Artifacts

Artifacts are the main interaction with magic throughout this story. Many years ago, there were powerful sorcerers that could imbue objects with magical energy. These became known as artifacts, and their magic still lingers today. While artifacts can perform incredible feats, they require a catalyst, the soul of the wielder. Artifacts are like a series of unseen gears, but in order to turn those gears, requires the soul of a wielder to be bound to the artifacts. (See soulbinding) The strength of one's soul, in addition to their skill, dictates the power one can exert over these artifacts. The difference between a weak/unskilled wielder and a powerful, skilled wielder is immense. The use of artifacts also places great strain on the body. No matter the might or skill of a wielder, this physical taxation is absolute and inescapable. It can be offset, however. Pure silver metal has an inherent magical property, allowing it to bear the strain of an artifact. (See silver)

While there are innumerable artifacts hidden throughout the world, there exist some that are far greater in power than others. The origin of these artifacts are unknown to the people in the world/the reader but will be given an exact origin by the writer when he comes up with one. These 12 powerful artifacts are wielded by the Zodiac (temporary name) The Zodiac is the highest council of the Island culture. (See Zodiac)

Many lesser artifacts exist throughout the world too. Commoners and royalty both hold some of these and may or may not know of their magical power. Some non-Islanders have unintentionally soulbound to various artifacts, and may or may not be aware of this as well.