Magic

As old as the world itself, magic has been with mankind since the very first day. Origin, nature, and control of magic is being discussed all the time and everybody seems to have his own way of telling how it really is.

Origins and History
Imperial academics agree that magic as we know it today was given to people by Giesser's son Ottokar. At the beginning, Giesser decided to share the gift of magic with 12 mortal souls of his choosing. He spent one year walking across the land, looking for worthy and wise men and women. After one year he gathered all of them into the Blue tower and started teaching them how to control magic, reading them from his Book of spells.

However, during Giesser's sleep, ever curious Ottokar was reading father's book. He was rewriting spells into his own book so he could study magic himself. By doing this, Ottokar shifted part of the magic's power to written letters and drawn images, changing the delicate principles for ever.

Giesser and his twelve apprentices noticed strange behaviour of spells they were practicing. This culminated when one of female apprentices died by Giesser's hand. Mylla, trying to deflect stream of raw power sent by Giesser, caused it to bounce to Gloria. Gloria was not quick enough and was struck by the magical flow. There was nothing to be done for the poor apprentice.

Giesser saw Mylla using correct movement, saying the right words for simple shield spell. He could not understand what happened and refused to continue with education, blaming himself and himself only for Gloria's death.

Herman, the oldest of Giesser's sons, seeing the suffering of his father, told him about Ottokar's studies. Ottokar was hurt by his brother's betrayal. He could not understand why Herman, or Giesser for that matter, would mourn for some mortal. Many agree this was the first seed of enmity that till these days smoulders between the two god brothers.

More importantly, Giesser succumbed to anger and his rage lasted for three days. He was shouting at Ottokar, arguing with him, threatening him with exile. On the fourth day he ultimately casted Ottokar out of his kingdom. With his head full of wild fury, Ottokar run to the world of mortals and spread his knowledge among people.

What was supposed to be revenge on his father's hastiness turned into Ottokar's bitter regret. He soon enough understood Giesser's reluctance to give the gift of magic to the masses. People were not prepared for the power coming with this gift. They misused forces they couldn't control. Some of them even dared to challenge the gods and were obliterated in turn. However, the damage was done. Ottokar was unable to undo the deed and went into hiding. Partially out of shame, partially out of fear of Giesser's wrath.

Weaknesses
Magic users, while holding a great power, are also suffering from a few restrictions of unknown origin. Anything that can hinder using magical powers is called weakness. A lot of research is being done but some of the weaknesses could still not be nullified, others can be suppressed.

One of the biggest issues for wizards is certain sort of tension between magic and iron. This effectively limits what wizards can carry on their body. Any amount of iron greater than 1/2 kilo is affecting wizard's ability to control the magical powers. This means that wizards are not able to be clad in armour if they want to attempt to conjure a spell. Only greatest of Empire's magicians are able to have some sort of protection (like a chest armour) without being dragged down by its effects. Negative effects include anything between spell failure and spell backfiring with much greater power, depending on the amount of iron on wizard's body.

Legality
Anybody who has a gift of magic has to report to the officials and register himself and his talents. From that moment on, the person serves the Empire.

Also, latent practitioners need to be registered. These individuals are then monitored and evaluated. This is needed because their skills can either develop over time or even latent abilities can be deemed useful.

Serving the Empire as a wizard is source of many privileges but also many duties. Failure to comply usually brings swift execution, for rogue wizard is dangerous to the glory of Giesser and his mortal followers.

Magically talented are serving in separate branch of the army but in reality, they are often part of mixed military units. Only in extraordinary circumstances are wizards grouped together in independent, wizard-only cadre. Since wizards act within military structures, military laws apply to them.

Legal magic users are commonly known under various names:
 * Wizard is general term for any magic practitioner.

Besides those mentioned above, law recognizes also illegal users. These are:
 * Warlock is wizard specializing in offensive spells and is mostly part of army unit on the front. These are the most dangerous ones.
 * Healer is person using magic to heal injuries and infections of both, body and mind.
 * Necromancers, practitioners of the darkest of magical arts, resurrecting dead flesh.
 * Fallen one can be any magical practitioner who broke the law or deserted. Very rarely are they left alive, since it is safer for the Empire to execute such criminals.