Magic is very prominent within Illuhare and can be found in almost natural object and being, but crystals harness a high concentration of aether with many speculating was due to the fact that it came from the earth's soul or flow (aether), and during the first Gods War.
In the past, magic was prevalent in the world of Illuhare with the people learning and harnessing their capabilities for both daily life, the sciences and in battle. However, currently, magic usage is closely regulated by major cities and towns due to the fact that there has been several cases of magic being used for other nefarious and harmful deeds. Using extensive amounts of magic in the public is frowned and even feared especially in dense populated cities.
Magic in certain cities is strictly regulated, and can often deliver a hefty fine on a wizard that dares to use their skill within the area be it for good or criminal activities. A witch would do better in the country, the wilds, or in the comforts of their own secured home without any nosy neighbours.
There are a few academies that teach their practisies if you wish to hone it, but some have gone off the beaten path...
Each person has a little magic of their own inside of themselves. It's only how you would awaken and harness it.
The sections listed here are:
Soul Colour and Magic
Soul Colour Rules
The Elements
The Zodiac
Elemental Chart
Misc. Details
Aether and Core Shards
The Pact
Soul Colour
Each being has their own Soul Colour which can be found on their designated species pages. A soul colour is typically the common name for what blood colour that the species has, and generally doesn't cause any interference with daily life. Soul Colour can be easily detected by the colour of an individuals eye(s). Typically there is only one soul colour, but in rare cases an individual might have two.
In the past there was a belief that your soul colour had affected your usage of magic and their pertaining element; example: White = Ice element, Blue = Water, Green = Nature, etc. This theory however has been debunked by researchers, but many still holds onto this belief.
Humans are the only type that don't or very rarely have a soul colour, and typically only having a red as their primary blood colour until they harness their inner elemental powers.
Soul Colour and Blood Colour are interchangeable words.
Soul Colour can be easily identifiable in Residentand Monster species by the colour of their eye(s).
Example; if their eyes are blue, then the rest of the areas such as paws, mouths, blood, scars will be blue too! It's always best to read on the species profile on what is required, as each species is different - as you can see the difference between a Haiwari's gem colour, and a Papillix glow pockets at it's nose.
You may also change the saturation and hue (slightly) of a Soul Colour to suit your design; examples we have given is desaturation on the paw pads, increased saturation on scars/blood, and a slight hue and desaturation of the mouth.
The only exemption of this rule is Humans, and using aesthetic items such as a Lustrous Contact Lens to change their eye colour to be different from their Soul Colour.
The Elements
There are 12 Elements that encompasses Illuhare:
Water
Arcane
Nature
Lightning
Fire
Void
Earth
Darkness
Metal
Ice
Light
Air
These elements are the backbone for mage studies in particular if they wish to hone their element further. Some are able to harness their destined element to the fullest, while others are able to pick and choose what path they desire. In scripts, there is a particular mage that harnessed all of the elements, but their records have gone missing...
The Zodiac:
(This section is purely for extended lore reading, you may choose any month and element that suits your character.) The 12 is centered around the zodiac, which compromises of the 12 months, and those 3 months into seasons. Similar as what we have in the real world. Each month has their own particular element, and back in the days of old the people had often used these charts as guidance on what their offspring's main element would be and the "one" that rules it, and often leading to what their occupations are.
The Twelve were once beings that were once mortals, long gone, and immortalized in stories of their adventures. Now, folks often use these charts as something of superstitions.
It's not uncommon to see some who still believe in these charts, and would even make a business telling fortunes from your birth month - some even still believe or worship The Twelve as Gods.
[ Insignia of the Zodiac in crystal-gem format. These insignia can be found carved on other objects such as rocks or mosaic in some towns; either as a sign of respect, good luck, and/or landmark ]
March: Season: Spring Element: Water Zodiac Sign: Abzu the Sailor A strong and rowdy human sailor. Abzu was known for their haughty, wild spirit, and carefree behavior as they traveled through the vast oceans with their ship and crew. Many, and himself, believed that he was a symbol of freedom for the people, thus many said that he was the creator of ships and other water vessels that helped others to travel and find their own adventures.
In a legend, Abzu was famously told that he had fended off and defeated a kraken with his bare arms and while under the influence of one of their crew's potent brews.
Those born in this month has a great affinity to the element of water, feeling at home when there is a presence of rivers or oceans. Hydromancers have the capability to form and bend water from the source of even in the air if there is enough humidity - able to steer their ships in water, create waves and currents. The long gone Blood Masters, a forbidden practice, have also utilized water in the form of blood and have been known to puppet or wound their victims. The water element is one of the least elements of concern only when used properly. Some medics have studied under this element.
April: Season: Spring Element: Arcane Zodiac Sign: Loki the Converted A Human thief that turned to a scholar. In legends Loki was depicted as a lowly rogue that had plundered many treasures and backhanded contracts, but had sought to change their ways when they held a wizard hostage; they convinced him to study the unknown, and to teach others of his experiences. Languages, maps, runes and the written alphabet was said to derived from his studies.
Older texts and stories have also placed Loki in blame for the refinement of the magic arts, with some saying that with his quest for knowledge he had turned to a monster.
People born on this month has a strong bond with the Arcane element; able to bend components of aether currents to create barriers and is more in-tune with the otherworldly. In the past, Master Arcane Casters, have been speculated to be able to manipulate their surrounding dimensions, and summon otherworldly creatures. It is a dangerous element and one of the most highly banned practised magics.
May: Season: Spring Element: Nature Zodiac Sign:Pan the Shepherd A Haiwari shepherd turned bard that originated in the Midgarregion. In legends it said that he has saved a village from a terrorizing dragon with only his flute and violin bow. Known as an inventor of all things artistic and musical; the pan-flute was named after him.
Sheep, goats, shepherd crooks, laurel and ivy are symbols associated to him.
People born on this month has a strong bond with the Nature element; capable of speeding the growth of plants, bending foliage to their will, and even able to communicate effectively with wildlife. Some even have the capability to heal wounds, or poison. Nature is a favorite element of study, next to Light for those that want to be healers, and is one of the less restricted elements.
June: Season: Summer Element: Lightning Zodiac Sign: Dianmu the Tactician A horned Human - suspected to be of Drakonian blood by scholars. Said to have originated from Higara, she was a noblewoman that turned to warrior when her land was overtaken by the enemy. With only 200 soldiers left in her command and positioned at a crucial stronghold she devised a plan to trick the enemy forces of over a thousand warriors. She and her people laid about magic mirrors across the land's hillsides, and faced it accordingly so the enemy saw their reflection. When they gazed upon it, they fled in terror at the hoards of soldiers in their wake, and saving her countrymen.
Legends also spoke that she had also fired lightning from those mirrors, charging up energy from the coming storms into it and firing it back out like a cannon.
People born of this month has a strong affinity with the Lightning element; capable of bending, storing, and shooting out lightning from their bodies with destructive force; a living lightning rod and generator. It is one of the common banned magic in the land, but some may utilize it for their own gains such as charging their electronic devices or electrocuting hunts.
July: Season: Summer Element: Fire Zodiac Sign: Agni the Messenger A strange humanoid being with fire and light blocking their facial features. Scholars still aren't sure if it was because of an ancient censorship, or a defacing of some abhorrent crime. According to scriptures they're known to be a lithe like being that partook in marathons and soon a messenger between the lands. Each step they took, it seemed like the earth was scorched ablaze by their speed - shot arrows seemed to not touch them as they maneuvered with grace and ferocity.
There is a well-known factory that was named Agni that supplies machinery, and vehicles.
Those who are born in this month has great capabilities with the fire element. They are able to withstand greater temperatures, and will the power of flames from their body and from burning candles. It is one of the common banned magic in Illuhare and was used extensively in the campaigns of the rogue mages during the assault of Fernwoodwith many of them composed of Flame Casters. Now just a shadow of its former glory some fire elementalists manage to get by lighting what remains of old street lamps, and other meager work. August: Season: Summer Element: Void Zodiac Sign:Kala the Charter A human man that legends spoke of him being possessed by the spirit of the world Illuhare and driven him into a frantic madness to chart every single star in the sky and beyond. His work can be seen and inscribe together with some of Loki's gatherings that provide a stronghold of knowledge for scholars to this day. It has been told that he was consumed by his drive of the unknown that his wife had to put him out in the middle of his studies or risk angering the fabrics the old Gods have created, and out of his own plea for he has seen too much. They said from his body stardust and birds came forth from it.
Those born under this month has the Void affinity and has the capabilities to alter time in their surrounding area, and even view otherworldly threads, aether, that keep the world as it is. There has been talks of Time Mages that were never late in an expected event, and were seemingly untouchable, but with most Time Mages they vanish just as quickly. No one is sure if it's true because of their talents, or a figment of one's imagination as their records turn to be blank.
It is one of the most dangerous elements to practice and for right reason. It is one of highly banned and heavily monitored magic studies that is locked behind vaults.
September: Season: Autumn Element: Earth Zodiac Sign: Veles the Undertaker A humanoid being often personifying as masculine individual with a coat made from the hides of bears and wolves. Veles is a strange individual as many scripts and imagery of them varies in each time line, which led scholars to believe that he could change his form between bone-thin, muscular, a wolf, and bear. A suspected Haiwaribloodline. Veles' symbol can be found on most grave-sites, and burial ceremonies as some have believed that Veles would ward off scavengers, and guide souls to the netherworld. The earlier is up for debate.
Those born under this month has an affinity with the element of Earth, and able to control it to their will, be it leveling the ground for construction, sensing tremors about the land, or moving the sand and soil. A popular skill for farmers and builders in particular, but excavators have also picked up a few tricks from this element to aid with their restoration purposes. Stone Wardens that used to populate the world were both farmers and warriors of the earth, as they were able to defend and sustain themselves. A rumor that they could even cause earthquakes with just a single stomp. There is a particular story of a Stone Warden monk and a primate, but that is for another time.
Earth users are one of the permitted magics to be used, but under close observation. October: Season: Autumn Element: Dark Zodiac Sign: Shalim the Oracle A being that has been proclaimed to be as beautiful as the Evening Star, and is often associated by it. However their actual appearance is vague with many stories depicting them in several forms and servitude. The most prominent and popular in Illuhare manuscripts has them depicted as a shaman with hair like the night sky, and fortune teller of sorts with their predictions accurate when a calamity is afoot.
Those born under this month has great skill within the art of Darkness, able to move freely between the cracks and dark crevasses becoming what essentially is darkness. A popular skill with both thieves and ninjas as they are able to harness this for their own deeds of intel gathering and fleeing from difficult situations. There has been cases of old masters who went as far to be able to manipulate their victims shadows, and even their dreams essentially controlling them as puppets.
The Dark element is a controlled and scrutinized element in Illuhare, a neutral element but still kept under watch. Only the Royal Ninja Guild is known throughout to still keep the practice of this art and under tight supervision to prevent a misuse, and Higara's worst kept secret one would say. November: Season: Autumn Element: Metal Zodiac Sign: Lugh the Lancer A humanoid man. Lugh has been known in legends to be be both a great warrior, particularly with the spear, and being incredibly handsome that kingdoms had swooned over him. He was however a humble man and accepted no gifts for his work in subduing hell-beasts. Some tales have him retired peacefully alone to the mountains where his body formed the sun's rays, or eaten by said hell-beasts when he was outnumbered, his limbs and blood staining the ground in gold, and said creatures wearing it. Scholar's had speculated that he might have developed a unique technique of jumping high up into the air and spearing one's enemies. A hardened technique that saw the demise of several demons and dragons.
Those born under this month has the affinity to metal, and are able to bend it to their will. There has been speculation that Metal Morphers are in-fact blacksmiths back in the olden days where they were able to craft meticulous metalwork, jewelry and armor. According to records there has been documentations of Metal Morphers using their weapons off-handed; metal arrows that are shot from crossbows would not miss their target, and even able to return to their masters like a boomerang. There are also tales of them binding and crushing their enemies within their own metal armor.
The metal element is one of the few that is permitted in the world but underneath extensive scrutiny.
December: Season: Winter Element: Ice Zodiac Sign: "Jack Frost" the Artist Jack Frost, Jack Frost, Jack Frost... They say if you chant his name enough times you might see a flicker frost drawn onto your window in early spring or late autumn. Their real name and form remains an enigma till this day, but their artworks can be found in museums and even a wealthy diplomat; as one might tell, if it wasn't razed many years ago. There are stories of their artworks that you could feel a shiver down your spine, and your shoulders growing icy when looking at it. Some speculated during their death the people couldn't find a body, but icy leftovers of snow that outlines a beauteous landscape, or even had made a deal with a lich to continue their passions as an artist.
Those that are born under this month has a close relationship to the element of Ice; able to manipulate freezing temperatures from the air, icicles as their weapons, and brace the winters as if it were another summer day. A most deadly arsenal in particular for those that find their home in the arctic wastes; there was a particular nomad-convict who possessed great amounts if Ice magic that they created a fortress of ice in a short amount of time and speared any trespassers, and froze their blood.
The Ice element is currently the least of concerns from the others, only with higher sanctions in colder areas where frost is prevalent.
January: Season: Winter Element: Light Zodiac Sign: Eos the Weaver Often depicted as a feminine looking figure carrying a pitcher, strands of strings, and sometimes wings. She was known throughout the lands for her enchanting ways to weave clothes and other such material. There wasn't anything in the slightest that she couldn't construct from thread, and legends spoke how she had created the skies by weaving out a huge golden blanket that covered the world to give it sunlight and warmth, or in other stories that she had created a net to capture the sun.
Those born under this month has a close affinity to the element of Light. Individuals would be able to construct flashes of light to blind their foes, and illusions of trickery. It also holds a secondary attribute to quicken recovery. In days of old Light Ministers were able to create energy and even barriers from their intensive practise when war was prevalent. A popular field for both entertainers, and healers. It is one of the most widely acceptable elements in the world. February: Season: Winter Element: Air Zodiac Sign: Epona the Tamer A human woman that was known to be both protector and tamer of wildlife. She has been speculated to have developed the concept of taming and riding wild beasts to man. Epona was known for her jovial and motherly nature that extends further than her other man counterparts. Her whistling and singing can be heard throughout the lands, and you may even still hear her songs if you listen carefully to the breeze.
Those born under this month have a close bond with the wind and air element; able to control the currents of the rising gusts for their needs, and even launch themselves higher into the skies as if they were defying gravity. Air Singers in particular take forth with this talent able to relay whispers to others with the use of winds and perform acrobatic feats mid-air. However these skills can be misused under the wrong guidance instead of freedom they are able to wretch one's life away by the air that they breathe.
The Air element is a controlled and observed element in the world, neutral, a least of concern compared to other destructive elements, but the council has eyes and ears if one was to mistreat their gifts.
Elemental Chart:
In this section it is more game-play mechanic as it relates to Elemental types, their advantages and disadvantages with one another. Keep this in mind when creating a character that practices these elements as it would impact certain game elements, but not on story telling for your character.
Here is the chart of Elements and effectiveness:
*Note: Mechanics might change depending on game balance and player feedback.
Misc. Details
Aether and Core Shards:
A Core Shard
Aether is simply energy that can be found in both living specimens and from Illuhare itself, compromised of the elements. It is a unique cycle and careful balance which Illuhare has made and provided for their residents, in which it is both given upon birth and taken on death. Some have likened it as a soul and lifeblood of the planet.
Aether (æther) and Ether works interchangeably.
Magic itself requires aether to function as a conductor of sorts to allow casting, and requires both talent and practice to harness the elements properly. Some beings are often "gifted" a large pocket of aether within them, being more charged than other folks and have a stronger affinity with the elements. Those without the benefit or blessing of aether are often called "husks", a derogatory term of being compared to an empty Core Shard - expendable, weak, or without worth.
Aether can also be found in Core Shards - Illuhare's heart core if one were to put it poetically. These stones hold an abundance of aetherical energy making them popular in the magi war ages where it is used to an advantage. Unlike those who can harness aether within them, Core Shards can expire once the energy is drained out of them, leaving behind a dull, fragile, and empty shell. With now the power of steam, technology, and science rising that can be harnessed easily by the public.
Aether as both a concept and energy has fallen out of popularity due to their destructive nature, connection with the magi wars, and discrimination.
The Pact:
Monster Species are able to communicate to humans and other Resident Species via The Pact. This can only be achieved when both consenting parties put trust into one another, and their bonds are strong. Usually it happens between monster and human/resident pairs, but it does not disclose from other variations, as such case with druids making a pact with a certain stretch of forest, human and Resident pacts, or deals with other strange entities - ghouls as an example.
They are able to communicate to one another via telepathy, and able to feel what the other is experiencing to a heightened degree. Some had claimed of sensations - being pulled, or powering through life threatening situations due to their Pacts combined they've made during their adventures.
A Pact can be removed at anytime, it is not physically painful, but the bonds that they make do hurt when wretched away. Some have mentioned as if a figurative thread was cut, or an invisible hand has pulled your soul straight out of your body, and in other, rare, worst cases the person is put in a prolonged state of deep unconsciousness.