Primal Magic

Breathe. Just... breathe. Now reach out.

CobaltDM - March 11, 2023

"A Woadspeaker must be clear of mind and whole of spirit to hear the whispers of the world. Concentrate your thoughts on the color of the grass, or the smell of the moss, or the sound of a bird's flapping wings. Reach out with your heart. Do you feel it calling? Engulfing your senses? Good... now, speak." - Warden Isbel, 29th of Nenox, 844 AC

Magic is described to be Primal when the power to manipulate the threads of reality comes from one's connection to the physical world and the Prime Material. The most powerful among these types of casters are called to become Wardens, while the rest simply call themselves Keepers or Woadspeakers. However, much of the mage Ardrenya Ceramire's language from her Encyclopedia Arcanum has been adopted globally. Thus, the terms "Spell" and "School" are widely used to describe aspects of Primal casting.

The Gift of the Woad

When the Great Formation was finished and the Eleven looked to populate the world with mortalkind, they quickly realized it would take a great deal of power to accomplish such a feat. Some gathered on the continent of Isatis in a forest that would later be called the Genesis Woad and pooled their strength together. Kebis drew upon the power of the others, and the first of the Einfolk (see: Elves) were created. This impossible feat of power left a permanent effect on the forest as pure divinity seeped into the roots of the trees and plants. The forest drank of this divinity, and the first Woad was birthed. As the gods traveled the world and created more mortals, more locations were blessed in such a way. Now, a source for Primal Magic can be found in hundreds of locations across Mytkora.

After Makeiro shared with mortals the ability to manipulate the threads of reality and weave them into spells, it was not long before they learned of the power of Woads and drew upon it. With guidance from Kebis, Otia, Lai'lou, Idros, Cadros, Makeiro, and even Tassah, mortals learned how to further their connection with creation and with the gods, and became the first Primal casters.

Types of Primal Casters

There are two types of Primal casters. Both draw their strength from the Woads and places of power of the world, but in different capacities.

• Druids - These casters draw upon nature's blessings to become one with the world. With the capability to transform into wild beasts, call plants, animals, and elemental spirits to their aid, and communicate with the world around them, Druids are the ultimate example of connecting one's spirit to the Woad.
• Rangers - More common than Druids, Rangers are talented warriors that can channel the power of nature to become unburdened by normal mortal limitations. They can enchant their bodies and their weapons with the powers of earth, wind, fire, and water.

The Wardens

From this new group of Primal casters came an elite sect dedicated to the teachings of Kebis. These individuals were known as Wardens. These guardians of nature were appointed by the Stag to defend his creations from immoral slaughter, poaching, and other harm. They quickly grew a reputation for animalistic brutality, merciless deliverance of justice, and unbeatable strength in Primal magic. Even into the Silence when Kebis no longer guided the Wardens, it was widely known that one would always be watched closely when traveling through a Woad. Unfortunately, their numbers have since dwindled and the vigilantes are only a shadow of their former strength.

The Wrongs of Mortalkind

With the Silence came a surge of industry and technological advancement. For the natural world, this surge was incredibly harmful. Cities across Mytkora ripped apart the land for its resources, such as timber, iron, or the ever-valuable Usturium. Trees from Woads that were never touched before were now cut down. Unadulterated mountains were dug into and stripped of their insides. Mortalkind flourished, but nature reeled. And it responded.

Retaliation

When the Woads cried out in pain, it was as if the world itself took up arms against progress. Earthquakes rumbled through mountain ranges, collapsing mines and toppling encampments. Floods and tsunamis struck at coastal towns and river settlements that took too much from the waters. Caravans passing through forests would vanish without a trace. While the entire world was affected, the continent of Isatis suffered the worst of all. Great spires of stone and earth rose up from the ground around the largest cities, making travel between them arduous. The Woads began regrowing at a rapid rate, completely engulfing the cities of Ywe, O'thessalia, and Elen Tirion in trees and plant life. Other nations have shown few signs of slowing despite warnings from the Confederacy, causing many to wonder which nation will be next to suffer nature's wrath.