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Let's Make a Language: Day 6.5, More Worldbuilding: Magic

Had some extra time to mull over the magic system for Nome. Going with a relatively low power system with a focus on solving every day problems. In a later installment I'll create words for much of the magic system once it's all set in stone.

Basics

A Swiftsmith** crafts magical objects called fetishes that when put in contact with their blood through a process called bleeding, stores magical ability within them. Fetishes are useless to anyone but their creator and resist bleeding from other swiftsmiths, only beginning to slowly discharge their magic upon their creator's death.

**name subject to change

Bone - Empathy

The element of Bone is associated with the number 2. It peaks in power during the spring, just before sunrise, and just after sunset. It represents tradition, spirituality, empathy, and vitality.

Practitioners of this element tend to be curious idealists. They are generally of still, balanced mind; however, if they are provoked their emotions may swing wildly in either direction. Tsabu teaches magic as the path to wholeness as people and as society. Only through consistent morals and empathetic thought may one and the all reach enlightenment.

When drawing from a bone fetish one gains psychometry and an increased ability to understand others, even animals. Bone fetishes can be used to increase natural healing.

Incense - Truth

The element of Incense is associated the number 1. It peaks in power during the summer (especially summer solstice) and noon. Incense represents initiative, ambition, and truth.

Practitioners of this element tend to be passionate, intense, and ambitious. They are prone to mood swings, extreme emotions, and suffer from black and white thinking, tending to love strongly and hate ferociously. Wonai-Ku teaches that magic is the great equalizer and truth-bringer. Only through righteous use of magic can the corruption of man be brought into the light and purged, in the name of truth and equity.

When drawing from an incense fetish one purifies a space of evil spirits, bad air, cleanse emotions, hide other magic, and purge the body of illness. They can also control the smoke created from burning incense.

Silk - Faith

The element of Silk is associated with the number 5. It peaks in power during the transition months between seasons, before midday, and before midnight. silk represents stability, faith, but also transition.

Practitioners of this element tend to be agreeable, open minded, and honest. They are often contented, having joy come to them easily, because of their intense beliefs that can weather severe storms; however, if their foundation is rattled or chipped away at, they may come crashing down. Mesa teach power through structure. They believe magic should be rigidly controlled and that the magician should be a peace keeper.

When drawing from a silk fetish one can control silk to be used to mend torn clothing.

Glass - Rectitude

The element of Glass is associated with the number 3. It peaks in power during autumn and at the moonrise, waning as the sun rises.

Practitioners of this element tend to be intuitive, rational, and mindful. They often suffer from one, or many, forms of grief, becoming brave in the process. Toga teaches of the inherent unfairness of the world and expects their followers to use their magic to make things right.

When drawing from a glass fetish one can shape glass and metals with just their hands.

Ink - Wisdom

The element of Ink is associated with the number 6. It peaks in power during winter (especially winter solstice) and at night, waning as the moon reaches its apex then growing again until sunrise. Ink represents progression, erudition, and wisdom.

Practitioners of this element tend to be resourceful and quick of wit. They are prone to deep passions and great fears of many things, but often of failure. Fyale teaches that studying magic, in all of its forms, is the duty of all who are able to interact with it. They believe that only through consistent use of magic can the natural world be fully understood.

When drawing from an ink fetish one gains the ability to manipulate ink as well as the ability to manipulate its physical properties such as state, density, and elasticity.

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