Magic System

Ankouvian magic is a form of energy that creatures can access in a variety of ways. It exists throughout the whole planet, and can also exist inside a creature and be passed down from them.

The Gryphon Mother brought magic to the planet when she arrived in Year Zero. All Ankouvian species are divided into two categories: magical (those created by the Mother) and natural (those that existed on the planet previously). Despite the names of these categories, they have no bearing on the magical capabilities of an individual; natural species can have magical abilities, and magical species can have none. Any creature is capable of learning to utilize magic, so long as they have either an innate magical source of their own, or are carrying/using an object with sufficient magical energy.

As the planet's deity, sentience-bringer, and magic-giver, the Mother is the most magical creature to have ever existed on the planet. The creature with the second-highest level is The Beast, and third-highest is Avitus, though he only held that level of magic temporarily.

Magic manifests itself in a variety of ways. If a creature has a low level of magic, they may have no control over any magical abilities, but it may show itself in the form of extra limbs, unusual coloring, or unusually extended lifespans. Objects can be imbued with magical energy as well, with certain types of material being more receptive, such as Crystals. Any use of magic is inherently linked to a source of magic, which can be either a creature or an object; if linked to a creature, any ongoing effects of the magic will cease when the creature dies.

Some species have more of an inborn draw towards magic; they will usually have an easier time using it, and will often be able to use it at a higher power in higher quantities. Magical creatures that tend to have higher magic levels, and more innate magical skill, include kitsunes, phoenixes, gryffs, unicorns, and sky dragons, while the magical creatures with the least include common/forest gryphons, mountain dragons, pegasi, and desert dragons. Most other magical creatures fall somewhere in-between.

For classification purposes, magic levels are quantified into numbers, to measure the relative power between creatures.

Zero		No magic at all. Only natural species can be at this level.
One		Nothing visible or controllable, but still existing. Creatures at this level often do not know they have magic at all. It can be passed to their offspring. Magical species without any magic skill are at this level by default.
Two		Visible manifestation of magic - extra limbs, part shapeshifting, etc. Unable to control it for any other purposes.
Three		Basic magical abilities. Full shapeshifting, flight, telekinesis, etc.
Four		More powerful control of magic. Can channel magic to others to increase the receiver's abilities.
Five		Extremely powerful. The highest level a mortal creature can achieve. Creatures at this level have mastered their abilities.
Six		Limitless control over reality. Only the Gryphon Mother has ever held this much power.