Navarr magical traditions

When the cities of Navarr were consumed by the Vallorn, much of the Navarri magical lore was preserved by distributing it between the Steadings and Stridings. Most still have a few ancient tomes from this time, either the originals meticulously cared for, or copies that have been painstakingly written out. By themselves these books do not offer sufficient for a young Navarri to learn what is required, but they are enough that those children who become fascinated with magic can begin to learn. To ensure that they can retain a mastery of magic through the generations, the Navarri periodically trade books whenever they meet.

As a result of this approach, magic is seen as the legacy of the nation as a whole, rather than any individual Striding or Steading. Those who devote themselves to the study of magic are expected to acknowledge the gift they have been given by the Navarri and to give themselves and their magic freely in the service of the nation. Not all choose to do this of course, there are selfish individuals in the Navarri as in any nation, but those that do are called Vates.

Vates are expected to make themselves known to all. Those who are skilled in battle work with their Brand to ensure that they can play a role in the defense of the Striding or Steading when needed. Guides make a habit of knowing who the Vates are, so that they can bring individuals to them who need magical help. And the Vates are often called on by the Senators to perform rituals that benefit territories, the Navarr Nation or the Empire as a whole. This life of service to the Nation can be arduous and difficult, but most Vates shoulder it willingly. Their reward is the acknowledgement and respect they receive from other Navarri and the opportunity to practice their magic often.

For the Navarri, magic is figuratively and literally ‘in the blood’. The Vates use blood-letting to draw on their power, to focus their rituals and incantations. The practice preserves the memory the sacrifice made by Star and Thorn, the first Vates, who gave their life to protect the people form the threat of the Vallorn. Blood is a common motif in Navarri rituals.

The Vates only ever use their own blood and the blood of willing participants when performing magic. Blood drawn from an unwilling or dead victim is useless to Navarri magic; it holds no power. Because of their use of bloodletting, it is rare to find a Vate who does not have some ability with the healing arts, either mastery of the powers of Spring or else chirurgery. Many Vates are skilled with both, able to use both magic and skill to heal wounds and knit bones.