Magic

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M A G I C

Almost every being in Mossy Hollow is capable of some degree of magic, even the humans. Read below for more information on what each being can do.


Unafflicted Humans

Humans have an unsurpassed talent for protection spells, the most powerful of which forbids the entrance of uninvited vampires. By default, living human habitation will create this spell anywhere, but with a little study and the right ingredients, humans can place such spells on the dwellings of other beings as well, providing safety for their nonhuman friends.

Other magic available to humans includes perception spells and spells that augment their strength to vampiric levels.  Recently, two powerful spellbooks have been uncovered that grant the user unique elemental powers, similar to the nymphs' nature abilities and volants' telekinesis.

Unafflicted Fey

The main type of magic that fairies are capable of is the use of "glamour", a variety of illusion spells specific to their kind. At will, members of the fey can alter or hide any aspect of their appearance, from skin color to facial features to the presence of wings. This differs from shapeshifting in that they cannot transform into any non-sentient animals or alter their underlying bone structure. The spell is an illusion, not a true transformation.

Unlike pixies, goblins can learn the art of casting enchantments on stone. These enchantments are most effective on gemstones and, when used in a certain ritual, can bless a nymph with stronger powers. As a result, such enchanted stones are highly valuable, and a goblin would only part with one at a price.

Unafflicted Nymphs

All nymphs are able to use their bond with nature to camouflage themselves and blend into the environment, rendering them virtually invisible. When nymphs have entered this state, they cannot be detected by any ordinary visual means.

Depending on their type, nymphs are also able to manipulate water, air, or plants to some degree. In young nymphs, this power tends to be weak, but stronger manifestations are attainable -- see the store.

Dryads, specifically, are able to place enchantments on the bark of a rowan tree, creating a deterrent to fairies.

Unafflicted Drakes

The fire production and resistance that drakes are known for could be considered magic, but if so, it's not the only kind they're capable of. With the right herbs, drakes are adept at soothing all manner of burns through small charms and incantations, and their tears can be used to speed the healing of severe injuries. When bottled, these tears make a potent restoration potion good for getting rid of almost anything -- stab wounds, splinters, rashes, pain, and so on -- except disease.

Volant Spirits

Both avian and mammalian volants are gifted with the power of telekinesis, an ability as natural to them as the use of their hands and wings. Simple efforts, such as knocking an item over, can be accomplished with only a thought, but lifting and holding objects in the air, especially heavy ones, takes quite a bit of focus to maintain, and if they hope to perform delicate movements (such as spooning sugar into a cup of tea), the act requires gestures for precision. Any time a volant means to do something more complex with their telekinesis than throw something across the room, a mimicry of the intended effect with their hands and arms often improves the accuracy of the result.

Their telekinetic abilities are also limited in range, usually to a radius of twenty feet from the individual, but extended reaches are technically possible.

Due to their susceptibility to burns, the focus necessary to maintain a telekinetic hold on an item can easily be disrupted by threatening a volant with fire. Telekinetic magic, itself, is typically weakened in the presence of flames.

Lycans (of any species)

Once a lycanthrope has mastered control over their changes, which is no small feat, it's possible for them to engage in more willful shapeshifting, in some cases even learning to shift into other animals.

Such an ability is very uncommon and hard to acquire. The lycan must study the animal carefully, both its movements in life, and its anatomy in death. A thorough knowledge of biology is necessary to proceed, but some familiarity with spellcasting must be picked up as well, and eventually, some lycans will be able to initiate a shift as they normally would and then direct their shape towards their latest target of study instead of the body of a wolf. It is a feat more often attempted than accomplished.

Vampires (of any species)

Out of all the beings, vampires are the most challenged by the use of magic, lacking any native gifts and more often becoming its victims than its practitioners. However, with years of experience and intensive research into arcane materials, a few especially gusty vampires can harden themselves against the effects of light and, with a blood sacrifice or two, diminish their photosensory weaknesses enough to withstand the rays of the sun. They are known as the daywalkers, and they are to be feared most of all.