Sanctu :Princess of Lust

Magic:

The place of magic in the world is too diverse to give more than a

brief overview. Magic, defined simply is the ability to shape reality

through force of will be it threw tapping on "natural" energies, the

wielders own inner power or calling on extra dimensional sources the basic

end result is the same. Some change is effected, be it grand or subtle.

Theoretically any sentient being has the capacity to utilize magic.

In practice it is much more difficult. It takes great willpower and

dedication as well as an innate "talent" to gain true mastery of the mystic

arts regardless of what school the practioner follows. It takes some

intelligence as well, to decipher the various arcane rules and laws that

govern magic and avoid the pitfalls littering the path to power. Many would

be mages give up or die long before achieving much true power but for those

with the will to continue the rewards are great.

As with anything, there are shortcuts. Quick, "easy" methods to gain

occult knowledge. There are many beings willing to grant boons of power in

exchange for... bargains. The old cliché of "selling your soul" actually has

some precedent though if you're willing to call on such beings, they likely

have a down payment on it anyway....

Aside from human mages, there are creatures of myth and legend.

Natural creations of magic that still exist in the age of reason though in

hiding. The Fey, once mighty now have mostly fled the earth before the

advance of science. The recently some have returned, drawn by longing for

their old companions and playthings called humanity and by the new wonders

emerging. Demons walk the earth, working their subtle ploys and toying with

humans. Some are evil, some merely selfish or childish, all are chaotic

forces of change. Vampires and Lycanthropes, man's old predators, now mimic

him forming secret societies in the shadows of cities and fading wilderness.

Several organizations exist in the magical subculture that often

cross paths with superhumans. Foremost would be DEMON. This black cabal of

mages and insane cultists has been in existence since the early 20th

century. Worshipping various evil deities and creatures which defy

description, DEMON exists to return the world to a new dark age, when magic,

fear and superstition ruled supreme. Standing against DEMON is the Circle. A

seemingly much older organization it encompasses not only certain magically

talented beings but other groups such as the Knights Templar and the White

Lodge. The Circle, while not as numerous as DEMON's forces, rivals them in

sheer power and outclasses them in courage. While not organizations per so,

the Krynn and Vandeleur familes bear mentioning. Both have a strong family

line of magical powers, each generation producing potent mages. Along with,

or perhaps due to, this they are known for being extremely eccentric.....