It is obvious that the Adantri position on magic requires explanation. The Adantri have been repeatedly described as a practical people, and in a world where magic works, to shun it is no more practical than it would be to shun electricity in a world where that works--unless by doing so they gain some benefit of equal or greater value.

So. The avoidance of magic is tied up with the Adantri worship of Mantor. A follower of Mantor does not have to give up magic, but if he does, if he accepts the "Covenant of Mantor," then certain benefits come to him. We haven't worked out the precise details--it doesn't seem necessary at this time--but one would expect these benefits to include such things as a general increase in "magic resistance" and an intensification of "spiritual powers" or hiu. Since several of the fighting styles taught by the major warrior and teva societies make use of hiu to reach their fullest development, it can be assumed that accepting the Covenant means increased fighting ability to many Adantri. Other aspects that might be benefited by an intensification of hiu are, for instance, intuitive judgment or wisdom (which may be what helps keep this vast empire together--along with the fighting ability), creativity, will power, and a certain zest for life, all of which the Adantri definitely have. Further, when a majority of the citizens of the Empire subscribe to the Covenant, the Empire itself, as a social/political entity, also receives benefits of this sort.

Given the above, it should be apparent why the Imperial officials are so vigilant against the practice and especially the teaching of magic in the Empire and why the practice of magic is a crime. (Depending on the intention/purpose and magnitude--but not the success--of the spell performed, the penalty might range from a short sentence of public service and/or modest fine to death. A few people are licensed to practice magic in the Empire, but such a license is obtainable only by petition to the Council of High Priests of Mantor, and it includes specific restrictions on the way in which the practitioner may use his art.) The general horror and revulsion which the common people feel in the presence of magic is simply a less reasoned but no less strong reaction against the threat of a magical act--as magic, regardless of the action--to their personal and national security and power. It isn't something you can jolly them out of: "Look, it isn't so bad, just a little spell to make light (or whatever) and nothing to scare you--" They're not AFRAID of magic, but the threat, to them, is very real.