Lore
The Magic of Imarel - by T.A. Saunders ©2009, revision v2.9, 12.16.14
Albadosian Method
Unlike the other casting methods, Albadosian casting method, or what is more primitively is referred to as ‘siphoning' is not a casting method that can be taught to those not born in Albadosia. The reason for this being, the unnaturally high concentration of Starmetal in their blood is key to making this form of casting possible.
This style of casting harnesses the highly unusual radiation of Starmetal, which normally repels magic, and alters it by means of a rune-etching rite similar to Rune-Forging that allows the Starmetal, and any Starmetal near the caster, to act instead as a mana siphoning device. This mana is taken out of the ambient air and environment rather forcibly and cas sometimes leave magic-dead areas for short periods of time. Otherwise, mechanically Albadosian Method behaves like Asyndi Method (see below).
Asyndi Method
As stated above casting magic in this fashion means that magic is created by the force of one's own will and fueled by the Mana they draw into themselves. Spell-casting in this fashion means that spell-books do not contain spells that must be memorized or selected but rather contain concepts, ideas and bring understanding to the Shar'Vaire or Quar'Vess caster so they might better visualize the effect they seek, then bring it to fruition. Because of this, interrupting an Asyndi Method caster is exceedingly difficult.
Casting in this method can cause Mana Depletion if the caster isn't careful. With Mana depletion, the caster begins to take on symptoms similar to dehydration and exhaustion. If pushed much further, bleeding from the mouth or nose can occur and possibly a loss of consciousness.
Shei Method
The Shei (or Elf) method of spell-casting involves tracing symbols that stand for different parts of the spell into the air to evoke their power. It is similar to the Asyndi Method, in that the caster still does not require material components to call forth magical power. Mana is not channeled into the caster, but rather directed through the runes to bring forth the desired effect. Elvish Spell-books show how to trace the runes and explain the power they draw the magic from, to educate the would-be caster.
Using the Shei Method does not have any one particular weakness, other than the time it takes to trace the runes in the air. This makes it vulnerable to being interrupted a well-placed punch or similar blunt-force trauma. A well-trained caster can work through such things, but not always.
Sengaardian Method
The Sengaardian Method of spell casting was first taught to the primitive Humans of Ishaela by the rogue Sivanoshei Elves as an intermediary step to learning the Shei Method, since most Humans could not conceptualize how the runes created and sustained the power to generate whatever magical effect was being called upon. Seeing as they were able to evoke the same sort of power as their Elvish teachers by having actual material components to draw the power through, rather than runes the Sengaardian Method became the favored approach to magic amongst the Sengaardians who then taught magic to each other in that tradition.
The Sengaardian Method is slow to cast, but does not ever drain the caster for the casting like the Asyndi method does. However, it does suffer from requiring verbal, somatic and and material components to cast, making it the slowest of the three methods. It is also somewhat easy to interrupt if one a good blow to the head, though a good caster can still get the spell off with some effect. The Sengaardian Method requires the memorization of spells from a spellbook that explains in great detail everything required to evoke the spell.