Ward Carving

The practice of small, carved images and statuettes as protection is an time-honored and tested art by the wilderfolk of the Arborvale Concord. Used for everything from healing to staving off monsters, beasts, and enemies, they can be found in and around nearly every town and village along the Augurweald's border. The practice goes back millenia, long before the Concord's conception. Though many commonly believe them to have always been used in defense against the dangers of the weald, scholars of the region posit a different origin: that the practice began in the Augurweald itself.

The images and runes used in their creation are reminiscent of many of the folktales and legends surrounding the Augurweald. Those on its outskirts commonly carve runes and representations of folk figures that have personal meaning, placing them on their property for protection. Many also carry the small carvings on themselves, particularly when nearing or entering the woods.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Ward carvings are merely pieces of wood, made to represent the intent of the carver through various depictions of their choice. The process can vary even between neighboring villages, with debates covering everything from the effectiveness of various types of wood, to which tales and images are more powerful. Although their general effectiveness is mostly sporadic, certain images and runes have shown themselves to be stronger and more reliable. Those who hold to the older form of the art point to runes as fragments of older words of power, many of which have been lost to time.

Significance

Though their usage has spread throughout the world to some degree, the practice of ward carvings remains primarily among the people of the Arborvale Concord. More specifically, it is only truly held to on the edges of and within the Augurweald; elsewhere it is treated as little more than a superstition, or at best, hedge magic.
Common imagery in ward carvings revolves around folk tales and symbols associated with health, protection, healing, and other benefits.

Rarity

Though not uncommon to find, the placement of ward carvings range from purposely obvious to nearly untraceable, largely depending on which threat the carver wishes to safeguard from. They vary on an almost individual basis, albeit with recurring themes and references in them.