This article is specifically about human magic in Groina.

It is by virtue of the scholarly efforts of our kin that the ever coveted art of magic has been greatly demystified. We've come to know that the elemental power of mana, raw magic, flows throughout the land, and in all living things, and it is indeed mastering the ability to sense and control this unseen flow, that is the initial step in learning magic. While seemingly powerless on its own, mana has been found to be most malleable, and we have devised a standard way of shaping it, to create near limitless effects, through what we have termed Filters. As an abstract, subconscious concept, these Filters often proved difficult to grasp for new learners, and we have found both verbal chants and visual magic formations to notably help in both envisioning and remembering them. Although for many, their favourite spells soon become muscle memory, requiring no such aid.

How these Filters shape mana is generally divided into three categories: Control, Transformation, and Dispersion. These are merely outlines — broad classifications of near endless possible forms, and a Filter's exact effect is purely imaginary; a mental visualisation turned into a manifestation of one's will. In all of Syphilia's study, have we found chains of any more than four Filters to cause the manipulated mana to dissipate early, with no means of remedy. Research into the matter is evidently ongoing, but so far any breakthroughs have not occurred.

On Filters

Control Filters allow the moving and manipulating of mana, and are often the first step in performing any spell, regardless of its complexity. Simple, general-use mana manipulation, such as collecting raw mana, is relatively easy, but for anything more intricate, great concentration is required, making it a rather tedious task. As everything in existence, living or inanimate, contains magical power, manipulation over the latent mana within them can allow for movement of objects as well.

Transformation Filters, as the name might suggest, change mana into matter. While elemental transformations of fire, water, earth and air are the simplest, knowledge of the chemical composition of various materia gives rise to the creation of almost anything. The limits of Transformation Filters are but the extent of your knowledge, talent and creativity.

Dispersion Filters will force particles of mana to rapidly expel each other. On its own, it may have little impact, however, it may be employed as an effective countermeasure to other magic. Its true significance is in transforming mana into something tangible initially, as dispersion of that allows one to produce highly destructive results. The extent of mana scattering and the amount of particles moved is directly relative to the amount of mental stress exerted, hence, one must be highly proficient to cause significant explosions, or to disperse large-scale spells.

Healing magic is a specialised application of Control magic, whereby mana is channelled into the injured area to quicken the body's intrinsic rate of recovery. However, it is one of the most exhausting forms of mana control, and is not sustainable for long durations. Furthermore, its capacity is limited to merely accelerating the natural healing process, it cannot elicit miracles.

All in all, effective magic does not need to be complicated, and the common spell of Fireball is a prime illustration of this. To cast this staple of offensive magic, one might first collect mana, either from the surroundings, or within one's self, using a Control Filter. A subsequent Transformation Filter would then convert it into flames, after which another Control Filter may send it hurtling towards the target.

Now, we should take a moment to talk about the effects of nitric acid upon the outermost layer of skin on my scrotum—