The following is common knowledge for anyone with skill ranks in Expertise (magic).

Magic is the name given to the manipulation or instigation of phenomena through poorly understood properties and mysterious forces. One thing that is understood, however, is that magic itself is a thing that demonstrably exists, despite there being no known way to directly interface with it (some people erroneously equate it to dark energy or quantum phenomena as a result). Many species possess inherent magic that they can use in specific, repeatable ways, but none are inherently able to wield the broad spectrum of powers afforded by studying spellcraft.

Spells are distinguished from magical powers in-universe by the need to recite an incantation to employ them. Spells often consist of additional tools, materials, reagents and rites as their power and complexity increase. Mechanically, spells have the Training origin descriptor and the Magic source descriptor, are unavailable if the character cannot currently speak (for example, the Chokehold advantage), and they can be turned into a broader assortment of alternate effects than other powers (but not anything and everything). The Artificer and Ritualist advantages are also suitable forms for spells (being the result of enchantment spells and being actual spells as well, respectively). There is one meaningful, functional division between spellcasters: those who have magic in them, and those who do not. The former category is traditionally called a witch, although some prefer the term warlock for males (though it is common to joke about such individuals being insecure in their masculinity among witches). The latter type goes by many names, but magician and wizard are the most common.

It is not unusual for witches to possess additional magic powers that are not spells, having the Inherited or Bestowed origin descriptors instead. Similarly, magicians often possess magic Devices they have created themselves. It is unusual but not impossible for a witch to have such an implement and a magician to have a power. Of these, a witch having a broom imbued with the power to fly is vastly more common than anything else.

A second, more arbitrary and subjective, division exists. Those who view their magic as a gift to be used for the betterment of all, who refrain from using it for simple convenience, and who typically abstain from using it violently (sometimes even in self-defence) are termed "bright." Those who use it for the betterment of themselves, who flagrantly use it at their convenience, and are willing to use it for violence (especially coercively) are termed "dark."

Rumours persist that the very extreme ends of this spectrum are detectable as such, but if such people exist they are vanishingly rare people among an already scant population.