transhumansage
Versed in the lewd.
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I think I've forgotten how not to.
Anyone on the surface can -in theory- learn any style of magic they want. It would take a great deal of application, but they could do it. The modern Atlantean tradition grew out of a pre-existing tradition, and a small number of Atlantean books have made their way to the surface over the centuries. There isn't any general prohibition against Atlantean magic users teaching surface dwellers, but since they wouldn't have the background knowledge or constant exposure it wouldn't be easy for them to learn.
This as well.
According to word of Greg for YJ, genetic talent is a factor in learning magic, but no one is prohibited from learning it, it's just a matter of some people being naturally better at it.
In the comics, it's similar, but rather than talent per se it's about energy. Magic requires energy. The genetically blessed like homo magi, changelings, demigods, nephilim, cambions, etc, etc, etc, they've got mopeds instead of bicycles.
So anyone can learn magic in the comics but it's far less convenient. I remember one sorceress giving Zatanna a little speech about it. Something like "You're one of the magi, aren't you? You have no idea of the deals I've had to make. The sacrifices made. No selling your soul for you, you just wiggle your fingers and go bippity boppity boo and magic comes to your call like an eager puppy!"
Zoat has simplified things and focused on it being a skill, talent or some people having a natural energy reserve is downplayed in importance.
Energy reserves are still a thing though, as evidenced by Circe getting a magic bump from Hecate possession and then replacing that with New God status or the Lords enjoying the benefit of a personal all you can eat buffet from the realms of Order or Chaos.
awesome. ty. one more thing, accrding to constantine magic always has a price. now i can understand that price being time or effort, but from the context in his comics it seems like the price is something deeply personal or painful....almost in all instances it seems. how common is the latter? in comics, yj etc...