Magic

Magic is the use of the anomalous properties of either God or Satan to manipulate the world in otherwise impossible ways.

Categories
There are two main categories of magic:

Fair Magic

Foul Magic

Lore
The presence of magic in the AFtER HOURS universe is a strange thing. It's both common and uncommon, present and never present. Most governments and corporations have things on lockdown in terms of civilian magic, at least in 1st (and sometimes 2nd or 3rd) world countries. Magic is often strictly illegal in civilian areas, as it impedes the need for many products (why buy a car when you can fly?) Supplementing this is the relative lack of initial God in any one persons' bloodstream in the 23rd century. Though there is the occasional prodigy, most children possess little magical aptitude. Of course, various training exercises and magical items can increase the amount of God in the bloodstream, but this is often looked down upon in society ("traveling mage" is a common term for a person with big dreams that are not financially lucrative.)

Of course, head outside the carefully placed boundaries of society and you'll find yourself in a world that uses magic almost religiously. Lawless countries or people, as well as predark zones, are chock-full of people with insane magical ability and usage. You'll see a lot of magicians out on frontiers, in back alleys, or in mercenary guilds.

Oh, and don't think governments aren't getting in the fun. The demand for mages is high with the wars raging in Finland, India, Australia, and Africa. War has changed- with escaupils, one man with magical abilities and weapon prowess is able to beat an entire army himself. Therefore, while soldiers have their usages, it's become a mercenary's world. Mercenaries are also in high demand on the home front, too- both governments and companies alike have discovered how useful it is to have a super-powered freak ready to kill people they don't like. It's usually immoral stuff, but that freak makes a ton.

So basically, to the average civilian (and, hell, to most magicians living in most countries,) magic doesn't seem like it's too big a deal. But look between the lines and you'll find yourself in a modern Mordor.