Energy Imbalance Theory

Ermius Lenadd created the Theory of Energy Imbalance and Equilibrium during his time working with the Pure Magic. The theory is comprised of one major point, and several satellites which affect the way magic is used and perceived.

According to the Imbalance Theory (as it is colloquially known) magic is the result of a difference in energy levels in an environment.

The system refers to the influence charging the environment with energy. The system contains a far greater amount of this energy than its surroundings, and it is the difference between the system and the environment’s energy levels which gives rise to magic.

Lenadd chose the atmosphere as an analogy, where an imbalance system is much like a difference in air pressure. The system itself can be seen as the low pressure zone. The surroundings have a greater pressure level (if “pressure” were to be replaced with “energy,” the low and high values would need to be switched, as the system contains more energy than the environment, ergo the difference). The result is that, to create balance, air flows from the higher pressure areas to the lower pressure areas, causing wind.

Magical phenomena are created in the same way. The imbalance creates a potential field, which can be shaped by a mage’s will to create a specific phenomenon (i.e. a lightning storm, an illusion, etc.). In the analogy this phenomenon, existing outside of anyone's will, is the wind.

All magic is considered to follow this theory, where a mage either releases energy from within (Elemental magic) to create an imbalance system, and then moulds it via will, or forms the system by drawing the energy from elsewhere (Pure magic or infused object).