Mystic Symbology

[Originally my 'Rune magic' post. Expanded]

Mystic Symbology is a catch-all term applying to any form of written magic. Generally they come in three forms: Magic Script, Glyphs/Sigils, and Runes.

Magic Script is the easiest of the three to master. Simply learning to use the commonly accepted 'true' language allows a mage (any kind of practitioner of magic) to be able to read it. To any other, the language wriggles and squirms, never making any sense. This is in part due to the nature of the 'true' languages; It can only be learned by someone who had the knowledge passed down to them, not simply learned by observation. Fortunately, one did not need to be taught how to read the language to understand it. Simply learning how to speak the 'true' language allowed the reader to comprehend a magic script. This allowed the humans to learn Magic Script; The mercanian's servants had been taught their 'true' language to allow them to relay orders to the enslaved humans below them. When the masters vanished, the servants passed the language on to those who sought it.

While used typically in spellbooks, where mages diagram their varying magical research, it can also be used to refine and focus other Mystic Symbols when connected. More complex structures can be worked this way, but generally lack in power compared to more simple symbols.

Glyphs/Sigils are usually interchangeable terms to indicate a 'magic picture'. In their basest form, a glyph/sigil is a marking that creates a two-dimensional spell form. (It is possible to stretch a glyph over a three dimensional surface) These spell forms are the most direct method to enact a spell, and glyphs are like the many other methods but in written form. Fully powered spells may be placed on pages, walls, floors, windows, even on clothing if done properly, making them flexible sources of magic.

Runes are proof that there may be more than one 'true' language. Single letters, these runes are of a language that predated even the Mercanians. It is theorized that the runes are actually simple icons, similar to the common language's arrow symbols, or the 'x' marking a location on a map. This would explain why one need only learn the rune instead of the complete language in order to be able to use it on it's own.

Runes have very limited fields of use, but are incredibly powerful in those fields. A rune can be placed on any surface that is relatively unbroken. Runes can have one of the following three effects: They can affect an object it is placed on. They can affect anything in an area around where they're placed, and they can affect anyone who reads them. The last is an insidious, yet useful function as the reader need not comprehend the rune, merely looking at it is enough to activate its powers.

Inverted Runes are placed in their mirror-reversed form. making them perform the opposite of their normal effect. Only certain Runes are the same mirrored and are viewed in such a way. Perspective doesn't affect a rune; its nature is that the carving/setting creator was facing when made. (You cannot 'flip' over a rune on a piece of glass to make its nature change) This allows certain effects to be made possible to a clever enough mage.

There are only a few 'common' runes, and any other runes discovered/known are usually kept by the mages that discovered/researched them. Many have been willing to teach, especially in the academic hierarchical structure of the Ironsoul Circle of Magi. While the elven mages use runes, they're typically underplayed compared to their Elemental Magics.

Magic Script, Glyphs/Sigils, and Runes can be used collaboratively to great effect. The most commonly known form of this work is known by mages across the world: The magic circle. A properly worked magic circle uses runes, script, and glyphs together (The circle itself is part of the glyph component) to perform a compounded magical effect that can be one of the most powerful spells a mage can perform. The preparation required to make such a circle are great, however, and many make due with simple circles when they are pressed for time or resources.