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[center][h2][color=ed145b][i]Magic and Technology[/i][/color][/h2][/center]
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[hider=Magic: How does it work?]

[center][i]Power in faith.[/i][/center]

[b]Note: For the beginning keep magic relatively simple! Unique magic is fine, but save really advanced spells/abilities for later on![/b]

The widely accepted theory on magic is that Magi utilize energy in the world around them, as well as their own, to cast spells. By manipulating the nine elements found in the world and their own energies, Magi can craft a wide variety of spells. From healing to illusions, enchanting tools and weapons, something simple like fireballs, or animating golems, magic has nigh unlimited applications. 

To cast magic requires both physical ability and mental aptitude. Even the youngest of Magi can cast a simple spell, but more advanced spellcraft often requires years and years of training. Incantations are not necessary, and while some spells utilize glyphs or sigils most can be conjured simply by willing it to be, and manipulating the energy around oneself. 

Magic is not limited to simply elemental alignments. Most Magi do so simply because it is easier, as combining elements in the correct proportions for a spell is difficult. Fire and earth can be combined for magma, air and ice can be combined to create a hailstorm, the variations are as many as they are complex. Some magics are wholly unique to an individual as well, and though these tend to be rare some are known to be hereditary and passed down through a family.

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[hider=Technology of Adelon]
Technology in Adelon is wide and varied. From appliances to weaponry, steam powered ships and tools, the kingdom has enjoyed numerous inventions over the past few decades. Its technological affinity gives it a military and production boon few other kingdoms can match. Production of almost every device and equipment is carried out in the intermediary towns and cities, then either distributed through the kingdom or sent to the coastal cities for trade. Regular citizens can afford most appliances, though not every town or settlement has the power to run devices. Luckily, not every device runs on electricity. 

The existence of [color=ed145b]Demacite[/color] allows for some machinery to operate without being connected to a power grid. A naturally occurring gemstone, demacite is renown for its ability to "soak" and retain magical energy. Using extractors and specially designed circuitry, many appliances can use raw magical energy as a replacement for electrical, and depending on the purity and size of the crystal can power a device for periods of time. Think batteries!

In addition to everything else that Adelon has, there is a class of machinery that only this kingdom has: [color=00aeef]Machina[/color]. They are the most advanced machinery created bar none. Humanoid in appearance, these machines act as servants, as workers in assembly lines, and in general, physical labor fields. Powered by Demacite gems and programmed uniquely for their assigned task, they enable Adelon's people to work on more specialized jobs. The Church is ecstatic about the advent of Machina and grants companies developing them large sums of gold, incentivizing companies to continue development and research.[/hider]

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[center][h2][color=ed145b][i]Church of the Nine Saints[/i][/color][/h2][/center]
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[center][i]"And so they ascended, surpassing the mortal coil and becoming gods."[/i][/center]

[center][i]Look anywhere and you'll see the Church's lauding of their Saints. Figures who are linked to the founding of the kingdom, who united to drive back any and all threats that would prevent Adelon's formation. Said to be Magi of unrivaled power they were praised as gods among men, and when the kingdom finally formed they were treated as such. For some, worshiping idols and false gods might seem as heresy. But when these men and women passed and the kingdom seemed uncertain in her future, something was needed to fill the void. People needed some way to find solace and refuge in Adelon's earliest days. For this purpose the Church formed, and for a time that was all they offered to their people. Facilitating the worship of these heroes-turned-gods, the Church steadily gained influence and power within the kingdom. Enough so that within the last century their influence not only matched that of the royal family, but exceeded it.

With so much power the Church could dictate policy and influence governing decisions as it saw fit. When the technological revolution began it played its cards close to its chest, perpetuating the worship of Saints as businesses slowly began to take hold. Once it became apparent these new machines were here to stay they shifted their focus, pledging most of their resources to the companies which would bring Adelon into the future. Worship became an afterthought, and with it many people ceased attending services which had once been routine. Numerous buildings closed the kingdom over, and most of the Church's people were instead trained to deal in business.

This was a move that angered Magi. With magic dwindling and the Church all but taking away worship they were left with little recourse but to fight back. A series of failed attacks led the Church to mount a counter-offensive, utilizing Magi and soldiers to stomp out any pockets of resistance. Though the majority of incidents were successfully ended, the Church still saw fit to instill a new series of laws. In short, these laws made the practice of unapproved magic punishable, and any Magi who practiced without the Church's explicit permission faced heavy penalties. The Saints would understand, they argued, they too would want Adelon to continue to grow. And they will not allow anyone to get in the way of progress.[/i][/center]

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[center][h2][color=ed145b][i]The Nine Saints[/i][/color][/h2][/center]
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[center][i]Credited as founders of Adelon and unparalleled masters of magic, the Saints are Magi who have ascended into godhood. Each Saint was renown for their power over one of the nine elements, and when the Church was formed each was aptly named a patron of their element. They are as follows:

[list]
[*] Ralthor - the Saint of Fire.
[*] Xalia - the Saint of Void.
[*] Genrei - the Saint of Water.
[*] Edos - the Saint of Luminous.
[*] Ferra - the Saint of Earth.
[*] Kedo - the Saint of Air.
[*] Zorander - the Saint of  Shadows.
[*] Oranoak - the Saint of Wood.
[*] Suros - the Saint of Ruin.
[/list]

These nine represent not only the elements, but the phenomenon in the world which concern them. Zorander is often spoken as the one who brings about the night, for example. And if a sailor has trouble at sea it is said they have angered Genrei. Many small churches were formed for worship of a single Saint, though the larger ones tend to incorporate all nine.[/i][/center]

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[center][h2][color=ed145b][i]Church Hunters[/i][/color][/h2][/center]
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[center][i]The Hunters are Magi responsible for handling other Magi. Affiliated with the Church and bearing an [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/60/71/ed/6071edfe192c59afcdd4e0d6932c9090--star-designs-quilt-designs.jpg]insignia[/url], these Magi are given autonomy to act as they see fit, taking care of Magi who refuse to conform to the new laws. In terms of authority they are above the guards posted in cities and towns, and in some cases can exert their power over military personnel as well. A Hunter's word is absolute, and refusal to comply rarely goes well for Magi. 

That said they are still limited in what they can do. Seeking Magi is not a witch hunt and they cannot blindly charge people with crimes, they must provide solid evidence both to the Church and the local authorities that their target is indeed a Magi. Hunters have taken their roles with varying approaches: some only seek to uphold the peace, some enforce the law to the letter, and other still seek any excuse they can to exert their authority, often abusing their power.[/i][/center]