performing arts.
This form of magic also often exists passively in people, giving them what's usually called a fluid gift. There's a wide range of gifts people can have, from controlling water to attracting locusts, and they can be extremely useful, barely tolerable, only good as a party trick, or even dangerous. Fluid gifts obviously have a bit of randomosity to them, but they can have a tendency to pass through family lines. If you want to give your Individual a gift, please keep the possibilities in mind... but don't overdo it.
Other Things Worth Mentioning
The forms of magic often cross, but they never touch: attempts to combine them have proved completely fruitless, and some believe that the wasteland was actually a manifestation of the dissonance between the two forms. Magicians and flowsmen are often found at standstills because they both have such good defenses that their respective magics literally have no effect on one another. Practicing flowsmen should be careful around spellcarved artifacts, and magicians must be as seamless as possible in their casting.
Golems and magic doors can be made by either form, but those made with concrete magic are often sturdier and much more reliable (albeit at the cost of taking ages to make). It's practically a deathwish to try a flowsman's magic door... on the other hand, they can make golems a lot more quickly, and can be controlled more directly. The few who know how to make either keep it a well-guarded secret how it's done, however.
Instead of inhibiting the advancement of technology, magic enhances it. Use that knowledge for your own benefit.
