The Inheritance of Magic
Magical inheritance is one of the defining features of Faerie and its peoples. Similar to regular genetics and biological inheritance, magic operates within the bounds of certain rules. For the most part, at least; there are always exceptions. Most Fae inherit magic upon reaching the age of maturity, which is typically 43 years old. Dragonkind do not reach maturity until age 104.
Some Fae, depending on lineage, may have innate magic from the time of birth, in addition to inherited magic. The kings of Seelie and Unseelie inherit magic directly from the land which they do not receive until they either reach maturity or are crowned, whichever comes later.
For Fae, there are four cardinal laws for magical inheritance:
1. The Power Law
That which is conceived by the joining of two separate races or otherwise differentiated lineages of differing magical capacities shall inherit the race or lineage of the parent whose magical capacity exceeds that of the other.
2. The Equals Law
That which is conceived by the joining of two separate races or otherwise differentiated lineages of magical capacity equal to or within a standard range of one another shall inherit the race or lineage derived from the matriarchal line.
3. The Changeling Law
Any mortal-born being, be they human, Changeling, or otherwise any creature without magical nativity, who attains magical capacity through contractual, spiritual, natural, unnatural, or any additional means shall not attain the ability to bequeath their magical capacity to their issue.
4. The Hybrid Law
That which is conceived by the joining of two parties – one with magical nativity, one mortal-born – shall inherit a limited portion of magic only from the one with magical nativity, and no magic shall be inherited from the mortal-born, regardless of magical capacity; the product of such a union shall be sterile.
Some notable exceptions to these laws include:
1. The Siphoning Loophole
Should one have the ability and magical capacity to do so, one may siphon magical power from others of the same race or lineage into an unborn child, overriding the Power Law of the Equals Law.
2. The Bargaining Loophole
Should one have the ability and magical capacity to do so, one may partake in a bargain with the lands of Faerie to bestow greater power and magical capacity upon an unborn child; be warned, this method is ill-advised and always exacts a cost greater than one should be willing to accept.
