"Neither, actually, though practice improves any skill. The potential for sorcery is granted when a demon comes to inhabit a human. If the human is in control, they can draw on the demon's ability to manipulate chaos. Downhill magic is easier -- starting fires, rusting metal, the sort of thing that runs on its own under the right conditions, but that a sorcerer can make happen faster -- but uphill magic can be done if you can find somewhere to put the extra chaos."

Congrats, you have unlocked Penric's special interest. He doesn't have the science to explain how his abilities work, but he can describe them.

"Which means I can introduce my demon to you. Her name is Desdemona. Unfortunately, her ability to communicate is dependent on sharing my body, so it will be with my voice."