Magic in the Realm of the Elderlings is primarily focused around telepathy and emotions. Most heavily linked to dragons, humans have been known to wield powers of their own. The Elderlings seemed to have a great deal of magical talent of their own, associated with the construction of magical artifacts. Elderling Malta Vestrit has demonstrated magic in the modern era, controlling globes of light.
The Skill[]
- Main article: Skill
The use of telepathy to hold conversations at great distance and to influence the emotions of others, present in the ruling family and others of The Six Duchies. Distinguished from the telepathy used by dragons, distance is unimportant but one must be Skilled just to hear the message. Examples of influencing emotions include Chivalry Farseer burning eternal loyalty into Galen or Verity Farseer convincing raider captains that a fight now is ill omened. Unlike telepathic messaging, influencing emotions can be done to those without Skill.
Particularly powerful users of Skill are capable of illusions and misinformation, and are wholly able to thrust orders through Skill messages that are difficult, perhaps impossible, to ignore. Furthermore those exceptionally talented in Skill use can influence the physical body with healing, and extend lives. FitzChivalry Farseer was also known to use the Skill to cause real-world reactions, such as when attempting to create a fire, Fitz unknowingly used the Skill to make tinder burst into flames by simply shouting "Fire!".
There is a theory that those of the Outislands and the Six Duchies are descended from Elderlings that had interbred with humans when the dragons left the world. The Skill is a lasting magic from that inter-breeding, as well as possibly the Wit.
Dragon Magic[]
Dragons can communicate with one another and with humans via a telepathy not unlike the skill. That said, not all humans can "hear" a dragon, although the majority can. Sedric Meldar was unable to hear dragons at all (only "animal sounds") until he accidentally ingested a bit of dragon blood. Their power is stronger than that of a human's, in that they can communicate over much greater distances and use the power of suggestion to "push" humans and Elderlings to do their will. Dragon "glamour" is a magic they employ that makes susceptible humans feel enamored of the dragon with a strong desire to serve them and praise them.
Dragons, by virtue of the small amount of Silver in their blood, can also change humans into Elderlings, making them over in their image, extending their lives, and granting them limited magical ability. However, if a dragon neglects the changes instead of guiding them, it's possible the changes in the Elderling can make them ill or even kill them.
Elderling Magic[]
Elderling Magic is an ancient Magic shown to be extremely similar to the Skill . It is shown to be used in the same fashion as the Skill, such as using Memory Stone, working Silver, and communicating over distances telepathically and empathically with Dragons. It differs from the Skill only in the sense that modern Elderlings created purposefuly by Dragons after the Cataclysm do not seem to be able to communicate with those possessing the Skill in any form, or be able to 'adjust' or 'heal' creatures in the way a Skill-user can, although it is shown they can control Elderling artifacts such as glowing orbs.
The Wit (also known as "Old Blood")[]
- Main article: Wit
The use of telepathy to communicate and bond with animals. Most practitioners bond themselves to a single animal, forming deep relationships rivaling those of mating or marriage. Viewed negatively in The Six Duchies, those who hold the Wit hide it and do not practice it. Legend holds that those with the Wit who use it slowly become little better than beasts themselves.
Educated practitioners of Wit refer to themselves as Old Blood and the more talented are capable of unusual feats. Notable practitioner FitzChivalry Farseer wills himself out of his own body, inserting himself into the body of his bonded wolf, Nighteyes. An old folk tale describes the very real danger of such an activity, those who so join their beasts struggle to ever regain their humanity when restored to their bodies.
An ability used commonly by Burrich and Fitz alike is "repelling" animals, physically repulsing them back. Burrich, in fear of his son's life, was powerful enough to stop and completely stun a Stone Dragon.
Wizardwood[]
Wizardwood is a magical "wood" (actually the cocoon of a developing dragon) which can be worked into many items that "quicken" - come to life and be capable of limited movement, sentience and sapience. Most notably it was used to create Liveships.
Others[]
Scrying, charm-making and others are also a part of the magic of this universe.