Magic

Magic is a kind of energy, a force that is inside everything and everyone. Usually it is only found in small bits, but magic users can create and use it for more powerful things. Objects can also become imbued with magic and so be used as a focus of power, like the ammonite stone or the door from Sydney to New York. Magic tends to be passed down genetically through families, and it is stronger in women.

Those who use magic drain their energy or life force as they do so. The more magic a person makes and uses, and the stronger it is, the shorter their life will be. If a magic user does not use their magic, however, they will go insane. Every magic user must then make this choice between magic (and early death) or madness. For cruel magic users who are unwilling to...