Oathbinding

Oathbinding. The magic created by sheer belief. Oathbinding is an uncontrollable force of magic, where those who dedicated enough to a goal can find themselves accidentally swearing an Oath that would grant them magical powers. Many institutions demand their employees take minor Oaths to uphold their motto and goals.

Effect

Oathbinding generally increases every aspect of the caster. Oathbinding magic is dependant on the dedication of the wielder; if the wielder is not dedicated to swearing an Oath, they would not be able to. Also, if the wielder is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving their Oath, they can be some of the most powerful people to walk Kidruan. This power also fluctuates with the wielder's dedication to upholding it, so some may find their heart lacking, and their powers fading. Oathbinding also supplies specific magical abilities relating to the Oath they swore. One who swore to protect people may find themselves able to conjure shields, and those who swore to guide others may find themselves with the power to make objects glow. The knowledge of these powers is heavily guarded, and many who swear Oaths never realise this power is possible to attain.

Side/Secondary Effects

If an Oathbound is to ever willingly break their Oath, the effects can be catastrophic depending on how dedicated they once were. Those who broke a simple Oath to protect family legacy or defend a site would face mostly social consequences, being considered an Oathbreaker and having many of their legal rights revoked. Oathbreakers, in most cities, cannot own land and find difficulty in finding employment. Those who broke a more complex Oath of defending a city or swear their life to another would see physical consequences, like being stricken with a lingering illness or being crippled. Those who broke a divine Oath can face the harshest judgement, some are robbed of most of their senses, some are driven mad, and some are enraptured with celestial flames.  Those whose Oaths were stripped from them without purposeful breaking are referred to as Voidbound. For example, a person who swore to protect their spouse but their spouse has since died would be considered a Voidbound. Voidbound endure the same consequences as Oathbreakers, but very little of the social backlash, as many Voidbound are considered to be victims rather than villains.

Manifestation

Oathbinds appear as solid black symbols on either upper arms. The symbol that appears is dependant on the type of Oath that is sworn, but two aspects of the bind remain constant: if the Oath is centred around law or absolution, the Oathbind will incorporate two thick black bands with the silhouette of a diamond in the centre. Alternatively, if the Oath is centred around chaos or revolution, the Oathbind will incorporate a black swirl, with the silhouette of a diamond in the centre.