Rift Magic is the ancient and intricate craft of manipulating Rift Energy, the argent essence that flows through the cosmos. It is one of the oldest and most profound magical disciplines, passed down from the Unknown gods to their Archon, then to the True Dragon, and finally to the Elf species during the early ages of creation. Rift Magic embodies the raw, immaterial power of creation itself, allowing practitioners to shape the world and even reality around them.
Origins
The practice of Rift Magic dates back to the Second Age, when the Unknown shaped the Prime Plane during The Aeonic Struggle and charged their Archons with preserving the elemental balance. From these divine beings, the first manifestations of Rift Magic were born, tailored to the core elements that make up the fabric of the universe:
- Sun-Rifting (Fire and Energy): Harnessing the radiant power of the sun and stars.
- Earth-Rifting (Earth): Commanding the strength and resilience of the land.
- Water-Rifting (Water): Manipulating the ebb and flow of the seas.
- Ether-Rifting (Air and Arcana): Attuning to the ethereal currents that carry Rift Energy across the cosmos.
Each of these primal forms of Rift Magic became the foundation of all elemental magic, passed down by the True Dragons—the first mortal beings to master the art—and taught to their chosen mortal stewards, the Elves. From these humble beginnings, Rift Magic evolved into the diverse and sophisticated practice it is today.
Nature of Rift Magic
Rift Magic is not merely the manipulation of the physical world; it is the mastery of Rift Energy, an ancient and volatile force that predates the planes themselves. Practitioners of Rift Magic channel this energy through the Ether, the invisible threads of magic that bind the cosmos, allowing them to:
- Open gateways between planes of existence.
- Reshape elements and matter.
- Warp space and time.
- Harness the primal forces of creation and destruction.
Due to its profound nature, Rift Magic is both a source of enlightenment and a perilous art. Unchecked, it can unravel the delicate balance of the cosmos, tearing apart the very fabric of reality.
Core Forms of Rift Magic
Sun-Rifting
- Domain: Fire and Energy
- Origins: Taught by Ember, the Archon of the Sun, and passed down by the Solar Drake.
- Abilities: Harnesses the searing power of fire and the radiance of the stars. Practitioners can summon firestorms, manipulate heat, and channel solar energy into devastating attacks or life-giving warmth.
Earth-Rifting
- Domain: Earth
- Origins: Taught by Bjorn, the Archon of Earth, and passed down by the Terran Drake.
- Abilities: Commands the land itself, enabling practitioners to shape mountains, create barriers of stone, and imbue their bodies with the unyielding strength of the earth.
Water-Rifting
- Domain: Water
- Origins: Taught by Mythia, the Archon of Water, and passed down by the Dragon Turtle.
- Abilities: Masters the flow of water, creating waves, summoning maelstroms, and manipulating the tides to heal or destroy.
Ether-Rifting
- Domain: Air and Magic
- Origins: Taught by Zirael (Goldbrand), the Archon of Air, and guided by Mystera, the goddess of magic. It was passed down through the Aether Drake.
- Abilities: Attunes to the Ether, allowing practitioners to manipulate wind, travel great distances in an instant, and wield the fabric of magic itself to cast spells of unparalleled complexity.
Evolution of Rift Magic
As civilizations developed and Rift Magic became more widespread, its potential and dangers were realized. The Empire of Bastile and the Magocracy of Thouran in the Fourth Age stabilized and refined Rift Magic, turning it into a reliable power source for technological and arcane advancements. However, this development also exposed its destructive potential, as reckless use led to devastating catastrophes that reshaped continents.
In its modern form, Rift Magic has been adapted into various schools and disciplines, tailored to the needs and cultures of different civilizations. While some use it for creation and protection, others wield it as a weapon of war, a testament to its dual nature as both a harbinger of progress and a force of chaos. Well before modern developments, however, Rift Magic was used widely throughout the Mytharil Empire.
Arcane Archons
The Archons, the first stewards of Rift Magic, remain its eternal protectors. Each Archon safeguards the Worldstones tied to their elemental domain, ensuring the balance of Rift Energy across the cosmos. Through the Avatars, chosen mortals who embody their elemental domains, the Archons ensure that Rift Magic is wielded responsibly and with respect for the natural order.
Legacy
Rift Magic stands as one of the greatest and most perilous achievements of mortal and divine collaboration. It is a testament to the boundless potential of creation, a force that binds the universe together while threatening to unravel it if misused. From the elemental realms to the heart of Unknown itself, Rift Magic weaves through the cosmos, shaping the destinies of gods and mortals alike.