Keegunai

The **Keegunai** (originally known as the **Shiygunai**) is a legendary order of magical warriors and magi that is featured in the Yuutarban mythological canon. It was founded by the Last Keegun near the beginning of the Age of Insects and was one of the most important institutions of the jarziy civilisation, alongside the Jarziyn Empire. The height of the Keegunai came during the eponymous Age of the Keegunai, during which they effectively ruled over the jarziy.

The Keegunai practiced crystal magic (primarily sapphire, emerald and amber magic) and utilised magical artefacts such as the Chalice of Clarity, Pipe of Escape and Fruit of Salvation. They were also responsible for creating the Amulet of Knowledge, which stored the collective memories of the Keegunai.

The Keegunai initially permitted the practice of ruby magic, until 5936 AR, when it was banned. In 5648 AR, the order fractured into three distinct but loosely allied orders - the blue, green and yellow magi - in an event known as the Tricolour Schism.

## Crystal magic

The practice of using crystals to perform magic was first discovered by the beetles of Keegu during the Age of Air, though this early form was not particularly effective. Following the Sack of Keegu in c. 11700 AR, this rudimentary form of crystal magic continued to live on in the customs and rituals of the beetles that had escaped to the mountains. At some point during the Age of Fire, they developed a tradition of implanting small crystals onto their foreheads to facilitate their magical practices.

The four primary crystals used in crystal magic are sapphire, emerald, amber and ruby Amethyst magic was later discovered by Fashiybu. Each crystal is associated with a specific deity and a distinct form of magic which has unique effects, and is fuelled by a unique emotion. Because of this, Keegunai magi were typically assigned to the form of magic that was fuelled by the emotion they felt most strongly.

### Sapphire magic

Sapphire magic is associated with the water goddess Kenehays and is fuelled by sadness. It is associated with the sense of sight and often takes the form of visions. It can be enhanced using the Chalice of Clarity. It is the least practical form of crystal magic and is mainly associated with inspiration, wisdom and artistic creativity, though it can also bestow the power of invisibility and the ability to control water and breathe underwater.

Practitioners of sapphire magic are typically referred to as blue magi. Following the destruction of the jarziy civilisation, they fled into the sea along with the purple magi, where they gradually evolved into the goyjim, the most advanced species during the Age of Fish.

### Emerald magic

Emerald magic is associated with the god of vegetation, Aphaba, and is fuelled by fear. It is associated the sense of taste and can be enhanced using potions and elixirs. Emerald magic can be used to heal injuries and shapeshift.

Practitioners of emerald magic are referred to as green magi. Following the destruction of the jarziy civilisation, they gradually evolved into mammals.

### Amber magic

Amber magic is associated with the god of birds, Haivanba, and is fuelled by anger. It is associated with the sense of sound and can be enhanced using music and/or incantations. Amber magic can be used to fly, read minds and affect the flow of time.

Practitioners of amber magic are referred to as yellow magi. Following the destruction of the jarziy civilisation, many yellow magi jumped from the top of the Tower of Keegu, which granted them to ability to fly, and they gradually evolved into birds.

### Ruby magic

Ruby magic is associated with the goddess of fire, Wawmom, and is fuelled by desire. It is associated with the sense of smell and can be enhanced using perfumes and intoxicants, as well as the Undying Flame. Ruby magic can be used to exhale fire and control the actions of others. Practitioners of ruby magic are referred to as red magi.

Ruby magic had been controversial since the founding of the Keegunai order, mostly because of its association with Wawmom (who had tyrannically oppressed the world for five millennia during the Age of Fire) and because practitioners had to harness their inner desires, which was opposed to the principle of discipline that was central to the order's philosophy. These concerns were validated when a red mage named Orven betrayed the Keegunai and took the Ring of Immortality for herself. After a long series of debates, the Keegunai finally banned the use of ruby magic in 5936 AR, as it was believed to be too dangerous and corrupting. After this point, ruby magic was primarily associated with the Jarziyn Empire.

Following the fall of Orven and Niychimu, ruby magic rapidly declined as Keegunai warriors ceaselessly hunted down the remaining red magi. They were later joined in this mission by the Exterminators. The red magi had been wiped out by the time of Fashiybu.

### Amethyst magic

Amethyst magic is associated with the fish god, Eysivom, and is fuelled by disgust. Amethyst magic can be used to infect others with disease/venom, teleport and breathe underwater.

Practitioners of amethyst magic are referred to as purple magi. Following the destruction of the jarziy civilisation, they fled into the sea along with the blue magi, where they gradually evolved into the goyjim, the most advanced species during the Age of Fish.

### Cloud magic

Cloud magic is an obscure form of crystal magic that is associated with the demigod Migriyb and combines sapphire and amber magic. It required both a yellow mage and a blue mage and involves the summoning of the Cloud of Obscurity, a magical artefact which conceals whatever is contained within it. It was developed by yellow and blue magi during the Reign of Orven and was used to obscure their plans from the Empress and her red magi.