Wintermark hearth magic
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In addition to being used by magicians, the [[runes]] are a widespread and popular hearthmagic. A baker might bake the rune of "plenty" into the crust of a loaf of bread, while a farmer might scratch the rune of "fertility" onto the handle of his plow. The runes do not have discernible game effect when used in this way, but within the setting the baker's loaf might last a little longer, and the farmer's field might be a little less prone to pests. | In addition to being used by magicians, the [[runes]] are a widespread and popular hearthmagic. A baker might bake the rune of "plenty" into the crust of a loaf of bread, while a farmer might scratch the rune of "fertility" onto the handle of his plow. The runes do not have discernible game effect when used in this way, but within the setting the baker's loaf might last a little longer, and the farmer's field might be a little less prone to pests. | ||
===Masks=== | ===Animals and Masks=== | ||
Many animals have an association with virtue in Wintermark. This tradition began with the Kallavesi and Suaq, but many Steinr have embraced it at as well. Animals are seen as having laudable spiritual qualities, and by calling on the animal, the Winterfolk seek to embody those qualities. | |||
The Kallavesi | The Kallavesi wear animal masks to draw on the spiritual strength of an animal. A magician might wear a bird mask to draw on the animals' wisdom, while a warrior might wear a bear or boat mask to draw on the creatures courage. The Suaq paint don't wear the masks but paint the animals on their clothing and equipment, for the same reasons. The Steinr may use either approach but more commonly give people nicknames that draw on the symbolism of the animals they respect. | ||
The Winterfolk know that the animals are still beasts; they understand that they are using the animals as symbols. This hearth magic is similar to the [{Varushkan]] use of animal imagery in their [[Varushka Religious Beliefs#The Virtuous Animals|stories]]. | |||
===Birds=== | ===Birds=== | ||
Revision as of 19:27, 27 August 2012
Runes
In addition to being used by magicians, the runes are a widespread and popular hearthmagic. A baker might bake the rune of "plenty" into the crust of a loaf of bread, while a farmer might scratch the rune of "fertility" onto the handle of his plow. The runes do not have discernible game effect when used in this way, but within the setting the baker's loaf might last a little longer, and the farmer's field might be a little less prone to pests.
Animals and Masks
Many animals have an association with virtue in Wintermark. This tradition began with the Kallavesi and Suaq, but many Steinr have embraced it at as well. Animals are seen as having laudable spiritual qualities, and by calling on the animal, the Winterfolk seek to embody those qualities.
The Kallavesi wear animal masks to draw on the spiritual strength of an animal. A magician might wear a bird mask to draw on the animals' wisdom, while a warrior might wear a bear or boat mask to draw on the creatures courage. The Suaq paint don't wear the masks but paint the animals on their clothing and equipment, for the same reasons. The Steinr may use either approach but more commonly give people nicknames that draw on the symbolism of the animals they respect.
The Winterfolk know that the animals are still beasts; they understand that they are using the animals as symbols. This hearth magic is similar to the [{Varushkan]] use of animal imagery in their stories.
Birds
Birds are well-regarded in Wintermark; the Kallavesi in particular regard them as wise and powerful creatures. Every part of a bird contains magic; their feathers help provide wisdom and inspiration while their bones bring strength and good health. Winterfolk often carry the hollow bones of a bird in a pouch. These are stroked with crossed fingers for luck at times of stress or when a wish is made. It is believed that breaking a bone from a powerful bird in the face of an enemy can sometimes conceal you from its sight.
Curse coins
If a Winterfolk wishes a person ill, they may give them or pay them in curse coins, which bring bad luck to the recipient. The more numerous the cursed coins, the worse the luck. Curse coins are normal coins that have been blackened with soot, so they are readily visible to anyone who is paying attention, but one is easily overlooked in a pouch. Once the coin has been accepted, the curse cannot be removed by cleaning the soot off - the coin must be given to another to move the curse to them or else washed clean in the blood of an enemy, otherwise the curse remains. Wintermark folklore contains many stories of Suaq Icewalkers tricking people into accepting cursed coins or planting them on an enemy unawares.