Of all the obscurities and mysteries of Lumen's past, none is more perplexing than The Song. While the Song is poorly understood, scholars have generally agreed on the following:
• The Song permeates and binds Lumen together.
• Allows existence itself to flow
• Unmalleable
What Exactly is The Song?
The Song is theorized to be the will of the Celestials, a parting gift to mankind after their departure in the Exodus. The Song is the energy of which the entirety of Lumen consumes, the fuel of the entire world. While named "the Song", it is not a traditional song, it is not lyrical melody, or words spoken. Rather, it is the ebb and flow of reality. A constant, uninterruptible rhythm of the emitted world itself.
Despite its obscure origins, the discovery of the Song in old Lumen sparked the golden age of mankind, posthumously named the "Canticlysm" by historians. The Canticlysm was a time when mankind first discovered the Song, and was able to devise applications of the Song. These applications were called "attunements", and are the foundation of magic. While many fear we have become too reliant on attunements or the Song, it is an undeniable fact that we have developed a dependence on the Song and attunements. It is these powers that allow us to continue to survive in a world as harsh as ours.
Mantras
A mantra is considered a small passage of the Song, they are a byproduct of attunements, and form the basis of an attunements power. One may cast a mantra by speaking through the mind, that is, to create a mental image or memory of your desired effect, once accomplished you will subconsciously learn the "words of the Song". In theory, this might sound like an easy task. However, in reality, this is a difficult process that requires intense training and attunement with the Song.
Mantra casting requires an understanding of one's self, despite popular belief, it is not the content of one's character — but an understanding and acceptance of that content that constitutes understanding.
Each attunement requires different practice and understanding in order to cast mantras related to that attunement. Those who understand the words of the Song more clearly, may in turn, cast more powerful mantras. It takes diligence and patience to truly grasp and understand the words of the Song.
Mantra casting fundamentals are similar to that of oath-taking, except the process is more involved and more deliberate.
Vows
A Vow is a self-evident truth that one speaks into the Song itself, solidifying and preserving it. A Vow must be spoken from the heart, as such, one cannot forcefully enter another into a Vow. Though, one may coerce another into one, they cannot physically force one upon you unless you yourself accept it. Consequences for breaking a Vow vary depending on the nature of the Vow. These include not just physical punishments, as powerful Vows can even influence the mind.
Vows are a fundamental process which many kingdoms, businesses, etc. employ to form contracts and for collateral. For example, a bank may require you to enter into a Vow with them before you can take out a loan.
Written circa 1242 CE by the Citadel of Markor Historians, overseen by Magister Adronin Kanreshi, edited and revised by High Magister of Arcane Studies Sylvarius Jotet — Approved by Grand Magister Wolnir Emirad