Occult magic
- This article covers the magical tradition associated with bards and certain aberrations. For ritualistic occult magic, see occult rituals. For the mundane philosophy of occult study, see occultism.
Occult magic is one of four traditions of magic, along with divine, arcane and primal magic, that manifests in the form of spells and spell-like effects.1 Occult magic is rooted in esoteric and alien knowledge of the multiverse's mysteries.2 The practitioners of occult traditions seek to understand the unexplainable, categorize the bizarre, and otherwise access the ephemeral in a systematic way.3
On Golarion
Occult magic is the most misunderstood of the four types of magic. Because of its association with the eldritch, the aberrant, and the unknown, it is seen as creepy and rarely discussed openly, leading to even more disinformation among the general population of Golarion. While most misconceptions of occult magic are harmful to its practitioners, some are quite amusing. For example, even educated individuals often believe that bards use some sort of arcane magic, as the scary and mysterious occult magic could not possibly be wielded by someone who plays cheery music and has such an energetic attitude.4
Occult magic is a component of some Mualijae, Ilverani, and Vourinoi magic, often in the forms of thought-reading and telepathy.5
Cheliax, Druma, and Ustalav are nexuses of occult activity in the Inner Sea region, which also makes them hotbeds of occult magic.6 The Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye specializes in occult studies,7 and Kelesh incorporates occult calculations into its imperial rule.8
The Pathfinder Society's quest for knowledge is often compatible with occult studies, including occult magic.9
The final blades of Galt are inherently infused with occult magic.10
Practitioners
Bards, some sorcerers,11 some witches,12 some summoners,13 and psychics14 all cast occult spells.
Occult magic often attracts diviners, hermits, and scholars.15 Fell gnomes are also drawn to occult magic.16
References
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 206. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ Logan Bonner et al. (2019). Pathfinder Core Rulebook, p. 634. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-168-9
- ↑ Logan Bonner et al. (2019). Pathfinder Core Rulebook, p. 299. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-168-9
- ↑ Rigby Bendele et al. (2022). Travel Guide, p. 74. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-465-9
- ↑ John Compton et al. (2019). Character Guide, p. 26. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-193-1
- ↑ John Compton et al. (2019). Character Guide, p. 30. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-193-1
- ↑ Tanya DePass, James Jacobs, Lyz Liddell, et al. (2019). World Guide, p. 45. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-172-6
- ↑ Tanya DePass, James Jacobs, Lyz Liddell, et al. (2019). World Guide, p. 57. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-172-6
- ↑ John Compton et al. (2019). Character Guide, p. 127. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-193-1
- ↑ Tanya DePass, James Jacobs, Lyz Liddell, et al. (2019). World Guide, p. 126. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-172-6
- ↑ Logan Bonner et al. (2019). Pathfinder Core Rulebook, p. 95, 191. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-168-9
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn. (2010). Advanced Player's Guide, p. 95. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-246-3
- ↑ Logan Bonner, Mark Seifter, et al. (2021). Secrets of Magic, p. 51. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-345-4
- ↑ James Case, Mikhail Rekun, Mark Seifter, et al. (2022). Dark Archive, p. 9. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-443-7
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 62–64. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ John Compton et al. (2019). Character Guide, p. 29–30. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-193-1