Zavia Effect

So called for a delightful tale about an Ithatian woman whose name is given to the practice, zavia is the unintentional and unconscious practicing of magic, usually ascribed to a non-expert. It is called both unintentional and unconscious because the person neither believes he is casting magic nor intends to cause an effect by any means, magic, conventional, or psychic. Many scholars dispute the notion of 'unintentional,' by arguing that it is illogical to label 'unintentional' what the higher mind instigates.

The Zavia Effect is frequently discussed in late Ithatian philosophy. It is often a fleeting phenomenon for the individual 'zavian' in the world of Asdar where her fellows can be quick to point out that she is using magic. Many students of magic were once undiscovered zavians and are regarded as ideal students of magic. Rural wizards will sometimes make their rounds through the countryside, inquiring after zavians so as to secure a suitable apprentice.

Other scholars posit that all life ultimately stems from ambient magical energy and that all beings are using some kind of magic, if only to live, breathe, learn, think, and perform all the basic functions of life.

The terms Zavia Effect and Zavian were introduced in the third century after Salmakhamer, but did not gain wide currency in the magical community until the 19th century when the quest for spellcasters reached a pitch.

See Also

• List of Notable Zavians
• Zavia the Swineherd
• Zavian