Homo magi

Homo magi refers to a specific subset of evolved humans with a genetic propensity for magic. Most of the homo magi descend from ancient Atlantis stock, scattered to the four corners of the Earth with the destruction wrought by Ragnarok.

Not all spellcasters are homo magi, but all homo magi are able to tap into cosmic magical energies.

The use of magic requires willpower, focus, and energy. Some remarkable beings have enough internal power to accomplish incredible deeds. Others draw from primal forces of the universe, including ley lines or the energy that bleeds in the interstitial space between dimensions. Some even channel the power of the gods themselves, empowered as advocates of the will of their Primarchs.

There are many sources for magical energy. The Astral plane, the demesnes of the gods, empowerment by a dimensional ruler, internal energy, and ley magic (magic drawn from life/reality). Some mighty magical beings can even touch the Source and channel the Power Cosmic.

There are four broad means by which a person might create a magical effect.

Evocation: The sorcerer channels the necessary energies from their own spirit or the power of the Astral plane to force their will on reality around them. This is considered the 'purest' form of using magical energies, but requires an innate superhuman affinity.

Invocation: The magus channels the energies of another dimension or even a specific entity, allowing them to work within the interests of whatever harmony they serve. Efforts furthur away from their patron's harmony are less effective and more likely to fail.

Summoner: Summoners do not use magic personally. Instead they summon entities to serve their will-- often nature spirits that cling to the edge of the Astral plane, though demons, the undead, and sometimes even demigods answer their call.

Rituals: Ritualists are the 'mechanics' of the magical word. Rituals explicitly require trappings of language, gesture, and even material components and complex geometric shapes in order to shape willpower appropriately. They largely draw on the power of other entities and ambient magical energy. Many magicians start as ritualists while developing their other skills. Sloppy ritual incantations can have adverse consequences for the magician. Ritual magic grows exponentially more complex and intricate along with the scope of intent, and the risks go up commensurately. Skilled ritualists use their own magics to augment and improve ritual magics, allowing them to take shortcuts that would be otherwise too dangerous or time consuming to cast on the fly.