u/CrownedThaumaturge

So I've been considering this for a day or two. Salt is used as a preservative for meats and other organic materials. Used to prevent decay and thus is the perfect element to play with for magics of healing or survival or even memory if you think about it.

I thought it would be extremely interesting if salt could absorb and preserve memories or even entire souls. I feel like either would change the appearance of the salt. Making its color change maybe. The more full the soul it absorbs, the redder it becomes maybe.

Use of this salt would allows one to commune with the spirit within or learn what they know.

As blood sacrifice is how most magic works in my world, I could see the mixing the salt with blood being a tool to channel or attune to the entity within.

This magic could be used to learn the history of an area or event. Or maybe even take on skills that were accumulated by the soul you attune to.

I could see cults forming around a pile of blood salt that has captured a swordsman or something that was extremely proficient in combat pooling their blood together into the salt to gain their skills. Maybe when the cultists die, their soul is also trapped within the salt and their knowledge is passed onto the next generation of cultists.

So I've been considering this for a day or two. Salt is used as a preservative for meats and other organic materials. Used to prevent decay and thus is the perfect element to play with for magics of healing or survival or even memory if you think about it.

I thought it would be extremely interesting if salt could absorb and preserve memories or even entire souls. I feel like either would change the appearance of the salt. Making its color change maybe. The more full the soul it absorbs, the redder it becomes maybe.

Use of this salt would allows one to commune with the spirit within or learn what they know.

As blood sacrifice is how most magic works in my world, I could see the mixing the salt with blood being a tool to channel or attune to the entity within.

This magic could be used to learn the history of an area or event. Or maybe even take on skills that were accumulated by the soul you attune to.

I could see cults forming around a pile of blood salt that has captured a swordsman or something that was extremely proficient in combat pooling their blood together into the salt to gain their skills. Maybe when the cultists die, their soul is also trapped within the salt and their knowledge is passed onto the next generation of cultists.

That probably sounds like nonsense so I'll elaborate. I made a post the other day about a fire magic system. TLDR: The fire god is dead and fire can only be summoned ritualistically. The system revolves around people being able to bring forth magic fires using blood sacrifice and runes that reshape spiritual energy into specific flames. But what I want to focus on now are the mages in that system.

In this secondary system, by consuming the flesh of this god, whose body has fallen to the world below, people can inherit the ability to use True Flame as a weapon or tool.

True flame is essentially what we would know as fire in our world but it runs on blood instead of fuel and oxygen. So even underwater it can be ignited.

Fire vampires consume blood much in the same way fire does through ritual sacrifice in this world. And they can ignite it anywhere on their body or onto extremities, such as weapons, without harming themselves.

The question I have is should they, like fire in this world, only be alive when fed blood and thus be kept in a dormant state until woken by a substantial sacrifice? Or should they be normal humans until they consume blood to be able to use their magic?

The fire god and ice goddess used to work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only a brilliant radiance.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside. Nothing burns within.

Innu, goddess of power. Her blue flame cracks and pops, burning out in an instant, but producing a potent force.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly and wood will not ignite.

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

The incomplete fragments of the fire goddesses seek out a method of completing themselves. Blood acts as a substitute to allow a moment of completion.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Ekku's circuit with two of Fasu's can create a circuit that destroys light instead of produces it. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. And so on.

When the fire has died out, within the circuit will remain ghost ash. A white powder remnant of the process of burning spiritual essence.

These ashes allow one to touch or even harm spirits and monsters. One could coat a sword in ashes and fight these entities. As well as craft a circle of ashes to form a barrier that they may not pass.

The fire god and ice goddess used to work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only a brilliant radiance.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside. Nothing burns within.

Innu, goddess of power. Her blue flame cracks and pops, burning out in an instant, but producing a potent force.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly and wood will not ignite.

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

The incomplete fragments of the fire goddesses seek out a method of completing themselves. Blood acts as a substitute to allow a moment of completion.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Ekku's circuit with two of Fasu's can create a circuit that destroys light instead of produces it. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. And so on.

When the fire has died out, within the circuit will remain ghost ash. A white powder remnant of the process of burning spiritual essence.

These ashes allow one to touch or even harm spirits and monsters. One could coat a sword in ashes and fight these entities. As well as craft a circle of ashes to form a barrier that they may not pass.

The fire god and ice goddess used to work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only a brilliant radiance.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside. Nothing burns within.

Innu, goddess of power. Her blue flame cracks and pops, burning out in an instant, but producing a potent force.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly and wood will not ignite.

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

The incomplete fragments of the fire goddesses seek out a method of completing themselves. Blood acts as a substitute to allow a moment of completion.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Ekku's circuit with two of Fasu's can create a circuit that destroys light instead of produces it. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. And so on.

When the fire has died out, within the circuit will remain ghost ash. A white powder remnant of the process of burning spiritual essence.

These ashes allow one to touch or even harm spirits and monsters. One could coat a sword in ashes and fight these entities. As well as craft a circle of ashes to form a barrier that they may not pass.

In my magic system, people summon fire using blood as a fuel and circuit-like runes. In this world this is the only means to create dire anymore after the destruction of the fire god.

These fires have strange properties that one might not associate with fire. Some fires shine a light that reveals ghosts or unseen forces. Some do not burn but instead warm or purify disease. Some are just black flames that destroy anything placed within.

But there is always a byproduct of the flames. The blood is converted into a strange ash as the fire burns until the blood runs out and the fire extinguishes. The question I have is what should the ashes do?

My thoughts are the following:

Maybe ashes allow one to handle fire without blood. Basically I see a world where one can grab and manipulate these flames of magical energy by coating one's hands with ash. Think of grabbing a fireball to through or just holding magic flames to see spirits and ghouls where they are. This would allow for mages in an otherwise rune based magic system.

Or

Maybe ashes can touch and even harm spirits and monsters. The fire is in essence, burning the spiritual energy within blood anyway so potentially it makes some sense. One could coat a sword in ashes and fight ghosts and monsters. Or maybe craft a circle of ashes to form a wall that ghosts cannot pass.

Or

Ashes do different things based on the flames. A flame of pure light might create a reflective ash. A flame of pure warmth with create a heat capturing ash. A flame of destruction might create an ash that absorbs the strength or durability of an object or person nearby.

Post more in depth about the magic system.

Lore

In times long past, the fire god and ice goddess would work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their essence was burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only light.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside.

Innu, goddess of song. Her blue flame cackles and hisses but can speak to itself and others and remember things said to it.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly from the clash of metal, wood will not ignite or burn.

Magic

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

Basically the thought is that you are offering part of your soul to complete the shattered soul of the fire god allowing you to summon one of his children.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Paiu's circuit with two of fasu can destroy memories instead of physical flesh. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. Tenu's flame mixed with Ekku's can give a powerful courage and strength to those who are touched by the flame. And so on.

The original idea I had for a fire magic was one where fire was seperated into different aspects we assign to it. Like light, heat, and destruction for example. And each aspect could be called upon in different circumstances to create unique versions of fire. The means to do this was in essence blood sacrifice, where people would pay in blood for one or multiple versions of fire to be summoned forth.

However, just these three components make for a poor magic system in my opinion. So I'm kinda branching out.

Let's start with some lore.

Once upon a time, the fire god and ice goddess would work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only light.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside.

Innu, goddess of song. Her blue flame cackles and hisses but can speak to itself and others and remember things said to it.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly, wood will not ignite, even lava is cold and dim.

Now for the magic

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

Basically the thought is that you are offering part of your soul to complete the shattered soul of the fire god allowing you to summon one of his children.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Paiu's circuit with two of fasu can destroy memories instead of physical flesh. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. Tenu's flame mixed with Ekku's can give a powerful courage and strength to those who are touched by the flame. And so on.

The original idea I had for a fire magic was one where fire was seperated into different aspects we assign to it. Like light, heat, and destruction for example. And each aspect could be called upon in different circumstances to create unique versions of fire. The means to do this was in essence blood sacrifice, where people would pay in blood for one or multiple versions of fire to be summoned forth.

However, just these three components make for a poor magic system in my opinion. So I'm kinda branching out.

Let's start with some lore.

Once upon a time, the fire god and ice goddess would work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into five distinct pieces. The five children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light. Her golden flame brightens the world. There is no warmth or danger to her fire, only light.

Tenu, the goddess of warmth. Her red flame warms not only the body but the soul. Her flame is lightless and causes no pain.

Paiu, the goddess of purity. Her white flame strengthens and cures and purifies anything placed inside.

Innu, goddess of combustion. Her blue flame cackles and pops, burning out in an instant, but producing a potent force.

Fasu, goddess of destruction. Her black flame spreads and destroys anything it touches.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly, wood will not ignite, even lava is cold and dim.

Now for the magic

These goddesses are incomplete fragments of soul and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

Basically the thought is that you are offering part of your soul to complete the shattered soul of the fire god allowing you to summon one of his children.

Once you completely draw a blood circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Such as mixing Tenu's flame with Paiu's to create a flame that can purify and forge steel. However, the more circuits used, the faster the blood is "burned" through.

However, in mixing multiple circuits in increasing complex ways some have discovered fires that could not exist even before the shattering.

To mix Paiu's circuit with two of Fasu can destroy memories instead of physical flesh. To mix two of Ekku's circuits together will shine a light that reveals even spirits. Tenu's flame mixed with Ekku's can give a powerful courage and strength to those who are touched by the flame. And so on.

I had the idea for a fire magic where fire was seperated into different aspects we assign to it. Like light, heat, and destruction for example. And each aspect could be called upon in different circumstances to create unique versions of fire.

Once upon a time, the fire god and ice goddess would work together to harvest the souls of humanity. The ice goddess would seal away their memories within the ice allowing them to be preserved forever, while their desires were burned away by the fire god to make room for new souls to exist.

Then, thousands of years ago, the fire god was shattered by the ice goddess into three distinct pieces. The three children of fire.

Ekku, the goddess of light, dance, and beauty.

Tenu, the goddess of heat, purity, and change.

Paiu, the goddess of ash, destruction, and impermanence.

Fire cannot be lit how it once naturally could. Sparks do not fly, wood will not ignite, even lava is cold and dim.

Since the shattering, the world exists in a state of perpetual winter. Ice and snow lines the cobblestone roads that lead from frozen settlement to frozen settlement. These roads are known for their strange occurrences. Monsters, shadows, phenomena unexplained.

These are caused by the souls that have died having no where to go now that the God of fire and goddess of ice no longer work in tandem.

Due to the dangers of travel, it is mostly prohibited except for a select few. Steel is the passports of this era as the blade is the only protection from the horrors of the road.

Iron may be plentiful, but steel is rare. Thus travel requires the hiring of well- armed mercenaries or soldiers. And this isn't cheap.

To forge steel, people call upon the children of fire to create different types of fire. Specifically Tenu's red flame is used to create a flame to bend and purify iron into steel.

The three flames are: Ekku's golden flame is a flame that dances and shines but doesn't burn or destroy. It is simply a light source. Tenu's red flame warms and purifies but produces no light. And Paiu's white flame annihilates anything that touches it.

These goddesses are incomplete and can only be "completed" by use of blood sacrifice. The means to do this is blood circuits. Strange patterns that summon the goddess' powers.

Basically the thought is that you are offering part of your human soul to complete the shattered soul of the fire god allowing you to summon one of his daughters.

Once you completely draw a circuit, the fire ignites. But it will only last so long as their is blood to fuel the circuit.

One can mix circuits to create fires that act in unusual fashions. Or even make complex spells from the circuits. For example, violent combustion can be achieved by mixing the three together with six different circuits. But dazzling light that hypnotizes the mind can be made from three of Ekku's blood circuits.