Vjed'uma

Vjed'ume (singular: Vjed'uma) are a type of magic users, specifically those who use vessel magic. Most commonly seen in Illjika and Hrozava, vjed'ume are characterized by their communication with gods and spirits, and the vessels they use in their magic.

### **Vessels**

Vessels are the key to a vjed'uma's magic. A vessel is blessed by a deity, spirit, or other supernatural entity, and the vjed'uma can then use that vessel to call on the power of the entity that blessed the vessel (known as a "patron") and do magic. Essentially, a vessel acts as a conductor of magical powers from one's patron to their body, and as magical power flows from the patron to the user, it is then available for the user to bend to their will.

Most Ilijik vjed'ume use masks as their vessels, as per Illjik tradition. However, most Vodovian vjed'ume use stones and gems on clothing, such as a necklace. Masks provide a good balance of magical conduction and protection from magical overload, which can be dangerous to the user. Gems, on the other hand, vary by type and cut. Other vessels are not unheard of, but are rare to see. Vjed'ume who offer their bodies as the vessel are extremely rare, as this gives the user no protection from overload and is particularly dangerous.

### **Powers**

The powers available to a vjed'uma vary based on a variety of factors. The largest factor is the patron; different patrons will offer different abilities. For instance, one vjed'uma may be able to heal others, while another may be able to influence the outcomes of events, while another may be able to make more effective potions. There may also be considerable overlap between the powers of two vjed'ume.

The user can also change what abilities are available to them: the extent of their practice with a vessel, the purpose of their use, their personal style, and the nature of their vessel can all have a bearing. The shape and style of decoration of an Illjik vjed'uma's mask may affect their magic, while the type of gem a Vodovian vjed'uma uses can do the same. For example, ruby, the rarest of gem-vessels, amplifies some types of magic, however has a higher chance of overload.

### **Mental Illness**

The use of vessel magic poses risks to the user. Most notably, mental illness. An overload of magical power to the user's body can cause them to develop a mental illness and eventually lose touch with reality. Masks protect most users by absorbing excess power, but those who use their own bodies as a vessel are particularly prone to this.

#### **The Ma-Ma Effect**

The Ma-Ma Effect is a magical theory linking the magical power available to an individual and their mental stability (**Ma**gic and **Ma**dness). The theory suggests that the two have a positive, exponential correlation. On the suggested diagram, there is a point known as "the Threshold", which masks will not allow their users to cross. Any magical power beyond the Threshold is absorbed by the mask in order to prevent harm to the user. However, other vessels may have a different Threshold point, and those who use their body as their vessel lack a Threshold point entirely. Certain factors may influence an individual's Ma-Ma graph, such as mental conditions (e.g. PTSD), the nature of the vessel, or the nature of the patron. For instance, a person with PTSD who channels a chaotic patron with their body would have a much steeper Ma-Ma graph than one without trauma who channels an orderly patron with a mask.