Focus

A focus is a tool - either material or immaterial, to heighten the conductivity of magic and its actualization into reality. It is considered an important though non-essential part of 'reliable' magic. Above all, the purpose of a focus is to not create new force but to channel it into something more consistent, reliable and precise than its unfocused counterpart which is often wild and potentially very dangerous even to its user.

Sometimes called a 'wand' or a 'caster', a material focus is an object which uses [?????] infusion to 'enchant' a tool, device or weapon. There is very specific engineering and design involved in material focuses not in their physical components (which are often quite simple) but the arrangement of the [?????] bonded to them which act similarly to an electronic circuit, managing the flow of magic through the object from an input to then create a specialised output.

Focus are often one off objects which are customized to be bespoke to a user – or are 'legendary' items which through their legacy and history mean the user must adapt to the tool in turn.

• A classic Focus is, for example, a zweihander: sword especially designed for grappling during the early ages of man. It was special in that it had a second crossguard, allowing a user to hold the weapon more like a spear than a sword for better leverage and for shunting and stabbing. This combined with its massive size made it an ideal weapon against cavalry or formations for armored users. A modernized zweihander is actually two halves of a blade similar to a sheath over a 'true blade' which is concealed to protect its infusion from oncoming strikes to ensure it is effective. Opened via mechanical means, once the true blade is revealed, the zweihander can act as a projectile caster, offering its user ranged combative capabilities. Alternatively, it can “swim” through a dispell of [?????], allowing the tip of the blade to be moved as an extension of the user's body. This allows the zweihander to be swung using only one arm with enormous leverage and force.
• Another common Focus is the Buckler, a small shield around the size of a crown with simple mechanical moving parts similar to that of a clock. Opened, it is able to act as a defensive structure comparable to a large riot-shield while still very portable and small. Used properly, the buckler can send vibrations down a user's arm indicating the position of another magic user.
• Some Advanced Bucklers feature a connected confined space or volumetric compression which is accessed by using magic but is otherwise seemingly inert. The interior space of this confined area is larger than the volume of the buckler itself. This allows for the storage and containment of weapons and resources which do not make the buckler itself heavier.

Sometimes described as ' Qi' immaterial focus is the use of techniques to strengthen the mind and in doing so, strengthen the resolve and drive of a person's magic. In this sense, focus can be made from within. Immaterial focus is often linked to physical combat or to special feats of especially low likelihood. In a sense, higher focus can create a higher density of magic. This might seem like a higher volume of magic or greater force, but the truth is it results in a higher efficiency.