Academic magic is a form of magic in the Emelan Universe. It is very similar to the Gift, a type of magic in the Tortallan Universe, as it is directly linked to the power vested in the user and not in the surrounding world, as opposed to ambient magic. It usually requires incantations and physical catalysts in order to perform it, but is far more limited by these parameters than the Gift. The three signs of an academic mage are telekinesis (moving objects with one's mind), creating images in fire, and causing objects to glow. Most academic mages display at least one of these talents at a young age.