Varushka magical traditions - Revision history

Twiggy at 02:41, 13 August 2025

2025-08-13T02:41:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 13 August 2025
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	Some Varushkan magicians practice a form of [[aspect magic]], specifically using the virtuous animals in [[aspect magic#Beast Magic\|beast magic]].		Some Varushkan magicians practice a form of [[aspect magic]], specifically using the virtuous animals in [[aspect magic#Beast Magic\|beast magic]].
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The ~~Volhov~~ walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The volhov walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}
	==Volhov==		==Volhov==
	Varushkan volhov are occult problem solvers who make a study of supernatural powers to better understand and defend against them. They work to unravel curses and defend their allies from monsters, but they also lay curses on those who they think deserve or will learn from them. They aspire to wield magic with an even hand, maintaining an internal balance between positive and harmful magic.		Varushkan volhov are occult problem solvers who make a study of supernatural powers to better understand and defend against them. They work to unravel curses and defend their allies from monsters, but they also lay curses on those who they think deserve or will learn from them. They aspire to wield magic with an even hand, maintaining an internal balance between positive and harmful magic.
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	Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.		Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.

	This touch of the other also draws the attention of the volhov. Many volhov are lineaged or were taught their magic by a lineaged master. When people are troubled by [[eternal\|eternals]] or their heralds, the volhov know that people with lineage will have an advantage dealing with creatures who share their supernatural roots. If a vale is having trouble with a [[Summer]] eternal, many volhov would rather have the assistance of a ~~naive~~ [[changeling]] cook than a schlacta without lineage.		This touch of the other also draws the attention of the volhov. Many volhov are lineaged or were taught their magic by a lineaged master. When people are troubled by [[eternal\|eternals]] or their heralds, the volhov know that people with lineage will have an advantage dealing with creatures who share their supernatural roots. If a vale is having trouble with a [[Summer]] eternal, many volhov would rather have the assistance of a naïve [[changeling]] cook than a schlacta without lineage.

	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}

Matt: /* Volhov */

2024-04-19T14:03:52Z

Volhov

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 19 April 2024
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	Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.		Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.

			This touch of the other also draws the attention of the volhov. Many volhov are lineaged or were taught their magic by a lineaged master. When people are troubled by [[eternal\|eternals]] or their heralds, the volhov know that people with lineage will have an advantage dealing with creatures who share their supernatural roots. If a vale is having trouble with a [[Summer]] eternal, many volhov would rather have the assistance of a naive [[changeling]] cook than a schlacta without lineage.

	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}

Dre at 14:10, 16 February 2024

2024-02-16T14:10:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 16 February 2024
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	A lot of Varushkan ritual magic revolves around sacrifice. This may involve a literal sacrifice when performing rituals that involve casting valuable items into a fire, or be more symbolic in nature involving shedding of a small amount of a ritualist's blood. There is a strong tradition of bargaining and payment in Varushkan magic that recognises that nothing comes without a price.		A lot of Varushkan ritual magic revolves around sacrifice. This may involve a literal sacrifice when performing rituals that involve casting valuable items into a fire, or be more symbolic in nature involving shedding of a small amount of a ritualist's blood. There is a strong tradition of bargaining and payment in Varushkan magic that recognises that nothing comes without a price.

	Some Varushkan magicians practice a form of [[~~totem~~ magic]], specifically using the virtuous animals as [[~~Totem~~ magic#~~Spirit Animals~~\|~~spirit animals~~]].		Some Varushkan magicians practice a form of [[aspect magic]], specifically using the virtuous animals in [[aspect magic#Beast Magic\|beast magic]].
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The Volhov walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The Volhov walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}
	==Volhov==		==Volhov==

Cathtice at 17:36, 12 August 2021

2021-08-12T17:36:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 12 August 2021
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	[[Category:Magic]]		[[Category:Magic]]
	{{Varushka Links}}		{{Varushka Links}}

			[[Category:Varushka]]
			[[Category:Archetype]]

Rafferty at 17:26, 19 February 2020

2020-02-19T17:26:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:26, 19 February 2020
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	The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.		The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.
	[[Category:Magic]]		[[Category:Magic]]
	~~[[Category:~~Varushka]]		{{Varushka Links}}
	~~[[Category:Nations]]~~

Rafferty at 16:31, 19 February 2020

2020-02-19T16:31:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 19 February 2020
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	The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.		The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.
			[[Category:Magic]]
	[[Category:Varushka]]		[[Category:Varushka]]
	[[Category:Nations]]		[[Category:Nations]]

Dre at 16:17, 11 November 2018

2018-11-11T16:17:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 11 November 2018
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	Varushkan volhov are occult problem solvers who make a study of supernatural powers to better understand and defend against them. They work to unravel curses and defend their allies from monsters, but they also lay curses on those who they think deserve or will learn from them. They aspire to wield magic with an even hand, maintaining an internal balance between positive and harmful magic.		Varushkan volhov are occult problem solvers who make a study of supernatural powers to better understand and defend against them. They work to unravel curses and defend their allies from monsters, but they also lay curses on those who they think deserve or will learn from them. They aspire to wield magic with an even hand, maintaining an internal balance between positive and harmful magic.

	Volhov often specialise in two particular branches of magic. They are interested in magic that wards against and binds supernatural forces for obvious reasons, and volhov who master this particular type of spellcraft are often interested in the [[~~Eternals~~]]. These entities are dangerous, but several of them seem to have a particular interest in Varushka and they can be bargained with by clever volhov. Further, some volhov actually make contact with sovereigns, either arranging deals that protect their community or working magic to keep the sovereign quiescent.		Volhov often specialise in two particular branches of magic. They are interested in magic that wards against and binds supernatural forces for obvious reasons, and volhov who master this particular type of spellcraft are often interested in the [[eternal\|eternals]]. These entities are dangerous, but several of them seem to have a particular interest in Varushka and they can be bargained with by clever volhov. Further, some volhov actually make contact with sovereigns, either arranging deals that protect their community or working magic to keep the sovereign quiescent.

	They also make a study of divination – especially if they are also wise ones. The ability to predict danger or uncover secrets serves them well as advisors, and is often key to uncovering the weakness of an enemy. Volhov know that uncovering a secret is not enough, that they need to find a practical way to use their knowledge to resolve their problems. The volhov embrace practicality and teach that not every problem can be solved with magic – that it sometimes creates more problems than it resolves.		They also make a study of divination – especially if they are also wise ones. The ability to predict danger or uncover secrets serves them well as advisors, and is often key to uncovering the weakness of an enemy. Volhov know that uncovering a secret is not enough, that they need to find a practical way to use their knowledge to resolve their problems. The volhov embrace practicality and teach that not every problem can be solved with magic – that it sometimes creates more problems than it resolves.
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	Some volhov are itinerants, travelling the [[Varushkan Roads\|roads]] between settlements in the company of a [[warden]] fellowship or [[Navarr]] striding, or trusting their wisdom and magic to protect them when they journey by themselves. This willingness to travel alone adds to their mystique, and there are many stories of cunning volhov encountering and overcoming sovereigns, often staying as their guests for a short time while the sovereign tries to trap them into breaking a stricture and freeing the creature, or dooming themselves.		Some volhov are itinerants, travelling the [[Varushkan Roads\|roads]] between settlements in the company of a [[warden]] fellowship or [[Navarr]] striding, or trusting their wisdom and magic to protect them when they journey by themselves. This willingness to travel alone adds to their mystique, and there are many stories of cunning volhov encountering and overcoming sovereigns, often staying as their guests for a short time while the sovereign tries to trap them into breaking a stricture and freeing the creature, or dooming themselves.

	Volhov have a reputation for being meddlers that is not undeserved. They do not live apart from the other inhabitants of Varushka, and actively involve themselves in the lives of those around them, offering advice or interfering to improve any situation that catches their fancy. A volhov boyar is rare but not unknown; some use magic to empower their schlacta, or hire schlacta who possess practical magical talents of their own. Some volhov boyars have a bleak reputation for making deals with ~~Eternals~~ and sovereigns that protect their people but leave the people of other valleys prey to monstrous depredations.		Volhov have a reputation for being meddlers that is not undeserved. They do not live apart from the other inhabitants of Varushka, and actively involve themselves in the lives of those around them, offering advice or interfering to improve any situation that catches their fancy. A volhov boyar is rare but not unknown; some use magic to empower their schlacta, or hire schlacta who possess practical magical talents of their own. Some volhov boyars have a bleak reputation for making deals with eternals and sovereigns that protect their people but leave the people of other valleys prey to monstrous depredations.

	Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some ~~Eternals~~. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.		Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}

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	Magic commonly forms a basis for cooperation in Varushka with skilled practitioners from different vales coming together to form a cabal to work powerful rituals. Cabals vary greatly in their unity and purpose and members may include wise ones, volhov and even [[Varushka Military Concerns#Wardens\|wardens]]. The loosest cabals are little more than ritual teams where individuals whose primary concern is the vale in which they live come together for a time to further their own interests but more unified cabals often have an identity and a purpose of their own.		Magic commonly forms a basis for cooperation in Varushka with skilled practitioners from different vales coming together to form a cabal to work powerful rituals. Cabals vary greatly in their unity and purpose and members may include wise ones, volhov and even [[Varushka Military Concerns#Wardens\|wardens]]. The loosest cabals are little more than ritual teams where individuals whose primary concern is the vale in which they live come together for a time to further their own interests but more unified cabals often have an identity and a purpose of their own.

	No two cabals are alike; some make their existence known while others prefer to operate unnoticed. Some occupy ancient fortifications and employ schlacta to protect them and keep unwanted intruders away, while members of others prefer the comforts and community of life in a vale. Some welcome any who would be a member, others invite only the most powerful to join them. The cabals of Varushka rarely challenge the power of the boyars, precious few have the time or the inclination to take on the ~~defense~~ of a vale and its populace, but they are influential and most boyars tread carefully around those who can wield magic. Some cabals favour the philosophy of the volhov, and tend to meddle in the politics of the vales and the nation, while those that favour wise ones tend to serve as a haven for wisdom and assistance when a hard winter brings difficult times.		No two cabals are alike; some make their existence known while others prefer to operate unnoticed. Some occupy ancient fortifications and employ schlacta to protect them and keep unwanted intruders away, while members of others prefer the comforts and community of life in a vale. Some welcome any who would be a member, others invite only the most powerful to join them. The cabals of Varushka rarely challenge the power of the boyars, precious few have the time or the inclination to take on the defence of a vale and its populace, but they are influential and most boyars tread carefully around those who can wield magic. Some cabals favour the philosophy of the volhov, and tend to meddle in the politics of the vales and the nation, while those that favour wise ones tend to serve as a haven for wisdom and assistance when a hard winter brings difficult times.

	The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.		The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own; many can trace their roots back to groups of Ushkan magician-mystics known as "bargainers" who specialised in negotiating with the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereigns]] in the days before the appearance of the Vard. In the centuries since, as in all areas of Varushkan life, there has been an extensive merging of Ushka and Vard traditions to create something very different to the original small covens.

Hailmur: /* Cabalists */

2018-05-11T15:15:38Z

Cabalists

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:15, 11 May 2018
Line 20:		Line 20:

	==Cabalists==		==Cabalists==
	Magic commonly forms a basis for cooperation in Varushka with skilled practitioners from different vales coming together to form a [[cabal]] to work powerful rituals. Cabals vary greatly in their unity and purpose and members may include wise ones, volhov and even [[Varushka Military Concerns#Wardens\|wardens]]. The loosest cabals are little more than ritual teams where individuals whose primary concern is the vale in which they live come together for a time to further their own interests but more unified cabals often have an identity and a purpose of their own.		Magic commonly forms a basis for cooperation in Varushka with skilled practitioners from different vales coming together to form a cabal to work powerful rituals. Cabals vary greatly in their unity and purpose and members may include wise ones, volhov and even [[Varushka Military Concerns#Wardens\|wardens]]. The loosest cabals are little more than ritual teams where individuals whose primary concern is the vale in which they live come together for a time to further their own interests but more unified cabals often have an identity and a purpose of their own.

	No two cabals are alike; some make their existence known while others prefer to operate unnoticed. Some occupy ancient fortifications and employ schlacta to protect them and keep unwanted intruders away, while members of others prefer the comforts and community of life in a vale. Some welcome any who would be a member, others invite only the most powerful to join them. The cabals of Varushka rarely challenge the power of the boyars, precious few have the time or the inclination to take on the defense of a vale and its populace, but they are influential and most boyars tread carefully around those who can wield magic. Some cabals favour the philosophy of the volhov, and tend to meddle in the politics of the vales and the nation, while those that favour wise ones tend to serve as a haven for wisdom and assistance when a hard winter brings difficult times.		No two cabals are alike; some make their existence known while others prefer to operate unnoticed. Some occupy ancient fortifications and employ schlacta to protect them and keep unwanted intruders away, while members of others prefer the comforts and community of life in a vale. Some welcome any who would be a member, others invite only the most powerful to join them. The cabals of Varushka rarely challenge the power of the boyars, precious few have the time or the inclination to take on the defense of a vale and its populace, but they are influential and most boyars tread carefully around those who can wield magic. Some cabals favour the philosophy of the volhov, and tend to meddle in the politics of the vales and the nation, while those that favour wise ones tend to serve as a haven for wisdom and assistance when a hard winter brings difficult times.

Rafferty at 18:35, 6 June 2017

2017-06-06T18:35:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 6 June 2017
Line 2:		Line 2:

	A lot of Varushkan ritual magic revolves around sacrifice. This may involve a literal sacrifice when performing rituals that involve casting valuable items into a fire, or be more symbolic in nature involving shedding of a small amount of a ritualist's blood. There is a strong tradition of bargaining and payment in Varushkan magic that recognises that nothing comes without a price.		A lot of Varushkan ritual magic revolves around sacrifice. This may involve a literal sacrifice when performing rituals that involve casting valuable items into a fire, or be more symbolic in nature involving shedding of a small amount of a ritualist's blood. There is a strong tradition of bargaining and payment in Varushkan magic that recognises that nothing comes without a price.

			Some Varushkan magicians practice a form of [[totem magic]], specifically using the virtuous animals as [[Totem magic#Spirit Animals\|spirit animals]].
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The Volhov walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TomVolhov.png\|width=300\|align=right\|title=The Volhov walks into dark places with only a candle for company}}
	==Volhov==		==Volhov==

Rafferty: /* Volhov */

2016-02-15T10:32:20Z

Volhov

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 15 February 2016
Line 15:		Line 15:

	Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some Eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.		Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some Eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~GrimaniCabalists~~.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GremaniCabalists.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Cabals come together to work powerful magic.\|title=The Gremani family arrives at the Pledge Ball in Tassato, 379YE}}

	==Cabalists==		==Cabalists==