Weave Theory

When Ao created Aoterra, he experimented with the energy system known today as the The Weave. The Weave is the realm-wide system of energy movement in which the sun provides energy into the atmosphere, bouncing and deforming into different wavelengths as it descends to the surface. This "natural energy" tends to clump together into a string or snake-like form as it moves, almost like how an eel travels through water. These strings of energy are conventionally called Aons. Ultimately, these Aons descend upon Aoterra, a never-ending system of bouncing and combining, constantly shifting into different wavelengths which determine the effect of the energy.

Some forms (wavelengths) of energy are imperceptible to the average creature, like the energy needed for nutrients. Some are partly perceptible, like the kinetic energy of moving an object or heat energy that can be felt but not necessarily seen. Finally, some wavelengths are strong enough to produce a palpable visual marvel, such as radiant or necrotic energy.

Magic is defined as the unnatural movement of energy, or in short, manipulation of the Weave. When magic is cast, the caster can change the wavelengths of Aons and sometimes even create new Aons to weave together a spell effect. Different wavelengths produce different effects, and while wavelength often determines the type of magic, it often manifests visually in different ways. For example, radiant energy often glows bright, but the color and intensity of the glow can differ greatly. Similarly, fire and ice look completely different from one another even though they are both related to heat energy. Finally, when the unnatural energy is released, it tends to disperse into the Weave, manifesting itself as other energies. Kinetic and heat energy often attracts the most Aons, seen by the way radiant energy can emit heat and how a fireball spell can blow someone off their feet.

One modern stipulation heavily questions what counts as magic and what doesn't: while electricity coursing through wires does so on its own, without the direct aid of a single person, is it considered natural or unnatural movement of the Weave? Even the origin of lightning is often debated upon: is it natural a phenomenon of the Weave, or it is just the magic of the Storm Lord's influence?

The world is reliant on the existence of magic. Local temples and churches provide healing services, magic items are a common sight around adventuring guilds, and even some small time civilians have minor magical abilities. "Magic" as a term, however, seems to be muddied by the new scientific mindset of magic as unnatural energy. With new technologies that can replace the use of traditional magic and give power to the magically inept, such as Refined Residuum, Aetheryte Gas and the Pneumatic Chamber, people are beginning to question the legitimacy of magic lineage and wizarding schools.