Not all magic glows. Some is whispered. Some is paid in blood. Some is earned when the world tries to break you — and fails.
I. Innate Magic (Racial Abilities)
All approved races in Elysium begin with a set of Level One racial abilities, referred to as Innate Magic. These are passive or low-impact abilities flavored by the character’s race, bloodline, and natural connection to the world around them.
- These abilities do not require approval.
- They are tied to your character’s physiology, instincts, or culture.
- They do not scale into active spellcasting unless earned later.
- Full breakdowns of innate abilities are located on each race and subrace page.
Examples: A siren’s song, a ghost’s ability to phase through walls, a vampire’s charming gaze, or a fae’s innate glamour.
II. Gained Magic (Patron or Pact-Based)
Characters who wish to go beyond racial magic must seek power from a divine or supernatural source. This is done through in-character roleplay, by forming a pact, bond, or favor exchange with a deity or powerful entity.
- Blessings from gods (e.g., Poseidon, Artemis, Hecate)
- Curses or contracts with demons, spirits, or fae
- Magic gained through rituals, oaths, or sacred acts
To receive patron-based magic:
- The character must seek it out in-character
- The interaction must be staff-witnessed or logged with screenshots and submitted to staff.
- The terms of the pact (or blessing) must be clear and narratively impactful
Magic from a god is never free. They may ask for your loyalty, your secrets, your firstborn, or your silence.
Important: Characters who want to start with this type of magic must submit an application.
III. Level Three Magic (Story-Driven)
Level Three Magic is rare, powerful, and earned only through major storylines.
- Are tied to long-term development
- Must be approved by staff
- Often include a drawback, condition, or cost
Examples may include:
- A revenant unlocking a soul-severing scream
- A shifter manifesting a legendary beast form during a full moon
- A fae wielding true elemental force after surviving a war trial
- A vampire learning blood-forged shadow teleportation through sacrifice
Requirements to unlock Level Three Magic:
- Must be involved in a major plotline or staff-led arc
- Must have at least one recorded instance of significant IC consequence tied to your magical growth
- Must submit for staff review when ready
This is magic with teeth. It changes your character. It marks them. And it should feel earned.
| Magic Type | Access | Approval Needed | Example |
| Innate Magic | Race-based | No | Siren song, vampire charm, fae glamour |
| Patron-Based Magic | In-character pact | Only if starting with it | Blessings from gods, fae deals, cursed power |
| Level 3 Magic | Major storylines only | Yes | Domain-level powers, magical mutations, divine wrath |