Varushka hearth magic

Varushka is a magical land, and there is more hearth magic here than anywhere else in the Empire, although some Orisond scholars claim that several of the Varushkan hearth magics are actually just reflections of one underlying magical law.

Rules and laws are a powerful hearth magic throughout Varushka. There is a power in self-imposed rules, oaths and bindings. Many of the darkest powers are bound by geases and strictures that render them powerless, or expose their weaknesses. There is a belief that the stronger a creature is, the more profound its weaknesses become. Breaking an oath, rule or law always has profound consequences – this is clearly seen in the simple rules Varushkans follow to prevent the monsters destroying them. In Varushka a warning against entering a certain area of marsh is as likely to exist because that area is in the thrall of a powerful supernatural creature as because there are dangerous bogs and treacherous ground, for example. Those who ignore or break this rule rarely live to regret it, and might rile up the supernatural force to the degree that it threatens their friends and family.

This idea of binding is very relevant when dealing with shapeshifters. Varushkan shapeshifters are bound to the form they assume, and while they are being treated as if they were what they appear to be, they cannot change their shape again and are compelled to continue in the role they have assumed. There are many Varushkan stories of Mora being bound to act as a polite guest and leave without hurting his hosts, or of the reckless few who take a Mora as a spouse and meet a terrible end when they mistreat them.

Curses are also important; while other Nations might frown on the use of curses, there is a strong sense of lextalionis (the law of Talion) in Varushka. The more fitting a punishment, the more apt for the crime, the more powerful the curse becomes. Vigilance is also a powerful hearth magic– tent posts, lintels and fence stakes are often carved with faces that keep watch against the approach of evil creatures. Fires represent the light that keeps darkness at bay, and warning bells have a power to send certain undead horrors fleeing back into the darkness.

Walls are a form of hearth magic as well; they are often built with warding symbols carved into them, and many are reinforced with ritual magic. The presence of a wall defines an area as “belonging” to the people who dwell within it, and many monsters have strictures that prevent them clambering over walls to get at the inhabitants. Some wise ones say that this is the same kind of protection that extends to the roads – that they are “walls laid on their side”.

The Varushkan egregore usually appears as a woman dressed in very traditional Varushkan dress and carrying a distinctive knarled wooden staff painted with dozens of images of virtuous animals. In this form, most call her Mother Varushka, a familial indication of the high respect in which she is held. At gatherings she usually wanders from tent to tent, listening to folk’s business and offering words of sage advice. She epitomizes the Varushkan tradition of a wise one, making time for any who need advice or help.

The egregore works hard to maintain the hearth magics that keep everyday Varushkans safe. She is particularly concerned to ensure that Varushkans celebrate properly once the sun has set, and likes to test any child she meets about the nation’s traditions and the meanings behind them. She often appears when things seem darkest to remind people that wisdom can overcome any power.