Oracle Weavemarked people are very important in Kairos, as they are often believed to either have direct links to the Gods or be interpreters for them through the dreams they are afflicted with. Those who focus on the study of Oracle magic come in many varieties, from reading thrown bones to using magical divination, but they are all held in high regard if their accuracy is deemed to be true, and generally referred to as Wandering Oracles. Some prefer solitude to carry out their work, while others claim to hear the whispers of the Gods in the noise of a crowd. Unlike most pastimes or jobs in Kairos, only those who show actual talent at scrying are encouraged to pursue this passion, and stringent tests are put in place by places like the Azure Veil, the primary school for scryers and seers in Kairos, to ensure only the gifted gain access to the secrets of the oracles.
It is important to note that Wandering Oracles have some overlap with the Karusso; both are trusted to interpret the words of the gods, and citizens come to both for guidance. Where they differ, however, is that Priests interpret the past and the present, and the Wandering Oracles pull from the future. This means that while the interpretations of skilled scryers are to be trusted, they are not to be taken as absolute truth; things can change and shift, causing the witnessed future to become something different. “Look to the future but live for today” is a common saying in Kairos for a reason.
Libraries exist in all major cities and are free for citizens to use. Magical knowledge is accessible to everyone, even those who can’t practice the arts themselves. Schools of magic were built centuries ago amongst the islands most aligned to each sphere and are freely accessible by those who desire to learn or practise magic.
All four key elements are commonly used in Kairos, as water, fire, air, and earth are all essential in the archipelago’s day-to-day life. Land in the coastal region, islands, and hilly areas approaching the mountains needed to be shaped, moulded, dried, and de-salted to become arable farming land.
All healers are called Iatros, there is no real distinction made between the methods used to heal. The injured tend not to be picky about who fixes them, and the help of a surgeon working with bandages and tools is just as appreciated as that of a water mage healing people with their powers when you need healing in a hurry.
Enchanters and apothecaries are like everyone else in Kairos; they practice their skills to hone the fundamentals of their area of expertise and further refine the process. The results of their efforts are valued, but no more so than other creations by the people of Kairos. A well-woven enchantment is viewed similarly to a piece of art with great composition. It is an achievement that shows the creator’s skill and practice and proves that the Kairosian’s attitude towards self-development is worthy.
Concerning the extended spheres, Oracular magic is the most commonly practised, but Forge Magics hold a special place in the Kairosian society due to their ties to Constructs. Athria is the least widely practised of the three, as there is minimal practical application in the day-to-day life of a Kairosian. Fable magic is used in serious trials to ensure truth-telling by using The Great Reveal rite. Still, it has less common use throughout other aspects of society as many believe it’s based on exaggeration or twisting of the truth.
Magical Sites
The Gallery is a three-mile-long, broad street located in Naxara, heading straight from the city’s main entrance, between the feet of Parysophelia, to the marble steps of The Boule. Along both sides of this street are Kolossi, standing two abreast, facing towards the main gate. Historically, thousands of Kolossi lined The Gallery, stretching the entire length of the road, but since the Battle of Naxara Fields, when all the Kolossi were animated and massed to repel the Corrupted invasion as it approached the capital, many of the storied heroes of the past were destroyed beyond repair.
The Porta, or The Gate, is a powerful, forge-aligned ritual circle located on the island of Mystikos and used by the Masons to create Kolossi. It is a place of great power and reverence, and citizens from the surrounding area volunteer to maintain it and often leave donations of food, clothing, and medicine for those who work there as a sign of respect and thanks. This was once the realm’s sole Menhir, before the Shattering, shared with Syrdonia and Morvalis, but then became solely used for the ritualistic creation and animation of Kolossi. Currently held by Corrupted forces, it is inaccessible to the Kairosi; a situation that is causing much strife among the people.
Magical Creatures
Petrophi
Over the years there have been many stories of Petrophi, who are believed to be some form of Earth Sphere creature. Supposedly an individual Petrophus appears to be human from afar, but they are magical creatures when close enough to make out details. They have reptilian, vertically slitted eyes and occasional patches of delicate, shimmering scales where the skin would be on a human. Their innate bond with the earth and skill with moulding and shaping stone have made them invaluable in helping Masons understand the working of stone.
Merfolk
Common amongst the inner islands with colonies living in several of the major harbours of Island States. They are fully sentient beings with their own culture and traditions who are treated as allies of Kairos without being beholden to the nation’s laws or expectations.
Shallow water sirens
Among some of the smaller islands on the outskirts of the Archipelagos; they are a known hazard to the locals. Fishing villages, farms and houses near the shoreline commonly are walled to protect against sirens who have taken to the land. Citizens have long become accustomed to hanging bright lanterns off their boats to scare away sea-folk and carrying pieces of waxed wool to stuff their ears but unwary sailors and those who don’t know the area still go missing.
Ichthyocentaurs
Creatures with the torso of a human, forelegs of a horse, and tail of a fish, are also known to live among the reefs in the Archipelago’s furthest reaches. They are wary of strangers but aren’t inherently hostile. They often trade their knowledge of seacraft or pearls for land food with fishers they have built friendships with over the years.