Dark magic does not connect to any of the Primal Sources. Instead, it draws upon the power within magical creatures themselves and is cast through incantations, often by speaking backward. The ease and potency of dark magic caused humans to hunt and poach magical creatures to harvest their energy. Horrified by the practice, the elves and the dragons divided the continent and drove all humans west out of Xadia. Dark magic cannot be inherited, but it can be taught to others. When a dark mage uses dark magic, some of the magic that courses through them is retained within their body. This allows them to cast some spells without the need for incantations.