Magic / Spellmarks

Spellcasters, Spellmarks, and Channeling Magic

Spellcasters, though more commonly known as Markbearers, are those who have inscribed a Spellmark upon their flesh. To make use of any arcane power, it is necessary for one to undergo this minor sacrifice to prove their dedication to the arcane and their loyalty to Vulotl.

It is rumored that this ritual was discovered some time during the First Era, when nearly all inhabitants of the world were proficient spellcasters. Nowadays it's mostly soldiers, scholars, and adventurers that know and use magic.

A dark-eyed elf stood in front of a Serenithian knight, unarmed yet not defenseless. "We've received multiple reports that you've been using this house as a safehaven for Autumnian spies," said the knight. "By the king's orders, you are to empty your pockets and come with me. Understood?"

The elf was still for a second. He was ready for this moment, but he could never deny that it would result in a bloodbath. His only hope was that no children saw what he was about to do. The knight tried to draw his blade, but the elf was faster. The only thing left of the knight was his lumps of flesh on the ground, wall, and on the killer. The elf's wrist, now exposed, had the symbol of a warlock.

Variations of the Spellmark

There are eleven different spellmarks that each have their own assigned spells and abilities. The following is a list of the different marks, as well as what each one looks like:

• An artificer's mark is a symbol of a gear with a crossed wrench and hammer on its exterior. Inside of the circular gear is a potion.

• A monk's mark is a symbol of a clenched fist. Monks typically don't cast many spells, but their ki is channeled through their spellmark.

• A bard's mark is a symbol of a lute. Those with this spellmark usually channel their power from their mark into their instrument.

• A paladin's mark is a winged helmet. Despite having a spellmark, they must still channel a god's power to activate it.

• A ranger's mark is a paw print below crossed kukris. Their spellmarks channel magic through the nature around them.

• A sorceror's mark is a flame lit inside of a droplet. Sorcerors have the most efficient spellmark, and can use it to alter their spells.

• A druid's mark is a leaf-sprouting sickle. Much to the likeness of rangers, druids channel magic through the nature around them.

• A warlock's mark is an eye with spikes surrounding it. These spellmarks can only channel magic through contracts from otherworldly entities.

• A wizard's mark is an open hand producing magic. Wizard spellmarks are also used by arcane tricksters and eldritch knights.

• A barbarian's mark is a hefty greataxe. They channel power through raw emotion.

• A cleric's mark is a radiant mace. Like paladins, they channel their power through the gods.

• A blood hunter's mark is a droplet of blood with a dagger going through it. Blood hunters make additional sacrifices to utilize magic.

Identifying Markbearers

Markbearers tend to obscure their spellmarks under a sleeve, shirt, scarf, or any other articles of clothing. Because of this, the primary methods of identifying if one is a spellcaster or not is through subtle behavioral differences.

The most notable and commonly used method is to take note of how much water someone drinks. Many spells have verbal components, therefore requiring the majority of markbearers to keep their mouths wet and throats clear.

Another way to discern if someone has a mark or not is by the sometimes noticeable "mark rubbing" or cleaning. Spellmarks are basically permanent wounds, and require lots of cleaning lest they get infected. They also provide a semi-constant itch that markbearers rub or scratch while idle.

"Bartender, some water please."

"Yup, water on its way." The tavernkeep looks the traveller up and down, noticing that they keep scratching their arm. "A markbearer, I presume?"

"How.. how did you know?"

Fleshless Markbearers

The overwhelming majority of creatures are made of skin, meat, and bone. However, for those without flesh to cut, there are workarounds. Constructs (creatures made of metal or stone) can engrave a mark onto their shell. Creatures made of wood can carve their spellmark. Those made of liquid, like quibbo or slimelike creatures, can shape a spellmark on their body- but once it's there, it cannot be removed.

Terminology

Magic users in Numira are referred to as the "Marked" or "Markbearers" due to their identifiable reliance on Spellmarks.

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Multiclassing

Some spellcasters take on multiple marks so that they can use the power and abilities of other spellmarks.

Those who cut a Spellmark into their flesh are not only signifying their dedication to their path forward, but also their loyalty to Vulotl. Spellcasting comes at a steep price, a price paid in the blood of its bearer.

— Frylevus Scolairem