Darksun - Volume 1: Neco'ma

Glossary

Aura Scrying – this technique is very rare but if a magi or Neco'ma uses it they can track down the aura of anyone the user is trying to locate. Wiccary is known to use this technique when locating someone for her clients.

Cosmic Veil – The more well-known name of a legendary thin mystical barrier. It divides and protects the mortal plane and Spiritum Mundi. This invisible barrier can only be seen by the magi, neco'ma and other supernatural forces. It is said that one of the Halcyon spells can open the barrier depending on the strength of the user.

Dimensional Compression – the professional scientific term for what on the street is known as Pocket Dimension or Flat Space. Flat space tech can be found on tablets or smart devices that can create infinite space. The tech is very rare and expensive to come by. If used properly, this tech can revolutionise the way humans live. (I was inspired to use Flat Space tech after watching the movie Ultraviolet starring Mila Jovovitch)

Electrokinesis – the ability to manipulate, absorb and control electricity at a mere thought. The lightning god known as Renovati (aka Voltage) has this power which usually causes problems with any technology around him; he can even manipulate lightning from the clouds above us.

Entrapma – is the common and traditional name for "Spirit Trap", the traps are usually handheld items of everyday sorts from rings, oil lamps, lanterns, bottles and chests. Mostly are used to house disembodied spirits wondering the mortal plane. Some are capable of trapping powerful deities like gods, angels, demons and the djinn. This was first used by sorcerers in ancient Persia, which inspired the legends of "the Genie of the Lamp" from the old Arabian tales.

Gene Splicing – also known as Cross Genetic transplant surgery, which is considered illegal in many countries due to illegal poaching of endangered species. They're some individuals that consider this as a fad among the young people. Currently scientists are monitoring this with vigilance.

Glamour – One of the oldest tricks in magic, the ability to cast an illusion that is very realistic that even a mere human can be fooled, however, it doesn't work on those like the Neco'ma thanks to their eyes being able to see through illusions.

Halcyon Magic – a set of seven light-based spells known to be difficult to use. The spells require one to draw a symbol of light and touch it by chanting specific incantations needed for the spells to work. It is also said that the seven spells represent the seven archangels:

Magi (Mah-Jee) – a mortal sentient race that coexisted with the humans since the dawn of time and magic was at the time an ancient primordial force. The word Magi is the group name for witch and warlock just as human is the group name for man and woman. The magi are more sensitive to the primordial force then most humans, it is said that the ancient magi language was the foundation behind modern day languages.

Mind-link – an advance technique for one with the power of telepathy, precognition and psychometry. Both magi and neco'ma are capable of linking and sharing their thoughts and memories with that of another in the link. It is believed that this technique is capable of transporting minds into the astral plane. If this technique is used on a dead individual (corpse or spirit), the user is granted a psychometric view of their last moments prior to death.

Neco'ma (Ne-koh-Mah) - a breed of Magi that were mutated 600 years ago during the Dark Ages by an unknown entity known as the Obscurasolis. This clan were originally summoned to vanquish demons until there was no purpose for them, rumour came around that they scattered into the winds. One group of them stayed together to watch over their kind to form the organisation known as the Gravekeepers. In modern day legends, they are commonly known as necromancers among god fearing folklore.

Necromancy - this ancient art is said to have been practiced for over a millennia. This practice includes the ability to see and communicate with the spirits of the dead, to animate and resurrect a corpse to do their will, and the ability to heal and cheat death. It was once feared as dark magic, overtime many magi would later believed this practice has been considered as neutral magic.

Necromantic & Entropic Energy - the different forms of energy a Neco'ma can manipulate and use to their advantage, entropic energy is useful to bend things to their will whereas necromantic energy is like a second life source for both Neco'ma and the dead.

Obscurasolis – during the secret war of the magi and demons during the Dark Ages, an ancient and dangerous spell was cast to summon all of the entropic and necromantic energy around. But this spell collected too much and suddenly, the collective energy became sentient and mysteriously mutated a few magi into a new breed of Neco'ma'ce which we came to know now as Neco'ma. The new sentient entity became the source of worship for the Neco'ma; legend has it that a lone Neco'ma known as the Promised One can take possession of the entity's power.

Sin-Eater Stare - a unique ability the Neco'ma use with their eyes to pierce into the soul of a corrupted individual, the process starts with the sclera of the purple eyes turning black and black tears pouring down the face, the victim starts screaming as they relive the sins they committed and lastly the victim's eyes turn black and hollow in which they are blinded by their guilt.
(This is a nod to the Penance Stare commonly associated with the Marvel Comics antihero Ghost Rider and ritual practice of the Aztec goddess Tlazolteotl)

Spellbound Duel – Two willing magi enter a spellbound ring, each make a gambit. And when the last one standing is claimed victorious, the victor will instantly claim their prize. For example, if one witch offered her spell book to another witch. If she were to lose the battle, she has to forfeit her spell book to the victor.

Spiritum Mundi – the name commonly translates to Spiritworld, a realm bordering between the world of the mundane, the underworld and the astral plane. Many of those who had seen this realm believe that many ancient depictions of Heaven, Hell and Limbo are often seen here. The only safe way to access this realm is through a Spirit Nexus, any body of water that acts as a gateway can safely lubricate between realms. According to magi legend, it is said that the Spiritworld is watched over by the moon goddess of the dead known as Wiccary (Wick-Ari).

Teleportation – the magi use a variety of powerful spells including teleporting spells, they can either appear in a flash of light or in Wiccary's case, appear from a thick cloud of black smoke.

Wraiths – commonly known as zombies, once were living human beings until they were killed, only skillful Neco'ma can summon these beings to life, however, they lack souls of their former lives and act as servant puppets until their debt is paid, naturally Neco'ma'ce are well known for using them. When a wraith regains his/her soul and free will, they are automatically full-fledged humans again.