Paradigma and Azeroth (Preface)

=Preface= When I was a student of Dalaran I was taught absolutes. The reigning theory at the time was that all things considered "magic" were through the Arcane, which was the primary source of all magical feats. If a Mage conjured a ball of fire, that fire was brought forth through Arcane energies. If a Priest healed, the man of the cloth was calling the Light through an Arcane pathway. If a tree grew, the plant was feeding from Arcane sources.

As you can see, my education at the time was rather limited.

The Burning Legion caused considerable alarm in Dalaran when word of the great demon army became more public. Warlocks, as they became popularly known, manipulated energies which they called the Fel. The warlocks’ magics were affected by some of the mages’ Arcane techniques, yet many of the spells were unique, despite resembling those of their mage counterparts, and were achieved through methods previously considered impossible, or merely routes to creating elaborate illusions. The Burning Legion had seemingly found a new source of power, apparently having few dependencies on the Arcane that was once considered essential for any magical acts. Yet more disturbing, many of those that used the Fel were never exposed to formal training, seeming to have a completely intuitive understanding of their craft.

Unnerved and increasingly less confident in the Arcane’s supremacy over the realm of magic, as well as their own teaching methods, those who chose not to ignore the evident changes in 'truth' within Dalaran began to doubt their old theories and models. Just as explorers hundreds of years ago learned the world was not flat, the Mages of Dalaran began to wonder if the Arcane was not the root of all power in Azeroth.

The Mages of Dalaran began to experience what is called a "paradigm shift": a change in the way one perceives not just their world, but the very rules of reality. We are able to see the diversity of Creation and perhaps piece together the puzzle that is existence during this turbulent time, when ideas and paradigms are birthed and tried by the bold and inquisitive members of Azerothian society. Hopefully this book will inspire you, as well, to examine the world and open your mind to new ideas, as well as consider several possibilities as to the nature of Azeroth and the Universe.

Remember as you read this book that what is proposed is only theory. The ideas presented should in no way be considered absolute truths, for if you read carefully, you will come to understand that truth may not be so true. Open your mind, enrich your being, and realize how subjective the world is permitted to be through the tapestry within which it is woven.