Magic is powerful, but it is no more evil than the intents of the User. An axe can be used for cutting down trees, to build houses, or splitting wood for fires…or it can be used to kill another. It is just a tool, and all magic draws from the same source of power – a fundamental energy present in all matter known as Mana. However, the use of Mana can be very taxing on the body and how much Mana a being can use is different in everyone. Some barely have the power to perform simple cantrips, while others can perform fantastic feats. The first manifestations of magic are often triggered by intense emotions and need, which can make them violent and unpredictable. Many children have been inadvertently killed when their magic manifests, though more often it is a family member or an enemy, if they happen to find themselves in such a situation. In the case of a Species with very specific racial magic, the magic will manifest at childhood and grow with them. For races with magic less specific, there are cases where the magic may not manifest until later in life.
Many races of the world have some sort of magical ability, and the way it is taught and used is as varied as the races themselves: some require mental concentration, others need sigils, runes, foci, or magical items known as spell components. Magic has been an integral part of the world since its creation, and many cultures have been built around its use. While it is possible to train yourself in the use of magic, it can be very dangerous, and so many of the races, especially those with more specialized magic, will find others of their kind to train with and grow in their power and their use of Mana. Power level can vary among magic users. Some may be more predisposed to manipulating magic than others, resulting in higher power levels with less experience. More experience does not always mean higher power levels, but it does typically mean that higher-skilled magic will be produced with less effort. Magic usage is a muscle. With exercise, that muscle becomes stronger and more durable. With a lack of exercise, that muscle may atrophy.
Such is the way with magic – the more it is used, the stronger and more sustainable it will become, while the opposite occurs when it is not used regularly. Magic is difficult to use and to master, and there are many who will never be able to wield more than what is required to light a candle. Training in magic takes time and dedication, but for those that master it, there is nothing greater. Magic also has the added effect of lengthening the lifespan, the more magic one uses, the slower they age. No Mage has ever died of “old age.” While the abilities of a magic user manifest in one specific form of magic, as a user grows and learns to master their magic, they may begin to learn similar forms of magic of the same type. For example: someone strong in Telepathy can eventually learn Telekinesis as they are both Psionic magics. These other forms will be more difficult to use but can be mastered with training and discipline.