With Sylvia in tow, you and Pylia head just outside of the camp, though still near it's walls. Using a stick Pylia drew some shapes into the dirt. "So since you're a total newcomer, allow me to explain the basic fundamentals of magic to you. Magic is in everything; the air, the ground, your body, everywhere. Even in things that 'reject' magic is merely a form of magic that doesn't allow itself to be openly manipulated. It's due to the pervasive nature of magic that everyone and everything is capable of things that regular humans cannot. It is also what allows humans to do more than what regular humans can do. For some, this magic manifests in strange adaptations, such as tieflings, demon people, fire resistance, or the innate magic found in most elves." Pylia drew a large circle split in half, then with a few more circles surrounding them. She labeled each one a different letter.
"While there is magic in everything, there are only a few ways most people have learned to actually control these magics. There are two general classifications of magic: Arcane and Divine. Arcane magic is one's ability to control, alter, or otherwise manipulate magic that exists around you. This is what most wizards are capable of, however some people such as sorcerers also have an innate store of magic within them they can call forth. Some of these magics can be controlled via ritualistic techniques, such as how bards can use music to create magic. Arcane magic can also simply be drawn out from magical sources, such as how Warlocks can call forth their limited but powerful magic through the pacts they form with their patrons via their magical foci and such. In short, arcane casters draw magic from their surroundings or some source with them." Pylia labeled one side arcane, and then in each of the circle on the arcane side she wrote a small abbreviation of the classes she spoke about.
"Divine is a different beast. Divine magic draws powers from the gods themselves, or aspects that are mysterious to most but still considerably powerful. Their magic relies far less on the understanding of the world around them or their own innate abilities, but still come from a source they have no direct control over. Additionally while the source of magic itself is infinite, a divine caster's ability to call upon those powers is limited. I myself am a divine caster, but I can only at most create two spells a day. I am what you'd call a cleric, though I've dabbled in druidism while I lived alone. Clerics are traditional divine casters of the gods. Druids are more nature oriented, similar to arcane casters in the sense they draw magic from nature, however they draw it from the very essence of nature itself as oppose to anyone specific. Rangers and Paladins, more martially inclined spellcasters, are also types of divine casters. Many consider divine casters an "easier" form of magic since it mainly relies on one's ability to follow certain oaths or faiths, however make no mistake: becoming a skilled divine caster requires as much skill, knowledge, and training as any other type." Pylia labeled the next side Divine and drew the initials for the smaller circles as well.
But then Pylia started drawing a few more circles branching out from both the main circle and the smaller circles. She would explain what these are. "Now, while these are the types of people who would generally have magic, just about any person is capable of casting spells or magical abilities regardless. Some people who are generally magically inept could do so with the right skills, training, or just items. You seem like a monk type to me; a sort of person with the mental discipline to fight hand-to-hand even against armed and dangerous enemies. These types of people can access a sort of magic exclusive to them, known as Ki. By honing your mental fortitude, also known as one's Wisdom or street smarts, you can access a sort of quasi-divine enlightenment that will let you preform feats that you may consider super natural." Pylia made a branch for monks off the larger divine half, though she also went to make other branches as well. The wizard had two branches labeled EK and AT, while the druid had one labeled TW.
"Additionally, most if not all magic requires certain... Components to use them. You can't simply will magic to happen. Usually. There are three main components to magic: Somatic, Verbal, and Material. Somatic components are movements, hand gestures, and generally any physical activity needed to direct your spell. These can be as complex as a ritualized dance or as simple as just pointing at your target. Verbal are the literal magic words and incantation to call out what spell you're casting, since a lot of spells can share the same Somatic component but changes depending on what you shout out. Most verbal components is simply the name of the spell, however some people can change the verbal components based off languages, code words, or other things. Finally material components are the physical cost of certain spells, or a device to channel their magic from. A classic fireball spell for example needs a pinch of sulfur and bat poop, or simply a spell casting catalyst such as a magic staff." Pylia took out her silver sword amulet from around her neck to give you a closer look.
"I personally use my holy symbol, the Symbol of Defiance, for an material cost for my spells. Unless the spell calls for something specific, this is usually enough. And as you might've noticed, whenever I set something on fire I usually said some magic words. Those are the verbal components that determine whether or not I'm going to smite something with sacred flame, or just throw a ball of fire at it. And naturally, the act of throwing said ball of fire or pointing at my target is the somatic component for some of my spells." Pylia quickly demonstrated by preforming some spells that you've already seen her do before. She casted her sacred flame spell, summoning a bolt of fire out of the sky to strike an empty space nearby she was pointing towards. Then she said another magic spell that summoned a ball of flame into her hand that she threw against a large rock. "Both of these things I've managed to do thanks to the time I've spent as a cleric to Defiance. Through meditation, ritual, and study, I've learned how to channel spells through him. Additionally when I was in the forest I've also studied on the natural magics that druids know of, which is how I'm able to produce flame and create those berries that can heal your wounds. It also allows me to strengthen even a simple club into a deadly weapon."
Sitting back down Pylia looked over to you. "I know that's a lot to take in, so if you have any questions go ahead and ask. Either way, I figured while we had some time to kill I'll help you understand how magic works some more, and maybe we'll see some progress. At the very least you seem like you have the patience to try."
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