Today is Part 1 in the 6 part series on Magic in Redshift.

The Fundaments.

In Redshift, Magic and Technology are separate things, and never shall the two interact. Except for Magic to completely wreck some tech. We'll talk about that later in the series.

In universe, it's not understood why magic and technology seem to repel each other. What is known is that despite attempts throughout history to create technology based on it, it will not cooperate with technology in any way. To the point that using a viewscreen to see where someone is to cast a spell will fail by default.

Centuries ago, magic was far stronger, but as peoples relied on technology more, magic weakened.

Attempts to study it have persisted for centuries, forming the basis of the scientific method for quite some time.

What was discovered through trial, error, and more than a few unfortunate accidents, was that there were 5 Primary Forces in the universe.

Life

Death

Order

Change

Knowledge

All living things had all 5 of those Forces within them, though in differing amounts. And the environments were seeped in those 5 forces as well. Also in differing amounts. And those amounts even changed based upon what was in an area.

A handful of people within each species (Minus a couple) are capable of channeling those Forces to use magic with predictable effects. These people are called Magi or Wizards most of the time, though they may not go by that title depending on preference.

What is known is that every person has a small amount of what is referred to as "Aether" within them. The amount differs by person. However, not everyone has the ability to channel it, and it is not something that can be taught to everyone.

To channel the Forces, they must have the innate ability to do it.

This is reflected by the "Touched" Merit in the game.

However, a person is only ever able to channel one Force and it's the type that there is the most of within that person. Each Force has its own effects and specialties which I'll discuss in its section.

Next week, I'll go over the first of these Forces. Life.