From Caernest

There are various types of magic on Kaernest. Each has a different source and flavor to it.

• Cabalistic Magic is spell magic.
• Miracles are divine magic, powers granted by the gods of Kaernest.
• Racial Magics are special abilities of the races of Kaernest than often are more like special abilities than actual magic.
• Draconic Magic is the magic of dragons, but also includes the magic naturally found in dragon blood.
• Enchantments are permanent magic imbued into items, requiring rituals and vast quantities of power.

All magic on Kaernest is limited by similar factors: power, flexibility, difficulty, and accessibility. Each type of magic trades off on one or more of these factors. Cabalistic Magic is the most flexible, but also the most difficult to learn. Miracles are relatively powerful and easy to learn, but are much more limited in scope and accessibility. Racial magic isn't very flexible at all, but it's easy to learn and very accessible. Draconic magic is one of the most powerful, but is almost completely inaccessible and very difficult to learn. Enchantments are well balanced between each of these factors.

Foci

Spell casters and enchanters both work with foci. In the case of a spell caster, they use the foci to channel the magical energy for their spells, as well as sustaining their spells. Enchanters use foci to make their magic permanent; in most cases the foci is the item they are enchanting.
The materials used to craft foci must be magically active, so they tend to be expensive. Simple steel is not sufficient for a focus, but copper, silver and gold are. Most gems and precious stones are magically active. All raw True Elements are magically active as is Dragon Blood. Enchanters have also developed a number of magically active compounds; some much more potent than others.

Spell Foci

A spell foci is the most basic type of magical foci. It allows a spell caster to cast one spell, repeatedly if they choose. The caster "etches" the spell into the foci mentally setting the spell in foci. This process takes significant time, at least a minute for even the most simple of spells. Once the spell has been "etched" into the foci, a caster can then "flow" magic into the foci, activating the spell imbued into the foci. Once the energy has been channeled into the foci, the spell caster chooses his target and applies the spell to them. The spell remains etched into the foci until it is replaced by a different etching.
Standard Spell Foci are not able to sustain spells, only cast instant spells.