Sanctioned and Unsanctioned use of Magic
Use of magic on Lurra is regulated by various pacts, treaties and other international documents.
Origins
On the world of Lurra, the regulation of arcane magic isn't merely a suggestion - it is a stringent necessity. This edict emerged from the harrowing aftermath of the Planemeld, a catastrophic event that had its roots in the unrestrained application of arcane magic. This event resulted in the converging, or melding, of numerous planes of existence with Lurra, threatening the very fabric of the world.
The Planemeld did not merely cause a temporal merger of these planes; it shook Lurra's foundations, endangering its existence. Had it not been for the skilled intervention of the archmages and the divine intercession of the priests, the outcome could have been significantly grimmer. Lurra may have permanently melded with the other planes or, even worse, been torn asunder by the immense, conflicting energies involved.
The aftermath of the Planemeld also triggered the Elven Schism, a momentous event in the realm's history that further emphasized the need for the control of magic. This rift among the elven population, which led to separation, political upheaval, and social strife, served as another stark reminder of the dire consequences of unregulated magical practices.
Given the magnitude of these events and the severe ramifications they bore, a number of states reached an agreement - the control of magic was no longer a topic of debate but an absolute imperative. This consensus led to the creation of rigorous laws and guidelines for the practice of arcane magic, helping to ensure that its use is closely monitored and regulated. It was understood that the stability of Lurra and the continued coexistence of its various planes of existence were dependent on this collective responsibility.
Founding of Mage's Association and Eye of Saquirius
The Treaty of Eshenserin, was established one year after the Planemeld. Initially adopted by some states, it gained further signatories over time. This pivotal agreement gave rise to the Mage's Association, an international organization with a mandate of significant importance: overseeing arcane practice within the authority granted by participating states and their agreements.
The Mage's Association is not merely an observer, though. Its role extends to the crucial areas of education and regulation of magic, ensuring that the practice of arcane arts adheres to the prescribed standards and protocols. One of its primary functions is maintaining a registry of known and registered arcane practitioners in cooperating jurisdictions. This catalogue acts as a critical tool in monitoring and managing the distribution and deployment of arcane energies across the world, thereby helping to prevent a recurrence of a calamity like the Planemeld.
Simultaneously, the Eye of Saquirius emerged in the aftermath of the Planemeld, acting as the enforcement branch of the Mage's Association. The Eye of Saquirius is tasked with a dual responsibility: dealing with threats originating from other planes of existence and hunting down rogue, unsanctioned spellcasters. Among these rogue practitioners, the maleficars - practitioners of forbidden magic - are a particular focus of the Eye of Saquirius. Their vigilant efforts act as a safeguard against the misuse of arcane magic and the potential hazards associated with extraplanar entities, reinforcing the balance and stability of Lurra in the wake of the Planemeld's devastation.
Difference between a Sanctioned Spellcaster and an Unsanctioned Spellcaster.
To be a sanctioned spellcaster on Lurra is a badge of official recognition and accreditation, achieved by navigating a rigorous path. This involves receiving formal education in the arcane arts, successfully passing a series of examinations, and earning a place in the International Registry of Arcane Users. The Registry acts as a testament to one's proficiency and adherence to the laws governing arcane magic, as outlined in the Treaty of Eshenserin.
Recognition and reporting obligations depend on the agreements and law of the state concerned. Priests and paladins draw divine power from deities, while druids and shamans draw directly from nature; these sources are distinct from arcane practice. Registration is not a complete census of every caster in Lurra.
Conversely, an unsanctioned spellcaster is one who operates outside of these established guidelines and regulations. This status can be acquired through a few distinct ways:
- Receiving the gift of magic from an unverified or unknown source.
- Practicing forbidden magic, thereby becoming a maleficar.
- Receiving arcane education from illegal sources, such as from a maleficar.
Where the applicable law implements these provisions of the Treaty, unsanctioned spellcasters are treated as outlaws. The Eye of Saquirius can pursue them only within the authority granted by the relevant state and agreements. Once apprehended, these individuals are cut off from their spellcasting abilities and sentenced to severe punishments - imprisonment is the standard penalty, while the usage of necromancy, a form of forbidden magic, can lead to a death sentence. Thus, the Eye of Saquirius serves as a vigilant enforcer, maintaining the magical order and ensuring the consequences for those who defy it.
Recognition across borders
Sanction and enforcement depend on the jurisdiction. Membership in a profession or magical tradition does not by itself establish the same legal status in every country. The Association and the Eye have no automatic right to enter a state or enforce their rules there.