Sovereign is a low magic setting - the magic in the realm is ritualistic - meaning spells need preparation and time to cast, usually including fetishes, runes and symbols. A lot of magic uses herbs and hard-to-come-by ingredients.
In the Volten Empire magic is sanctioned. Prospective practitioners need to obtain a license and join one of many alchemist guilds. Partitioning magic without such license is prohibited and a serious offense.
Trade of magical items is regulated and done through licensed auction houses and magical shops.
