View source for Scarcity of Magic on Tessera

See also: [[Strain]]

On [[Tessera]], in the Empire and most Republic states, the possibility of Strain Effects cause casters to be regarded with great caution or open fear. Casters' magical activities are strictly regulated. Typically, casters must register with local law enforcement and must obtain formal prior approval to cast a spell of level 3 or greater. Approval is usually contingent on whether the caster has a careful plan for purging the Strain. Some arcane and divine orders are permitted to police their own members.

Thus, casters face severe legal and practical limits on frequent or powerful casting and item creation. Suppose a caster wants to make a living magically reinforcing buildings' structural integrity. They will probably need a license from local law enforcement and definitely need to conscientiously avoid demonstrating any signs of mental instability or physical changes. A caster might fancy creating and selling magic rings, but they should be thoughtful about to whom they sell their wares, since the latent link leaves an item's creator vulnerable to hostile magic.

Some casters and orders successfully operate within these constraints, cheerfully or grudgingly. For example, the great merchant houses of the Empire use teleportation circles to move passengers and goods over great distances. However, the legal and practical complications mean such travel or shipping comes at a steep price, and a house may have political motives to delay or deny access. This state of affairs obtains throughout Obani society: magic is available, but only to those with connections and wealth.

Furthermore, the [[Laws & Limits of Magic|Law of Contagion]] means that many magic items are kept secret, or at least well-guarded. Many are passed down as family heirlooms. The most famous of these are the magical arms and armor of some noble houses. Within one of the great elven families of the Empire, a matriarch might stay attuned to a legendary longsword for hundreds of years. Losing ownership of the sword could pose a grave risk to the whole family.

Of course, outside of civilized lands and the rule of law, there are casters who aren't constrained by licenses or niceties of self-control with Strain.