Magic

Magic is a tangible force in The Dark Mod setting. Most people encounter it in some form or another on a regular basis. As it was in our own history, the line between "magic" and "science" is not well defined--most people see alchemy and mathematics as just another form of magic (or magic as just another form of science, if you prefer).

Most people with the ability to use magic only develop the skill to do fairly easy things, like using tea leaves to tell fortunes, healing minor aches and pains, or creating small wards against rats or disease. With a little knowledge of alchemy or herbalism, these people can create successful potions or amulets. Through intensive study, some talented individuals can learn to do more powerful things, like control the elements, or hurling balls of flame or ice. These Mages can create illusions to mislead people or even conjure evil creatures.

Pagans are very comfortable with natural magic. Their tribes frequently have shamans or druids who can conduct powerful rituals to create magical effects.

The Builders have priests who can create magic-like effects, such as throwing flame or summoning light. These effects are said to come directly from their god, however, and are therefore considered holy miracles, not magic.

Necromancers study a more macabre form of magic. They can control anything dead in the surrounding area. Dead birds, dogs, snakes, people, whatever...they can manipulate them to get rid of any unwanted intruded or assassinate an interloper. An average necromancer's hovel will have dead things lying all throughout the building, with corpses of dead peasants spead out down a hallway or dead birds flying about with the necromancer sees through it's eyes.

Necromancers often put animal heads on pikes in their territory. Using their magic they can see through the eyes, making the heads like gruesome sentries.