Magic in Jotunar is tricky. The gods are quick to give their favor, and the lands are full of powerful and ancient creatures ready and willing with a curse or a deal. This has led to a culture where Warlocks, Witches, and Sorcerers are far and away the most common magic users. There has never been a strong tradition among the humans of Jotunar to write down their histories. Preferring to record the deeds in songs, sagas, and tales., As such Bards, known as Skalds, are common and much beloved both as chroniclers of the histories and keepers of ancient knowledge and wisdom.
There is only one established College of Magic in Jotunar, it is The College of the Seven Paths in Brekt. It was established only 50 years ago by an elven woman from Ralendall, who is still the headmistress there. While wizardry is less common it is still taught outside of the College of the Seven Paths almost exclusively in apprentice/master relationships. Many arcanists will bind themselves to particular cities or castles, rather than specific rulers, given the often turbulent political situation in Jotunar.
Sattmala Magic:
Sattmala, or pact magic is the magic gained through a deal or a connection with one of the many beings of Jotunar with the power to give magic. These include ancient giants, dragons, fea, and lesser or minor deities. This type of magic manifests in two ways, those who make deals directly and become Sether Mages in the form of Witches, Warlocks, and Binders. These people are highly valued by both mercenary and raiding companies, as well as by Jarls and Kings. The lay people are often suspicious of these people, as their wants and motives are not always their own. For those families that have made a generational deal or connection with one of these ancient and powerful beings they can become Aetterveldi or bloodline mages, also known as Sorcerers. These mages are seen with less suspicion than Sether Mages since their magic is totally their own. Some of these families continue to serve the powerful entities that have blessed their bloodlines with power. Binders are a different source all together. These are people who bind themselves, temporarily to the souls of ancient and long dead heroes, creatures, and even gods. They are mostly trusted, though some communities see them as a perverse form of magic that is unpredictable and dangerous. Goliaths are actually very pro Binder and see it as a way to honor the great heroes of the clan’s history.
Himneskt Magic:
Himneskt magic is the magic of the gods, and also refers to those who wield magic given to them by the gods for both good and ill. These people are known as Himneskters. For many this magic is considered the most powerful, given that the gods literally went to war over it an age ago. The Vanir are known to be quicker with their favor and many clerics give their thanks for their power to them. The Aesir are known much more for blessing paladins, given their more warlike persuasions. Some Aetterveldi can trace the origins of their power to one of the gods. These people are known as HimneskterVeldi and in some communities such as Goliath, Dwarven and Halfling clans they are seen as a blessing and given places of high honor. Some places, like many of the larger cities with established churches and shrines, are more inclined to defer to Himneskters first and foremost.
Skoglendi Magic:
Skoglendi magic is the magic of the land and sea. This is magic granted to those that revere and live in harmony with and seek to protect the wild and natural world. This would include Druids, Ancients Paladins, Nature Clerics and Rangers, though many other than those that draw power from it live in harmony and connection with the greater land. The Skoglendir are prized as way finders, scouts, trail breakers and beast tamers across Jotunar and it is a truly poor raiding company or mercenary band that doesn't have a Skoglendir amongst their ranks.
Galdramadur Magic:
Galdramadur or wizardly magic is the fastest growing kind of magic, especially among humans and halflings. The establishment of the College of the Seven paths the first first-generation of College taught wizards are becoming masters and teachers and starting a tradition of passing on and writing down their own magical traditions. Laying the groundwork for a unique Jotunar wizarding tradition. Outside of the College of the Seven paths wizards are almost exclusively taught either one on one or in small groups as apprentices to a singular wizard. These wizards are sometimes known as Hedge Wizards, a term being used more and more derisively by those who were taught at the College of the Seven Paths. Riimu, or runic magic is a widely taught and revered magic that is taught almost exclusively in Jotunar. It is a magic first invented by Freya and then taught to the Aesir as part of the peace struck between the two godly peoples. For many, the draw of runic magic is that it is very easy to learn, and its power can be wielded by those who know little else of magic.
There are a few particular Galdramadur traditions that are unique or specific to certain species. The dwarves of the deep mountains, particularly in the Glitterpeaks specialize in Hringur magic. This is the magic or metal and in particular in rings, both in armor and worn. Rings forged by dwarves are legendary in both the third age and before. The first dwarves were known to make many of the artifacts held be the gods, and some of them have been lost and are waiting to be found. this tradition, in more recent times has evolved into artificery, the blending of magic and materials into amazing magical creations. This magic tradition, which is relatively new, is fiercely guarded by the dwarves of the deep lands.
The Elves of the Great Pine Forest have developed their own magical tradition known as Basoa or Grove magic. It is a unique style of magic that mixes the Galdramadur and Skoglendi traditions to create powerful works bound to the very land itself. This magic is tied to the elves of the forest and very few, if any, have truly learned this style of magic outside of the elves of the forest.
Skald Magic:
Skalds are the chroniclers of the deeds, histories, and exploits of a clan, a nation, or even just a particularly epic person. These chroniclers are the keepers of the knowledge and memory of Jotunar, and as such they have knowledge and power that others seek. These secrets let them do great and powerful things, straight from the sagas of old. Many skalds serve particular cities instead of clans or rulers. These Skalds are revered as the keepers of the great and rich history of the ancient and significant locations of Jotunar and their connection to them is legendary. In times of great need these skalds have been known to call on lost or dormant powers to defend their bound city. Many skalds take up adventuring in order to witness the birth of new heroes or great deeds first hand. Much like the traditional teaching of new Galdramadur, Skalds are taught through apprenticeships. Skalds will often have more apprentices than Galdramadur, however.
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