( MAGIC )

[wolfofmidgard]

Magic

Magic is thought to be a force that permeates the Nine Realms directly through Yggdrasil, the World's Tree, which supports the Realms. Like the Tree's blessing, it does not grant itself readily to mortals and has to be studied for a long time in order to be safely used. Immortal beings — such as Vanir, Aesir, and the Norn — are capable of utilizing it much more. In order to use magic, one must have a great deal of concentration and willpower. Only beings such as Aesir and Vanir can use magic to its most dramatic effect, and without using runes. (Hence, alongside their blessing by Yggdrasil, why they're considered to be gods.) Using runes is tricky and potentially dangerous. Typically they're utilized in a pattern, like a circle, for greater effect over an area, but the shape needed depends on what you want to achieve. Each rune stands for an effect, rather than building a word, though a sentence may be carved alongside for the benefit of others reading them. Runes must also be carved into the desired surface (or painted on, etc) with purpose and intent of their desired end effect. It's the intent and willpower of the individual, and their grasp of magic, which makes them work. Each rune has a specific name and a meaning, and that meaning decides the general arc of the effect (for example, haglaz is used when water or snow is involved).