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Mirth & Cooperation: Origins of Magic
Ayun Sovos is a world hatched and nurtured by the gods of life and art, its origins steeped in magic from its inception. From its humble beginnings as a stone set adrift in the nether seas, the world underwent numerous iterations, growing and breaking through its shell over and over as though it was an egg lost in time, before life could truly take hold upon its surface. From this point, the two gods could fully indulge their inspirations in mirth and cooperation to craft, curate, and populate the biomes we know today, filling them with all manner of marvelous flora and fauna, as well as shaping their beloved children, the denizens of Ayun Sovos!
This divine collaboration resulted in a world constructed with great care and pure love. Residual magic was generously left behind in all cracks and corners of the world to blossom and flow freely, granting the world's denizens a warm blanket of protection against many mortal hardships. Over time, denizens were able to develop their own connections to the magic of the world, learning its ways, and using it to further their development into modern-day civilization.
Pursuing a Magical Path
Magic has its allure in how versatile it can be, and how powerful one can become with its mastery! With that in mind, it must be no surprise to hear that many adventurers come to dabble in the whimsical forces this world has to offer sooner or later. Great wizards craft magical wonders from their towers, hedgewitches tend to their community with mystic herblore, and mischievous tricksters pull pranks from the aether... and those are only a few examples of what the denizens of Ayun Sovos like to use magic for!
There is no single way to experience or utilize magic within Ayun Sovos, and not every form of magic can be met with an explanation. Whether the denizens of the world choose to pursue magical paths or not, the world they live in is driven by the forces of Whimsy.
Sovosian magic can be divided into three categories, split up primarily by how they are acquired or practiced by their users.
Law
The magic of manipulation
Some magic is built on structure, with rules that can be studied and taught. Lawful magic is harnessed through ancient runic script, incantations passed down as heirlooms, and knowledge inscribed in crumbling tomes.
This magic is established, understood, and consistent. It can be found in schools scattered around the world, and is often an adventurer's first taste of magical practice.
Passion
The magic of manifestation
Some magic is shaped by belief, and molded by intention. Passionate magic is developed through lived experience, curated traditions, and connection to the world.
This magic is historic, traditional, and variable. It is a unique journey for every practitioner, and can be guided by those with more experience — but won't be found in schools.
Whimsy
The magic of play
Some magic can't be explained with any familiar terms. Whimsical magic is a force of joy and wonder, with no identifiable rules or structure. Some theorize whimsy follows the flickering whims of the world itself.
This magic is unpredictable, fun, and playful. It cannot be taught, only discovered, and thrives on exploration and happenstance.
Applications of Magic
In many parts of the world, interactions with magic are daily affairs! Some regions have their own unique quirks that make certain forms of magic all but necessary for survival, but some forms of magic are just plain convenient.
Spellcraft & Scrollwork
Spells aren't just for spellcasters, you know! Magic users of Ayun Sovos do love casting spells, but they also find plenty of ways to make sure their non-caster companions can benefit from magic as well!
Spellcasting
Sorcery! Witchcraft! Silly little visions in a gleaming orb? How about just making stuff levitate, because it's fun? Spellcraft is sought out by many for its utility, potency, and even silliness. Spellcraft covers a wide range of magic uses, from lobbing fireballs to rearranging letters on cryptic notes to make them make sense.
It's quite difficult to learn to cast spells of your own, but it's a goal many young adventurers strive for!
Spellscribing
Not everyone is able to cast spells. Some folks simply don't want to! However, even folks who don't practice magic themselves might make use of magical scrolls, enchanted writs, and other forms of inscribed magic.
Most towns employ a wizard to provide spellscribe services such as crafting utility spellscrolls for laborers, etching and maintaining protective wards around settlements, and providing enchantments for adventurers.
Alchemy & Brewcraft
Everyone remembers the first potion they ever tasted. If not for the impossible mix of flavors, then for the burst of magic that comes with each sip! From healing potions to potions of elemental resistance, there's a brew out there for just about anything one could think of. The trouble, sometimes, is just getting your hands on the right ingredients.
Envision a bubbling cauldron, or two, or three! If you fetch the right herbs, soon this you will see!— Picking up a quest at the witches' hut
Lawful Brewing: A Science of its Own
Alchemy is a skill commonly taught in most magical schools for its low barrier-to-entry and high practical use. Simple recipes are often easy to follow and tough to mess up beyond redemption. At the very least, low-level potions aren't typically the types to blow up when you add an ingredient a few seconds too early in the process, though there are a few notable exceptions.
Passionate Brewing: Perfecting the Recipe
Though even Passionate brewing tends to follow many of the standard recipes in brewing, it's almost a staple of the craft to tweak and change those recipes each time you brew them. As much of Passionate magic is driven by intent, many practitioners are capable of getting away with crafting brews from unconventional ingredients by calling on their lesser-known qualities, traits, or even vibes.
Merrymaking & Entertainment
Moss weaving! I love this article so far. It's so cosy and whimsical (no pun intended).
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