Arcane

The arcane (also called the "arcane arts"<ref>Glyphic Memorandum</ref>) is a classification of magic. It is described as the base fabric of the world<ref>Mage-tastic Gizmonitor</ref>. The arcane is corruptive and addictive, and its use can draw the attention of the inhabitants of the Twisting Nether.

The arcane appears to be a general term that encompasses the magics used not only by mages, but by warlocks as well.

Characteristics and use

The uses of the arcane are many, from creating blasts of raw power to conjuring food and water. Arcane can be called forth as the forces of frost and fire; according to Medivh, creating fire with the arcane is a matter of concentrating the inherent nature of fire in a location and calling it into being.<ref>The Last Guardian, pg. 24</ref> Incantations and hand movements are commonly used to invoke spells of the arcane, as are soul shards when summoning demons and other spellcasting. The arcane can be used to bind elementals into servitude,<ref>Elemental Slave</ref> and construct magical golems.<ref>Arcane Golem</ref>

Raw arcane magic materializes as a purplish colour.

History

The Kaldorei Empire's ruling caste, a group of powerful spellcasters called the Highborne, delved deeply into the arcane. Under the guidance of Queen Azshara, they sought ways to access other dimensions. After Azshara's attempt to summon the demon-lord Kil'jaeden was thwarted and her empire toppled, the surviving night elves outlawed all practice of the arcane.