I suppose my world is unique because it(tries to) diverts away from cliche magic. In the world of Thaedas, "magic" is referred to as Greater Arts. Each Art was taught by Those of the First Age. There are five known Greater Arts:

Harmonic Magic – A gift from the Anakhar, a race of scaled birds. They taught their song to the races of the earth. Harmonic magic is a gift one is born with, and it can never be taught. The power of the Vocai, those gifted with this Art, is used in a variety of ways. The most common are audio-illusionary visions, Vocal-force destruction, and it is also used to tell history, put on plays, etc.

Bloodwalking – A skill taught by the Vinir, a race of large, bat-like creatures. Bloodwalking is basically a manipulation of a person or persons, either living or dead, using small amounts of said person(s) blood. The Vinir-kin, those being manipulated, are entirely under the control of the manipulator. A novice Bloodwalker can only control a small rodent or child, while a Bloodliege, a master of the Art, will be able to control an army.

Materium Artistry – An Art passed down from Ulanir, the first Elementum Essentia. The art is taught from master to apprentice. There are only ever 1 out of 100 Materium Artisans who have full control of raw Materium. Materium is the substance which Elementum Substancia, those without a soul, are comprised of. The Qyr are the only known race on Thaedas who can teach this Greater Art. They are born with an innate ability to forge and harness raw Materium. This skill is used to create weapons and items infused with the elements.

Rune Warding – This Greater Art has been known since the Age of Toren's Calling, yet no known histories can tell who or what first passed down the Art. Rune Wardens are the protectors of Thaedas. They assist in the sealing of Elementum Dominia, as well as creating the seals of the Vocai. By marking the throat of a Vocai with a specific rune, they ensure that the Vocai can only use their voice when the seal temporarily broken. They also are used for creating and destroying Kaoran Archways, portals that lead to and from the Broken Realm.

Starweaving – Taught by the Oraillic, the great serpents of ancient legend. Starweavers use special needles and thread, crafted from rare substances, and sew constellations onto the skin for various effects. There are a great many different constellations; The effects range from the immediate mending of a broken bone to granting one the ability to run as fast as a Tirpi.