Magic

Magic in Himinil is a both predictable and unpredictable at the same time. There are no rules that magic follows directly. Magic is not understood at all and seems to have a mind of its own. Under scrutiny, there is no technical evidence of any reason for magic to work. The magic of this world is truly magical. Magic does follow a sort of theme, however. When something magical occurs, there is usually an irony to it or something that seems like it fits the theme of what is going on. Similar to a fairy tale. This may not be the case all the time of course. The primary form of magic is the Warp Pearls . They are the source of witches, rippers, puppeteers, and more.

Witches

A witch, or male warlock, is someone who has embedded a Warp Pearl inside of themselves, something not everyone survives. This grants the witch some sort of magical ability. Each ability is unique to each witch, and multiple stones do not grant multiple powers. These abilities granted by the pearls are mystical in nature. They seem to follow a theme, rather than gaining a specific power. For example, a witches theme might be fire. This witch can create flames, yes, but might be able to put it out, create living flame, or ignite someone's inner fire. A scientific explanation is no way to explain their gifts. However, poets and daydreamers will find a much easier time to understand them.
The mental state of a witch degrades over time. Within a year of placing the stone in their body, their mind has been warped and changed. The witch goes mad. This madness can be unpredictable. Some witches see time out of order, while others simply find everything funny. The most dangerous witch, it is said, is a sane one. They are not sane, of course, but a calm outlook on a twisted version of the world leads to immoral actions seeming to be the best option. Some witches are not evil, of course. They can be a source of wisdom and aid for those brave enough to face their madness. A witch gains physical manifestations of their abilities over time. A spider witch might grow additional eyes, and eventually, spider legs. A witch of the light might begin to glow over time.
The general opinion on witches is that they are monsters which should be destroyed. Witch Hunters seek them and their allies to kill them. Some witches can get away with hiding in plain sight, but not many have that luxury. A few people take to worshiping witches like gods or leaders. This has given the more powerful witches minions and servants under their command.
Most witches work solo, but once in awhile, they will form a coven. A coven is always created for a purpose, a shared madness. This can be anything from straightening out the weather in an area to creating a new island. These covens are traditionally held in three’s but can be much more depending on circumstances. Inquisitors are constantly on the hunt for rumors of covens because a coven of three witches is far more dangerous than three individual witches.

Fae

When a witch creates a living creature, it is referred to as a Fae. Fae follow the ideas and theme of the witch that created it. A living flame is prone to anger for instance. Some Fae appear as human or human-like, allowing them to live in society as outcasts should they be forgotten by the witch. Most are twisted forms created from the witches madness. Fae are always loyal to their witch and can understand the witches wants and needs no matter where they are. However, when a witch dies the Fae persists and gains free will.

Puppeteers

A Puppeteer is someone who has mastered the art of controlling the dead with a warp pearl. This is done by placing a warp stone in the body of the deceased, and running thread through key points in the body. Metal wire is preferable to most other materials, because of its durability. When controlling a “Puppet” as they refer to the dead, they use subtle movements in the wire to encourage certain actions. A true master can make a puppet dance, but the generic Puppeteer can achieve jerky, forced movements. This gives a Puppet a unique gait.
When placing the pearl in the corpse, it must be sewed in. Otherwise, the pearl will roll out. The mouth is a common choice of placement for the pearl. No incision is necessary, and sewing the mouth shut has no drawbacks. When a Puppet is damaged the puppeteer will sometimes harvest from other corpses to attach new limbs. This is especially true in Puppets which have mutations.
Due to the warping nature of the warp pearls, Puppets can gain mutations. Most are useless quirks. For instance, sometimes they bleed or gain a second jaw. Rarely, the mutations can be useful. Enhanced strength or magical abilities are not unknown. Even rarer still, a Puppet can gain full sentience. These are commonly referred to as the Stringless. They might remember their life, forget everything, or even gain new memories all together.
When a Puppet gains a useful mutation, they are usually sold. Underground auctions are held to sell Puppets. Always in secret, of course, because Puppeteering is highly illegal. In Himinil, most corpses are either burned or thrown into the reflective sky. This causes murder to be the easiest method of gaining new Puppets. Raids on auctions are common, as are raids on warehouses where Puppets are stored.

The Gnarled

Warp Pearls have an effect on nearly everything they come across. Those that spend time around Warp Pearls will sometimes, not often mind you, receive certain changes to themselves. They gain minor magical abilities, strange changes to their body, or gain a twisted new view of reality. For example, they might be able to light small fires with their fingers, gain glowing eyes, or are no longer able to see peoples faces except for those that love them. These are called The Gnarled. The Gnarled are called such because the priests of Veritism believe their souls have become twisted and gnarled. Thus, they are being punished. Inquisitors hunt them down as well and imprison them.
This causes The Gnarled to hide. They withdraw from society and head into the depths of society. They say one in every 50 homeless is a Gnarled. Most people do not know the difference between Fae and the Gnarled, as they can be similar. However, the Fae know what they are and why they are the way they are. The Gnarled do not.
Animals can become Gnarled as well, but these are not viewed the same way. These are simply animals of legend. Hunters go out seeking birds they once sighted with a golden beak, wolves might grow to the size of a horse, or a cat learns to speak.

Occultists

An Occultist is someone who worships or uses the teachings of Nerre. They are able to perform minor, subtle feats of magic. Unlike magic granted by Warp Pearls, this magic follows rules and has limitations. These rules are specific to each Nerre. The more favor an Occultist gains from a Nerre, the more power they are given. Occultists are hunted the same as witches and Puppeteers, but they leave nobody trails and most do not possess visible mutations. This makes it much harder for inquisitors to track them down.

Alchemy

A Warp Pearl can be crushed into a powder if you apply enough force. These broken pearls seem to house no power at all. However, men of science have discovered that when mixed with water it creates a substance which glows. The color it glows is entirely up to what the water touches. This liquid can be combined with various ingredients. A dog toe, crystalized lightning, fish bones, beak of a living bird, these sorts of things make good ingredients. Alchemists follow a recipe perfected over much trial and error to create magic potions. Witches brew these potions in cauldrons.
Alchemy is highly illegal because it can be supremely dangerous in the wrong hands. Anyone caught with alchemy will likely be sent to prison immediately. If an inquisitor finds a potion on you, you will likely be executed. Most people understand they are taboo and will not deal with alchemists. However, there are some shadier merchants who deal in ingredients.

Mages

Mages, also known as sorcerers or wizards, are just as rare as a witch, if not more so. They are often the most misunderstood practitioners of magic. This is because a mage is not one thing. A mage is someone who has learned to manipulate all kinds of magic. They create puppets only when they need to, utilize alchemy, and even use rituals granted to occultists. They have an understanding of magic which sets them apart from others. Every mage has a rare item which they use to manipulate magic. A black warp pearl. These are usually granted by Geldah to their followers, but in the hands of a mage, they are particularly useful. Other practitioners of magic see mages as thieves. Stealing their magic and their practices. Puppeteers see them as imitators with no sense of artistry, witches think them to teeter on the edge of real magic, and alchemists are weary of their usage of nerre rituals. Occultists hate them with a passion, viewing them as robbing them of their faith and belittling it.
A proper mage not only uses all forms of magic, but they blend them together. They may create a puppet while also calling upon Gugge to create a more loyal, stringless puppet. Or perhaps they would combine alchemy and the essence of a fae to give themselves a magical tattoo. The possibilities are endless and no two mages are exactly alike.
Mages often take apprentices to help their craft, who in turn become proper mages latter in life. Rarely a mage will have a handful of apprentices, but there have been secret schools discovered throughout the world.

Other Oddities

Ghost Ships

A ghost ship is an airship which has gained the ability to run without a crew. They are rare, but stories of them can be found in any tavern.

Monsters

Sometimes, a monster will simply appear out of nowhere. Many believe that monsters are mutated animals, while others think they are a manifestation of wickedness. No monster is the same as another, but each one has a story and likely a name.

Sprites

Sprites are Fae that were created for temporary use or by accident. Sprites are often harmless and can be killed with a swift kick of a boot. But in large numbers, they can be deadly.