Arcane and Divine Magic

The differences between Arcane and Divine spellcasting

Arcane Magic
Arcane magic is the act of harnessing, storing and releasing mystical potential in ones own soul. Some do it with inborn talent while others perfect techniques through patient study and analysis but the mechanism is ultimately the same. In this way the Arcansits soul is like a spring drawn, bent, twisted and compressed to store energy and release it in a predictable fasion. The problem is that like a spring the mage's soul wears out and begins to fatigue, which manifests in rapid aging. Not much of a problem for the Elves with their ages spanning lives but a concern for Humans and other races. Is power enough of a temptation to burn away the best years of their lives? Of course there are ways to preserve ones life...

Divine Magic
Divine magic is a trade, a contract, between the caster and their God. In exchange for belief and lifeforce the God grants limited access to their own world shaping powers. Gods also reward their agents for bringing others into the flock and in this way the clergy preaches their truth; maybe for the benefit of the uninitiated, maybe for the benefit of the priest. While each God is different in its gratitude and demands Divine casters tend to remain young and hale far beyond their years, probably a side effect of being contected to the immortal divine.


 * In game terms when a divine caster levels up the age at which they would pass from their current age category into the next is extended by 1 year.

Planar Magic
A divine caster on a plane opposite to their alignment takes a -2 caster level penalty for every alignment opposition. A LG cleric would take a -4 caster level pentaly, reducing both the number of spells per day as well as level of spells which she has availible, if she was in the Abyss but only a -2 caster level penalty if in Abbadon.