The Origin of Magic

In an age long ago, the Ancient from the former world, Saelabylaer, returned to Scandiaca in human form. Her intent was to live one full life as a mortal; from her own birth, through her mortal death. She experienced the world through mortal eyes, and gained a more full understanding of the ways of mankind.

During this life time, she married, and gave birth to three boys. Her children grew up to be strong-willed men. It was at this time that Saelabylaer decided to grant the gift of magic to her sons. To the oldest, Cadyn, she granted the power to pull magical energy from the world around him. All of the world possessed magical potential, and Cadyn was gifted with the ability to create magic from these components in the form of sorcery (arcane magic). To the middle child, Renzu, she granted the ability to tap into spiritual energy from the aether. The forces of nature and all other living things provided all of the power needed to drive this theurgy (divine magic). To the youngest, Anvir, she granted the ability to pull magic from within. Anvir was able to create his own magical energy from his own mind and body (psionics).

With her sons now in possession of a power no one else controlled, she sent them out to teach others of this power. Cadyn was the most charismatic of the three boys, and he wandered from town to town teaching those who would listen. As he traveled on, word of his powers attracted more that became his following. He was able to spread the power of arcane magic to many others. His teachings were effective, and those who learned from him went on to mentor others in the arcane arts.

Renzu was the wisest of the boys, and he formed shrines and temples so that those who wished to learn divine magic could seek him out. As word spread of his abilities, people flocked to his temples and learned his craft. In time, many others heeded his calling and divine magic spread to many others. He was able to spread the knowledge of his power to others, and they went on to provide the teachings to others.

Anvir was the most intelligent of the three boys. He sought out the most intelligent of the populace, hoping to spread word of his power and abilities to others which he deemed intellectual equals. However, Anvir was very particular of whom he taught. He believed that only the brightest of all mankind should wield such power. Though others learned from his meditations, the magic of psionics spread slowly compared to the other forms of magic.

Anvir feared that too much arcane and divine magic would unbalance the world. This trepidation was further fueled by jealousy because his following was so much smaller than the other two brothers. He felt as though Cadyn and Renzu were providing their gifts to too many, and that magic was something only the worthy should possess. He set it upon himself to use his psionics and his followers to reduce the influence of other magic in the world.

After killing numerous followers of sorcery and theurgy, Anvir set his eyes towards his brothers themselves. Using his skills and his cunning, he killed Cadyn, and then Renzu. Furious, Saelabylaer sought out her last remaining son and confronted him. Before facing him, she removed her gift and left him powerless. She destroyed him, and then destroyed all of those who followed him. In the end, psionics had been removed from the world of Scandiaca.

She vowed never to reveal its power to anyone else, and she returned to Heathandrus, leaving Scandiaca alone again, forever. Though the knowledge of psionics had gone, in time, other mortals eventually figured out the secret of its power themselves. Once again, psionics was present in Storm World.