Magic System
Like the rivers, like the winds, and the very blood that flows through all living things, so does the gift of magic in Ohote. BREATH is what it is called, as essential it is to life.
​
There are thought to be twelve types of magic that flow through Ohote. Most humans are born with some sort of innate magic, referred to as an "affinity." People and Hooden can have up to two affinities, a primary and secondary, but like any skill, it must be trained and honed to become stronger. Affinities have a tendency to manifest in a default manner- the wind blows stronger with sky, teeth made of bronze with alloy, steam billowing from the mouth with fire and water, etc. Gameplay-wise, much of how affinities manifest is determined by the player.
History
In ancient history, it was only dragons, fae, and the wild that harbored magic. In the days of the first one, the nameless god and keeper of the arcane, there was no human interference in the name of magic. Only harvested from the surrounding world. This was the way of the land until twelve archmages rose together and conquered the nameless god. Once the twelve mages seized control of magic over the land it was sectioned off into the twelve affinities we now know, enabling human dominion over its power.
Day-to-Day
Magic is prevalent in nearly everything in Ohote. An enchanted fur cloak breaks the blizzard’s icy wind around it. Runes of anti-fire magic are carved into a wooden safebox. Bronze is malleable like clay in certain hands. A ball of light hovers above a staff when stamped into the ground twice.
Some people readily rely and use magic as a powerful tool that bends to their will following the path of the twelve mages. Others may view the use and harvest of magic through a more holistic lense following the path of the nameless god.
The Twelve Affinities
Life
The soil, the sun, the womb
This affinity does not always involve conception or germination, but also the continual movement and energy of things. Life affinities usually manifest as a counterpart to a more prominent primary affinity. Primary life affinities are rare, but can be obtained through various means.
​
Death
The eating, the moon, the cycle
This affinity does not always mean death and endings; it also involves the stillness of things. Death affinities usually manifest as a counterpart to a more prominent primary affinity. Primary death affinities are rare, but can be obtained through various means.
​
Stone
Steadfastness, gravity, stasis
Stone is intact, whole, and solid; non-conducive to life outside of lichen and moss.
Land
Change, the middle of things, breadth
Land is flexible and willing to be molded into pottery, and be the harborer of agriculture.
​
Sky
The air, lift, flow
The sky is the the atmosphere’s tendency to carry away the light and travel to no end or beginning in a continual cycle.
​
Sea
Beginnings, endings, depth
The sea is where shores begin and end; a deep darkness to swallow its inhabitants whole.
​
Fire
Power through ignition, the heat, growth
Fire is the birth of light in its spontaneity; the fierceness of passion bound to burn out and come again. A useful tool, or a destructive weapon.
​
Rain
Power through momentum, the cool, adherence
Rain is the patient accumulation over time; the tendency to adhere to itself. Rain can be relief from drought or the sign of a flood.
Alloy
Creation, discovery, collaboration
Alloy is innovation and combination; the melting of copper and tin into brass and moulding it into something new.
​
Ore
Curiosity, concealment, solitude
Ore comes before the metal that takes hand in alloy’s creation; veins of gold and iron hidden deep within mountains.
​
Egg
Beasts, chitin, bone
Egg involves the creatures that scuttle, swim, and trot through Ohote; changing the landscape through their consumption.
Seed
Plants, leaf, mycelium
Seed involves the plants, the leaf duff, and the fungi that consumes both seed and egg; the beginning and the end in the circle of life, the changing of the landscape through their production.