Sorcery

Lore & Background

The existence of Sorcery is rooted in the separation between two realms: C-Hole, a separate dimension where humans live in squalor unaware of the truth, and The World, where sorcerers reside. These beings possess innate magical abilities that allow them to traverse dimensions, and their non-human features—such as horns, tails, and scales—are natural biological traits, not mutations from excessive magic use. Their presence creates a constant undercurrent of danger, as their very biology is incompatible with human norms. Sorcery operates on a system of exchange and cost. Powerful spells are not cast through will alone but require tangible fuel, frequently in the form of human life or body parts. This necessity forces sorcerers to descend into C-Hole regularly, creating a cycle of predation that keeps the populace in fear. The magic itself is often depicted as grotesque, mirroring the distorted nature of its users. To maintain secrecy and order, the Enforcers were established to monitor and punish those who violate the rules governing inter-dimensional travel and consumption. Figures like Nikaido, a sorceress by birth with unique powers, operate outside this framework, often challenging the status quo rather than enforcing it. This delicate balance maintains the status quo, though it is perpetually threatened by rogue elements seeking greater power.

In Their Own Story

The rain tasted like ash, coating Nikaido's tongue as he watched the shadow detach itself from the alley wall. The figure wore a mask of human skin, but the horns peeking through the hair betrayed its origin. A simple flick of fingers sent a wave of heat rippling through the damp air, melting the brickwork into slag. This was not the magic of stories; it was hunger given form.

Reader's Guide

Sorcery in this universe is not merely spellcasting but a visceral manipulation of reality rooted in biology and sacrifice. Practitioners, known as sorcerers, originate from The World, a dimension separate from the grim slums of C-Hole. To wield power, they utilize specific finger signs that channel energy through their bodies. However, this magic demands payment. High-level spells often require human flesh as fuel or sacrifice to manifest fully. This dependency drives sorcerers into C-Hole, where humans are plentiful and unsuspecting. The physical toll is also visible; many sorcerers possess horns, tails, or scales that mark their true nature when not disguised. Regulation comes from the Enforcers, a secret police force dedicated to maintaining order between dimensions. They hunt rogue sorcerers who break the rules of consumption and power usage. Without this balance, The World would consume C-Hole entirely. Thus, magic is both a weapon and a burden, binding its users to a cycle of hunger and violence that defines their existence across realities.

Did You Know?

• Sorcerers often disguise their natural non-human features in C-Hole using advanced magical concealment or prosthetics.
• The Enforcers monitor sorcerer activity to maintain secrecy regarding The World and strictly regulate human consumption limits.
• Nikaido is a sorceress by birth, not a human who gained magic through lineage and experimentation.
• Humans from C-Hole are generally unaware of the true nature of sorcery until they become targets.