``Ah, yes... magic. Such an interesting beast, if I may say.'' The sage chuckles, sounding like the crunching of feet on dry leaves. ``I suppose we should start with its wielders.''
The sage straightened, fingers tapping idly at a rosewood desk. ``Yes, well... really, any living thing can use magic, so some degree. Some are more suited to it, such as my young apprentice. Others must work harder, but all may access the power hidden within the Ether. Even one such as I.'' He nodded upward, indicating the glowing ball of light at the ceiling. His eyes gleamed dully as he continued.
``But... some have been granted an unusual affinity to magic... or some subset thereof. Odd talents manifest within many, especially now in these trying times. The powers of humanity are, indeed, at their peak.''
A variety of new advantages and abilities are available to characters, relating to magic. New magic skills and magical powers themselves will be detailed later.