[quote=@ShiningSector]
-raises hand- how do spells work? Do they require chanting (charging) or are the casted immediately after saying their name or verse?
[/quote]

It varies, both based on the caster's skill and the specific spell. Those with less experience need to first spend time charging up a spell before they can cast it by saying the spell's name, while those with more experience do not need to charge up and can sometimes even skip the incantation itself entirely if one is skilled enough.

For some spells, however, charging in the form of a chant is required. Usually this only applies to rituals and other large-scale spells, however.

The charging can be sped up by using wands or staves, as those help channel the caster's Mana. Wands and Staves can also be attuned to specific spells, allowing said items to be used to cast specific spells with very little effort. Attuning is a time-consuming ritual however, and attuning multiple spells tons single wand decreases it's effectiveness.

Wands attuned to specific spells can also be used by those without a Mana Heart big enough for the user to cast spells on their own. When used in this way, the caster can only cast the spell the wand is attuned to. (So someone with a wand attuned to Fireball can only shoot fireballs if their Mana Heart isn't big enough).

[quote=@MagratheanWhale]
Speaking of magic!  Is there a system tied to a mage's ability and stamina?  Like an athlete can only do so much before they break down, is magic the same in this universe?  Do time and practice hone skills with the random savant still existing make sense here?  
[/quote]

Mages with greater skill will tend to be able to be more conservative with their Mana, while inexperienced mages often use more Mana than is needed for the spell they're casting. This leads to inexperienced mages running out of Mana and losing consciousness faster than experienced mages. If a mage is running low on Mana, they will begin to feel drowsy.

Does this answer your questions?