Enderal:Encyclopedia Arcana - Magic, Part II
- NPC: Bendos Sandgood in Frostcliff Tavern
- NPC: Brenol Chopper in Ark, Meat Market
- Ark - Gatehouse
- Ark, Erbgoth's Leather Goods
- Borek's House
- Boreo's Book Blessing
- Dal'Valstaag Ruins, Cabinet
- Family Crypt Keldron
- Monastery Westgard
- Paladinfestung, Speisesaal
- Riverville, Temple
Magic, Part II
Magical talent is an inherent trait, although its potency can vary greatly between individuals. Approximately one in a hundred humans or Starlings hold the potential for magical ability within them; for Aeterna the prevalence is about six in a hundred. The probability of being born with magical talent becomes higher when one of the parents is magically gifted as well, suggesting that this trait can in fact be inherited. Where exactly magical talent is located within the body has yet to be discovered. The currently prevailing hypothesis is one posed by the apothecarii and presumes that magic, like our virtues and temper, is "stored" in our blood. For further information on this topic, it is recommended the student of magic reads the book "Human Anatomy" by Rosana Kesselfeder.
Magical talent not only differs in strength, but also in the way it reveals itself. This can be a gradual development from the moment of birth, or a spontaneous manifestation of power that occurs regardless of age. Some magically gifted individuals even die without their talent ever having surfaced. However, observations have shown that life-threatening situations or liminal experiences - like hallucinations through the use of narcotics - can encourage its onset.
As spectacular as the possibilities upon discovering magical talent may seem, it should never be forgotten that this trait is also highly dangerous and poses a serious threat to both the mental and physical well-being of the individual. As one's magical talent begins to manifest, it is accompanied by a terrible affliction known as "Arcane Fever". The most common explanation for this condition is that the human mind is unable to cope with the suddenly obtained clarity of vision, combined with the simultaneous perception of multiple states of reality.
If one's talent emerges slowly, the fever will tend to follow a gradual progression as well; if instead there is a rapid onset of magical abilities, the fever will develop with equal abruptness. While the affected person will initially complain of nothing more than a mild feeling of weakness and an occasional headache, the symptoms will compound as time progresses. After approximately three moons, the magically gifted individual will begin to lose the ability to distinguish between the various eventualities. If left untreated, this will inevitably lead to complete insanity. Furthermore, as one's hold on reality is slipping, accidental incorporation of other eventualities into our world becomes increasingly likely.
Many wild mages owe their Pathlessness to the Arcane Fever. Although the characteristics of insanity may differ from person to person, one out of every five cases will result in the "Blue Death" within a year after the Fever's onset. The Blue Death owes its name to the distinctive deformation of the body of the afflicted, which culminates in the transformation into an outrageous, unpredictable beast known as an "Oorbâya".
