What exactly the principles are and where come from is a matter of great debate among Astrael's greatest scholars, but whatever their origin, within the lives of the people of Astrael, they serve as fonts of power - the rules by which power flows from the world to you. Any act of magic predicates upon the Principles, and even for those who do not harness the developed magics of the mages, holding to a principle can help you to gain a measure of control over the flow of change in your life. Though some individuals might choose to follow the path of multiple Principles, the dedication necessary to walk both paths means that most individuals stick to a single Principle.