Water Powers

Water magic is "filtered" from the water by the Qiriri through special small fins on their forearms and calves. This magic is then absorbed and channeled beneath the skin via magical scales that extend in a line from the base of the fins along their arms and legs to the joints at the shoulders and hips.   Before the water powers can be used for the first time, the Qiriri, at the age of ???, undergo the Ritual of the Fate of Water. In this ritual, they extract one of five jelly-like spheres containing their water power from a vase-shaped shell. The contents of the sphere are placed in a special basin of destiny, where the Qiriri can absorb its power to activate the magical scales.

During the use of water magic, the Qiriri experiences a pleasant tingling sensation along the magical scale zone. It creates the feeling of merging with the water, becoming one with it, so that directing the magic doesn't feel like something external, but rather as if using an extension of the body. Water magic influences all the senses. The currents of the water can be felt more intensely, and sound and vibrations are perceived even more clearly underwater.   If too much magic is used, the tingling can transform into a strong prickling sensation and, in the worst case, cause the Qiriri to fall into a state of intoxication or trembling. Since water also serves as a mirror to the soul, water magic can often unleash deep emotional floods. Qiriri can use this to their advantage, but it can also pose a great danger if the Qiriri has not yet learned to control their emotions. They will then be swept away by the flood and may lose consciousness. Signs of water-magical exhaustion in Qiriri include excessive mucus production or a reddish, psoriatic appearance of the magical scale zone.   Depending on the type of water magic, Qiriri's scales shimmer differently. In hydromancy and hydrokinesis, the hues range from light azure to deep turquoise, depending on the strength of the magic. Qiriri's aura causes the water around him to shimmer or circulate in small vortices.

Cryokinesis causes a piercing, silvery ice-blue. Additionally, the fins become coated with a thin layer of frost. Ilykinesis produces matte green and olive tones that take on a slippery sheen. The application of omichlo or fysalokinesis results in pearly or iridescent scales, respectively. Furthermore, the aura may generate a misty, diffuse veil.   The resulting scents from water magic are very subtle and initially barely perceptible to outsiders. Only after prolonged exposure to the water element does it become fragrant with fresh salt or the spray of the sea. Mist and bubble magic produce earthy or ozone-rich scents. Scents like those of exposed seaweed and marine plants at low tide are caused by mucus magic, and frost magic often smells of cold, clear ice.

The Qiriri believe that the water's surface is a mirror of the surroundings and one's own soul. They throw small pebbles into the water or gently touch its surface to predict the future from the reflections and wave-like patterns of the water and the resulting images. Hydromancers also know how to interpret changes in the water's color or turbidity.   For small rituals in everyday life, hydromancers practice leconomancy (predictions from water bowls filled with additional oils or other substances). Contacting ancestors in reefs or ancestral pools is also an important part of hydromancy.

Hydrokinetic practitioners are deeply connected to the element of water, viewing it as a living, sentient being imbued with the spirit of the ancestors and the dragon goddess Miqotl. They do not seek to control it, but rather to communicate with it. To achieve this, they must be able to regulate their own internal water balance, which they attain through extensive meditation and concentration. In harmony with the water's empathetic mind, they can ask it to move or assume a specific form without forcing it.   Hydrokinesis is highly versatile and is used by the Qiriri to generate small currents for navigation or to slow waves during the construction of dwellings. In cases of illness, water healers can "sense" the water within the body to arrive at the correct diagnosis or to purify water and charge it with positive energy.  

Unlike hydrokinesis, ice magic is the art of stillness. It requires deep concentration and profound respect to put the essence of water into a deep sleep. Cryokinetics must completely calm their emotions and thoughts, entering a state of pure, cold emptiness to halt the life force of water and transform it into crystals and ice. Ice magic is primarily used by guardians and protectors of the Qiriri for weapons or barriers.

The Qiriri do not view mucus as waste but as a kind of protective shield. Ilykinesis may not be as impressive as other forms of water magic, but it is vital and highly versatile. It is closely linked to birth, healing, and the warding off of disease, and is used by seaweed weavers and water apothecaries. Camouflage masters use ilykinesis to create camouflage clothing for hunting, and builders use it as an adhesive and sealant. All ilykinetic practitioners have a sensitive awareness of the sticky secretions of the flora and fauna in their environment.

Here, too, water plays a crucial role as an independent entity, since its gaseous form—mist or, underwater, rising bubbles—is perceived by the Qiriri as the breath of water. Accordingly, they know how to control their own breath to create mists or bubbles. Mist magic is used for protection during hunting or certain ceremonies. Navigators know how to steer mist. Bubble magic serves as a means of communication underwater and for generating air bubbles or as a weapon. Sound waves can also be dampened or reflected with it.

Water is a vital foundation of daily life for the Qiriri. They view water as a living entity that they do not attempt to control, but rather with which they enter into a symbiotic relationship. Their ancestors continue to live in the water, offering guidance and warnings of danger even after their death. Without water, this spiritual guidance would be in grave danger, as the ancestors and their associated rituals help the water people make crucial decisions for their survival.   Although the Qiriri are the least technologically advanced of all the Elaqitanians, they are masters of adaptation and sustainability. Their Current Calendar demonstrates a highly sensitive understanding of water's power and their connection to this element. This makes them far superior to all other Elaqitanians, and the water people should never be underestimated.