Myst as part of the world

Myst is an essential part of myvstrica, it is where it gets its name. Myst both exists as matter making up all of the ground, fauna and flora and as energy that keeps all living things going. Myst functions under guidance of a will of some sort, which shapes it and its behavior (if existent).

Myst as magic

Myst can be manipulated by individuals and the act of doing so is considered magic, it can also be called mystcraft. Functionally, mystcraft is done via instilling one’s own will onto the myst, typically via some kind of command, to change or affect it in a desired way.

Some of it can be done subconsciously, but most commonly it is purposefully honed and used. In some cultures such as the mystimews’ it can be considered a form of art.

Sapient species typically have the ability to learn most kinds of mystcraft to their desire, but they tend to have a natural affinity for certain kinds of it, which they will have a much easier time with These affinities may depend on their species, environment or temperament. Some species will have an easier or harder time learning mystcraft in general also, but rarely will any not have any magic ability at all.

Additionally, ambient or environmental myst can passively exert its own will onto its surroundings and living beings within its vicinity. This can also be done purposefully (or accidentally) with magic artifacts.

Categories of Mystcraft

Mystcraft is broad and varies greatly, but it generally falls under one or multiple of these categories:

Kinetic:

Any magic that involves movement of existent matter, objects or creatures.
Examples: telekinesis, amplification of movement (speed/strength boosts)

Transformative:

Any magic that involves transformation of shape or characteristics of existent matter, objects or creatures.
Examples: shapeshifting

Creative:

Any magic that involves creation of matter from myst.
technically an offshoot of transformative magic, due to it involving transformation of myst to desired matter.
Examples: Anything involving creation of something out of “nothing”; fire and light spells, etc.

Mental:

Any magic that affects consciousness, mental state or behavior of living creatures.
Includes giving consciousness to non-living matter.
Examples: telepathy, hypnosis

Subtypes

There’s no absolute way to categorize magic into subtypes, as the sky's the limit (if even) when it comes to it and any said subtypes tend to be a bit arbitrary, though, for convenience, there are some commonly recognized ones. Each subtype usually falls under one primary category, but may have a second category depending on how it’s used. Some types can be recognized as combinations or forks of others.

Myst focus methods

Mystcraft may be done in various ways. These are most common, as with the categories, they can be combined.

Incantations:

Spoken or whispered words, chanting, etc.

Music:

Humming, singing, instrumentals,

Runes:

Symbols or words scrawled into objects or various matter.

Movement:

Gestures, dances, any kind of specific movement tied to specific magic.

Artifacts:

Wands, staffs, various objects used as a focus through which to ‘cast’ specific magic. Typically honed to “simpler” types of magic. (telekinesis, pyrokinesis, etc), but certain objects may have more complex effects. Enchantments tend to functionally lie under this category as well.

Mental:

Magic done purely via thought and intent, tends to be the hardest method as it requires high mental focus, but certain individuals may be intuitively more adept at it or doing certain types of magic this way.

Brewery/cookery:

Creation of drinks, edibles, salves/pastes. Tends to be more limited, having a specific effect time and affecting the creature that consumed it / was injected with it / it was applied to.