Magic

Outline
The system of magic or 'metaphysical energy' within 'Of Gods and Machines' acts on the basis of an autonomous force which certain individuals are able to use. Magic is not part of an a person or creature, but rather an independent element of the universe which entities are able to manifest and manipulate. This does not include deities however, who are capable of manifesting their own source of magic that exists within them. All sentient and non-sentient creatures have a connection to magic in the universe, however only some, known as 'Orphics', have a natural affinity towards magic, usually being able to control larger quantities than average lifeforms.

The framework of magic varies in the different areas of the OGAM universe. On Earth, magic can be accessed through a single-sided transaction whereby the user's skill is the independent variable to accessing the power/amount of magic. This is known as 'Divine Ordained Magic', whereby the access to magic comes through the deities of the universe to the individual user, the deity acting as conduit for the metaphysical energy to pass from. Beyond the 'Divine Firmament' however exists the 'Outer Omniverse', consisting of the various planes, dimensions, and rifts which do not exist within the firmament. Magic in these realms is not divinely ordained, but rather exists through the 'Law of Equal Exchange', whereby to use magic an individual must give something up that belongs to them which is of equivalent value to the spell that they are trying to cast. This system of exchange exists on an objective scale to the autonomous metaphysical energy which resides in the omniverse, which judges what is given based on each individual attempting to utilise magic.

On Earth around the 1600s, the manufacturing and utilisation of 'Artificial Magic' became possible with a variety of scientific breakthroughs. This allowed non-Orphics to use magic on a more selective and consistent basis without having to rely on magic-users entirely for such work. The process of creating artificial magic is a closely guarded secret by the manufacturers, their facilities and production plants being highly securitised. One of the most significant producers of artificial magic is Meinhard & Sons which produces the vast amount of 'canned' magic for the British Empire, and is responsible for maintaining the networks of magical trade within the domain.

Schools of Magic
Based on the magic system of Pathfinder, there are 11 types or 'schools' or magic which exist within the OGAM world: Individual Orphics may attempt to specialise in any of these schools, although usage of multiple types is also possible. Often the type of school to which somebody specialises in is an indicator of what that individually is naturally attuned to, rather than being an arbitrary choice of the magic user.
 * Abjuration
 * Conjuration
 * Divination
 * Enchantment
 * Evocation
 * Illusion
 * Necromancy
 * Transmutation
 * Universalism
 * Elementalism