Whimsy

Honestly, all the shrugging and head-scratching is the best part of researching magic. At least, that's what I think!

— Keari, of the Reliquary League

Whimsy is the primary magical law of Ayun Sovos, the mystical framework by which the world functions and thrives.

Connected and Protected

In a world where anything is possible, it would be impossibly easy to think that destruction was around every corner.

With powerful sorcerers, well-stocked arsenals, and wild hazards, a typical world wouldn't make it half a day without being reduced to rubble.

Have you ever wondered why the city outside of the Pyromancer's guild still stands so notably un-fried?

— That city DOES look awfully flammable...

We Can Explain... Sort of!

Every day, adventurers fall into hazardous pit traps, take explosions to the face, fire misplaced spells, and crash headfirst into danger — but they're in fit shape and raring to go after a few bandages, a cozy sleep, and a hearty meal! Stray spells aren't leveling cities, plagues aren't devastating civilizations, and the last world-ending apocalypse didn't exactly pan out and no one's too sure that there's going to be another one.

In essence, Whimsy is a force that keeps the world turning, keeps destruction at bay, and enriches the lives of the world's inhabitants. The world is stable, protected from much darkness and destruction, and formed with its denizens' best interests in mind.

Shai Wyrthe by Strixxline

Whimsy alone is no perfect failsafe!

The world still has its perils, risks, dangers, and troubles, and those who adventure through it are likely to see them all throughout their journeys. Dangerous beasts, destructive forces, and harsh ailments do hide in the dark corners of the world, but the tools to face them are likely not too far away.

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Yearning for Heroism

Lobbing a fireball in an enclosed room might singe some papers, but you'll ultimately be left with a smattering of black soot coating an otherwise intact space — a cleaning job, rather than a reconstruction! Accidents and well-meaning acts are dampened by Whimsy, preserving the integrity of one's surroundings, even when things get chaotic. This changes a bit, when intention sits behind destructive actions.

Towns and buildings can be destroyed. Disaster can be provoked. It doesn't happen often, but every once in a while someone does rise up to stir some trouble. When they do, Whimsy's role shifts from its passive, protective nature to a boon for good by making solutions and paths forward accessible to the would-be heroes of the day!

"What if someone isn't acting with good intentions?"

"Well, the world is filled with adventurers who yearn to be heroes — don't we need some villains to make those dreams come true?"

— Philosophy of the Ages!

Pure evil and wicked cruelty can't really find much of a foothold in the hearts of Ayun Sovos's denizens. Whether that's another protective function of Whimsy, or a trait etched into their blueprint by the Gods, none can be too certain.

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Bounty of the World

The world of Ayun Sovos is rich in resources, and practically every one you could think of is desired by someone. You would think that with so many adventurers going off and questing, harvesting rare resources, and crafting incredible projects, that the world might run out one day, but that hasn't seemed to be the case yet!

When rare resources get snatched up, they may become unavailable for a little while, but they inevitably return after some time, either in the same location or somewhere quite nearby. It's a phenomenon none have been able to explain, except by citing the law of Whimsy.

What is gathered shall always return! With a bit of patience, a touch of skill, and a drop of luck, you'll find what you seek, guaranteed.

— Master Herbologist

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Mystery Magic

Though considered a "third category" of Sovosian Magic, Whimsy is not actually a form of magic that can be learned or studied the way its counterparts can.

Law & Passion are two forms of magic that can be developed into skillsets, tools for exploration, and aid in daily living. Whimsy... is whimsy. It is a passive form of magic that lives in the world. It ebbs and flows and comes and goes, and appears when you least expect it.

Sometimes, when it appears, you're left wondering what even happened!

The Magic of Play

In the context of magic practice and spellcasting, Whimsy is often referred to as the "magic of play." No one has ever summoned whimsy with dark intent. No one ever manifested a whimsical spell while seeking power, solving a problem, or seeking answers. Just about every example of Whimsy-casting has happened through tomfoolery, jest, mirth, and merrymaking.

Some of the most powerful spellcasters to ever live in the history of Ayun Sovos were those who were constantly followed by Whimsy — but this magic could never be focused into anything but finding joy in the world around them.

What do you think the world's most powerful wizards were known for, young one? Conjuring blazes? Enchanting entire continents? Mastering all forms of Lawful magic?

No, no... They were the ones whose every step trailed with flowers where they walked. The ones whose presence made every room feel like the perfect temperature for everyone nearby. The ones whose voices conjured happy little thoughts without ever casting a spell themselves.

They definitely did do cool wizard stuff, too, though. I liked watching them blow stuff up.

— Gram-nana's wisdom

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