Magic energy is only created within a living being with a functioning nervous system, and it cannot leave that being without conscious control by that being. Once concentration is broken the magic will dissipate into other forms of energy, normally light and heat, though kinetic discharges (shockwaves) are known to happen when a spell ends disastrously. This seriously limits the usefulness of magic.194Please respect copyright.PENANA95MBTWwkAD
A breakthrough was made aprox. 50 years ago however that changed everything. Dubbed glyphs, a form of static spell was discovered. While limited to only doing what it was programmed to do when created, anyone could activate one simply by touching it. 194Please respect copyright.PENANAl5IfujQ0zM
On contact the glyph will automatically start pulling whatever amount of energy it needs to accomplish it's task without conscious thought. This contact is referred to as creating a circuit. A simple example is a sword could have a circuit on it that increased it's durability.
Because of the involuntary nature of a circuit , some glyphs are made to have adverse effects. An example would be putting someone to sleep, or causing intense pain.194Please respect copyright.PENANAyzJN70OmwN
The full use of glyphs is still being investigated. The most complex glyph created is the school rings for Davis-Monthan Academy. It's functionality isn't what gives it that honor, it's its size. The more commands and information that goes into a glyph the more physical space it must occupy, yet a simple band handles multiple commands and contains the complete roster of the school's population and buildings.194Please respect copyright.PENANAiklnHpX0Bz
The amount of drain from circuits are only slightly higher than casting the spell naturally, and glyphs have all the same restrictions as spells except for the need for concentration.194Please respect copyright.PENANAT6neTy1HWp
While not advisable, it is also possible to add a glyph directly to the flesh of a living creature, similar to a tattoo. Since this is permanent the drain will never end, even during sleep.194Please respect copyright.PENANAlya8JruIud