Magic works by drawing in, and controlling new energy into a closed system, the closed system being the universe. This can produce a variety of effects such as barriers, throwing lightning, or pretty much anything you can think of that involves energy. It does have it's limits though. Firstly it does take time to cast a spell, the better you get at magic the quicker you can cast but even the best mages need a few moments to concentrate to throw out anything potentially lethal. Second, drawing on magic harms your body, I'll go into this in more detail later in the gathering section, but basically if you use too much magic you could end up with serious organ damage. Third there are certain effects that just can't be accomplished through magic. You can't create or destroy matter, you cannot teleport or manipulate space, you cannot manipulate time in any way, and it is impossible to invade another person's mind. Illusions are a funny subject, you may enchant an object or place to appear differently or invisible but it is very hard to do and takes weeks and weeks or calculations and work to make it look right from all angles, and it only works if said object is not moved. Creating Illusions on the fly is outright impossible.

Anyway lets get to some of the specifics of casting a spell:
Gathering - The first step to casting a spell is to gather energy for it. To do this a mage must reach outside of the universe with their mind and tap into a seemingly infinite sea of swirling chaotic energy, called the Aether. This gives the mage a rush almost like adrenaline but better. This is often considered a very good feeling, warm, excited, you feel like you are unstoppable. Because of this many mages end up accidentally drawing in too much energy, particularly on their first try. This is often deadly causing the poor young mage to either die from internal bleeding (note: the rush of energy sometimes causes the mage not to feel his internal wounds until a few minutes later.) if they are stopped soon enough, or outright explode. Most mages cannot perfectly control the energy the gather, so bits leak out as they are casting the spell. This produces small effects like a slight glow or a breeze when all but the most powerful mages are gathering.

Shaping - once the mage has gathered energy he must shape it to his wishes. This takes both quite a bit of discipline and the ability to estimate and do mathematical calculations on the spot. If their mind is distracted in any way, the spell will go awry. If they have any other emotions or thoughts in their head that could interfere with the spell, and cause the magic to do something completely different than intended. For example if a mage wanted to close a door with magic, but he was exceptionally angry he could accidentally rip the door off it's hinges. Mathematical calculations are necessary because you need to know exactly how your application of magic will effect the energy of the world around you. Sort of like the butterfly effect, any spell has many unforeseen effects if you do not know how to contain it properly. Most mages describe casting a spell and weaving energy. They describe "lines" or "threads" of magic, and to most it is a very geometrical process.

The Flow of Energy - Mages become more attuned to the flow of energy of the world the more they cast spells. This allows them to sense when other mages are casting spells, and if an object has any enchantments on it. This often comes across as a sort of "static electricity feeling" but more powerful mages can even sense what said spells and enchantments are supposed to do.

Crystals - Crystals are able to hold and store magical energy. These are used mostly in enchanted items. Most crystals are not perfect for this and energy will leak out slowly over a few weeks so they have to be frequently recharged. There is a special type of crystal called Guilimite that will hold magical energy indefinitely though. These are fairly rare, and are the basis for the Empire's economy.

(TBW)

(TBW)

(TBW)