Magical Energy

##Types of Energy

###Electrical Energy

This is the weakest form of energy that can be used for magical spells. Minor spells that effect only the person casting them can use this, as can some coincidental magic based around actual electrical energy. For example, a spell that electrocutes someone is actually quite easily powered by pure electrical energy, since the spell is only really re-directing it. Another example would be a spell that uses computer systems to magically scry on an area that has cameras. Since it is using existing electronics, electrical energy is also appropriate and possible to use.

###Life Spark Energy

This is the second strongest form of energy, and it comes from the living auras of humans and animals. The more sentient and vibrant the creature, the more energy it has. A baby has less than an adult, but an old man might have less than a baby. A dog would have less than a dolphin, but more than a cow. There are a couple problems with using this energy. For one, as it is drawn, it begins to kill the creature you are pulling it from. It can very well kill them, as once you start, it is very hard to stop. Also, it can only be pulled from the living or recently deceased. Basically, if there is no electrical energy in the body, no chance to resuscitate the being, there is no energy left. The other problem is that most countries consider using this form of energy illegal, as it is quite likely to cause murder. While it is possible to take only a portion of a person’s life spark, once the conduit to take the energy is open, it more often then not will just let all of it out. And when s living being is killed in this way, it does amplify the amount of energy obtained significantly.

###Raw Magical Energy

This is the most powerful form of energy, but also the one most people are unable to even use. It is only obtained by tapping directly into a Ley line of the planet, which is risky at best. The Ley lines, which move magic all over the planet, are great rivers of invisible magic. As such, they are also extremely difficult to tap into without getting way too much energy, especially since they are limitless. In some areas, where Ley lines meet, the amount of energy flowing through one spot is so immense, it can cause disruptions in the forms of massive overloads to existing spells or magic items. These areas are usually well guarded by local governments, both for the safety of the people who may walk into the area with common magic items which can malfunction or overload, and from people who may use that magic well for evil purposes.

##Sources of Energy

###Batteries

These can be simple electrical batteries like a watch battery or AA, or can be magical batteries in crystals or other forms. Batteries are a stable and easy source to use, but usually only good for simple spells. More complex spells require more fluid energy sources. Depending on the quality and purity of the battery will determine how much energy they can store. Most magical batteries can only store small amounts of energy, and once it is used, you have to refill it. However, there are some magical batteries, referred to as Lodestones, which can store a huge amount of energy and that recharge when the energy is used up. These items are something that government agencies will try and keep under control, not only because they are dangerous in the wrong hands, but because their creation is something no one wants to let get out. In order to create one, a large amount of people must be killed all at once in a terrible magical ceremony. As far as anyone knows, only a dozen or so have been created, and always during horrible wars. Spells powered by Lodestones leave almost permanent fingerprints, which are very easy to trace.

###Direct Source

This would be either direct wall socket source or electrical, or directly from the life spark or Ley line in the other cases. This gives a lot more energy, which is easier to use more complex spells, but this source also has drawbacks. For one, it is much easier to trace, and it also leaves it fingerprint much stronger than a battery source. The other problem is, if the source has more energy than you need for the spell, it is very likely you may amplify the spell beyond it’s intended scope.

##Energy Modifiers

Many factors can change the energy usage of a spell. Moon phase, certain days of the year, certain times of the day, or even during celestial events like eclipses or planetary alignments. Some will cause more energy needed, some less, all depending on the spell and the condition. A spell that helps things grow would use less energy on the spring equinox, but take up more on the autumn equinox. A spell that warms up something would work best at noon on the summer solstice, and a cooling spell at midnight on the winter solstice.