Shaman

A **Shaman** is a divine servant and powerful magician, as well as a respected social class, in Kell culture. Practicing ancient spells and rituals originally discovered by the Dagda, only women are allowed to be shamans, as women in Kell society are portrayed widely as made in the image of Dumara, the Earth Mother. Shamans usually practice the arcane arts of rejuvenation and mysticism, though the hardy "war shamans" are known experts evocation spells.

Among the most famous shamans is Myrne of Hawk Ridge — whose actions and sacrifices brought forth the end of the Skald Spirit War.

## History

After the Dagda were stripped of their innate magical abilities in 400 ADA, the newfound race of Kells found it difficult to thrive as they once did. Invaders breached the borders of Lothor with ease, and a looming fear was instilled into all. That was, of course, until the Kells began searching for alternate means of magic. It is unknown how they managed to regain their arcane privileges, but ancient texts tell of a massive gathering of Kells during the end of the final years of the *Age of Dawning* that called upon Aine to restore their magical power. Feeling the faith of his people at it's strongest, he obliged. However, as part of the deal, the Kells would have to learn the ways of magic through study and practice, rather than be born with arcane powers. Thus came the shamans, women who were taught from a young age how to cast powerful and ancient spells for the greater good of their people.

## Culture

To the Kells, magic and religion go hand-in-hand, and understanding magic is often associated with religious significance. Shamans are zealots in this sense, and hold their place in Kell society as heroes of the common folk, healing their peoples' wounds and defending them from those who seek to do them harm.

Due to their cultural importance as life-givers, as well as their religious importance as the "Symbols of the Earth Mother", only women are allowed to become shamans. While arcane handling became a staple in the lives of all young Kell, men were believed to be more useful as hunters and warriors, while women were expected to become skilled in all forms of magic.

Shamans are usually expected to spend their lives with their tribes, though it is not rare for a shaman to travel across Lothor (and beyond) to provide assistance to those in need. Even cultures that would normally hate Kells usually accept individual shamans, knowing full well that their intentions are almost always good.

## Abilities

Shamans typically do not wear any armor, and carry only simple weapons such as staves or maces. War shamans are often trained in the use of more advanced martial weaponry, and are more acquainted with light armor. However, a shaman's chief tool is their magic, which flows through them thanks to a divine connection with the Alder Oak. Their spells are often elemental in nature, and are usually associated with some aspect of nature. Shamans are also known for their skills in alchemy, which is very useful, especially to healers.

Shamans who have trained for great periods of time typically learn secrets of the magical world, and can tap directly into the arcane energy that flows around them. Some shamans even learn to subconsciously shield their minds from deceptive magic, and others learn the methods of performing "wild magic", which comes directly from the gods themselves.

One of the most well known features of being a shaman is the presence of a spiritual companion. Shamans that become adepts in their field of work are gifted with a spiritual ally that comes in the form of an animal companion. As they grow stronger, so does their companion. When their companion dies, they can be resurrected or replaced following a sacred ritual involving a pelt of it's hide, three quartz stones, and the blood of a goat.

## Shaman Charities

Though they are required to provide aid and assistance to all Kells in need, shamans often excel in specific "charities". Each charity covers a certain set of skills, though they are always of helpful nature. At a local scale, shamans are organized into different circles that share certain methods.

### The Medicine Woman

The charity of the medicine woman is one of the most common circles of shaman. These women use their magical and alchemical prowess to heal the sickly and wounded. Medicine women are very highly respected, but also come in greater numbers than those that devote themselves to the other charities. They specialize in the school of rejuvenation.

### The Mystic

As guardians of knowledge and magical secrets, the charity of the mystic is known as one of the most difficult lifestyles a shaman can choose. Requiring constant study and tight lips, mystics protect ancient knowledge bestowed upon them by the gods. Mystics are also responsible for foreseeing events before they happen, warning their people of natural disasters, tides of war, and many other life-changing events. They specialize in the school of mysticism.

### The Huntress

The defenders of the Kell people, the charity of the huntress is a dangerous, yet exciting path for a shaman to follow. Following the example of the Sisterhood of Lothor, huntresses often use expertly crafted bone weapons, many of which are passed down from generations before. The huntresses utilize a form of guerrilla warfare to surprise and pick off their foes, and are trained to be very agile with their weapons. They specialize in the school of evocation.

## See Also

* Kell Pantheon
* Kells
* Dagda