Magic or The Song

Magic, or The Song, is the manipulation of the natural vibrations of material particles of which an object consists, particularly in order to achieve unnatural ends. This manipulation can only be accomplished through the use of the human voice, or Singing.

Not everyone has the ability to Sing. Someone who has no or little ability to Sing is called Noiseless or Rusty (slang).

Because of this, Singing is held sacred in the South. Only those who are authorized can Sing, and it is reserved for religious and military purposes. The regular people use musical instruments as an imitation/secularized version of Singing.

In the North, the Song/Singing is held in contempt - there are little or no magic users and musical instruments are unknown. Instead, the people favor percussion and rhythm-heavy poetry.