Greetings soldier!
Part Two of our "Magic of Dinosaur Swamp" series deals with the trademark mystic art of the Swamp's native barbarian tribes. Their unique form of magic is known as "Eco-Wizardry," an apt name coined by Deearn Neenok in his book. Not much is known about Eco-Wizardry since it only seems to exist in the Southeast, and very few examples have made it into the outside world. Most of what we know about barbarian magic comes from Neenok, as well as a few other intrepid explorers and wilderness scouts who've interacted with the barbarians over the years. Considering that encounters with barbarian tribes are likely inevitable during your time in the Swamp, it behooves you to learn as much as you can about the mystical capabilities of the Swamp's indigenous peoples. This magic has permitted the barbarians to survive in an brutal environment full of dinosaurs with skin as tough as tank armor. Not only survive, but flourish and hunt the wildlife that would normally be hunting them. So keep that in mind when dealing with barbarians and their seemingly "primitive" weapons.
For more information, read on...
Part Two of our "Magic of Dinosaur Swamp" series deals with the trademark mystic art of the Swamp's native barbarian tribes. Their unique form of magic is known as "Eco-Wizardry," an apt name coined by Deearn Neenok in his book. Not much is known about Eco-Wizardry since it only seems to exist in the Southeast, and very few examples have made it into the outside world. Most of what we know about barbarian magic comes from Neenok, as well as a few other intrepid explorers and wilderness scouts who've interacted with the barbarians over the years. Considering that encounters with barbarian tribes are likely inevitable during your time in the Swamp, it behooves you to learn as much as you can about the mystical capabilities of the Swamp's indigenous peoples. This magic has permitted the barbarians to survive in an brutal environment full of dinosaurs with skin as tough as tank armor. Not only survive, but flourish and hunt the wildlife that would normally be hunting them. So keep that in mind when dealing with barbarians and their seemingly "primitive" weapons.
For more information, read on...
During his many encounters with Swamp Barbarians, Deearn Neenok was exposed to his fair share of Eco-Wizardry. This is what he had to say about it:
"Despite having grown up in New Lazlo, surrounded daily by any number of magical devices, I am never at a loss for amazement when I encounter a new type of magic, or in this case, a new take on a very familiar one. I expected I might encounter native magic in Dinosaur Swamp, perhaps even discover a type of mystic art unique unto itself, but discovering that the locals had developed a sort of natural version of Techno-Wizardry was astounding. I've seen enchanted amulets, the repulsive Bio-Wizardry of Atlantis, suffered first hand at the power of Necromancy, and of course been witness to a Shifter's dimensional manipulation, but never have I seen so complex, yet simple an application of magical enhancement. I hesitate to even call it Techno-Wizardry, for there is most definitely no technology involved — at least not as we civilized people think of 'high' technology. In fact, a more appropriate name would be... I don't know... 'Eco- Wizardry,' for lack of a better word. Eco-Wizardry because it draws upon nature as its source of inspiration, as well as the physical components for the items themselves.
"Anyone, especially Techno-Wizards, who might dismiss the practice of this art as somehow less effective because it was developed by barbarian people, or because it makes use of simple, natural materials, would be making a grave mistake. Despite the crude and primitive appearance of the weapons, I've seen natives demonstrate the power of their magic, and it only makes me fear them all the more."
— Deearn Neenok, The Dinosaurian Swamp: Notes from the Field
Eco-Wizards - Barbarian Shamans & Artificers
In the early days following the Great Cataclysm, as the survivors began their fall into tribal barbarism, they also began to explore the strange, new phenomenon that had gripped the shattered Earth: magic. For lack of a better word, magic was now a reality and it became a part of the daily life of many tribes. Some developed the skills and powers of the more traditional magic wielding classes such as Ley Line Walkers, Mystics and Shifters. Others, however, took a slightly different path, developing a particular practice of magic wholly unique to Dinosaur Swamp.
As the survivors learned to rely on the wilderness around them for food, shelter and raw materials, a select few began to realize that the forces of the ley lines could be used and channeled not only through themselves, but also into their weapons and other crafted items. At first, these items were not usable by everyone, only the creator, their select apprentices, and a few random people. As the years progressed, and mutation began to spread throughout the barbarian tribes, psychic abilities began to become commonplace, and consequently, the number of individuals who could wield these magical items grew, earning the people who could make enchanted items an elevated status in the tribal structure.
This sorcerer has come to be known as the Eco-Wizard. As the name implies, this person specializes in making weapons and equipment from the ecosystem of Dinosaur Swamp (wood, animal teeth, bone, etc.) and instilling them with magical properties. Eco-Wizards are close to nature but are not Druids, nor do they draw upon any animal or spirit totem to use their power (as with Native American magic). Like most barbarians, they see nature as the environment in which they live and as both friend and enemy, resource and place for danger. Thus, they don't love or revere nature, and use its resources any way they can to survive and help the tribe. At the same time they are attuned to the world around them and don't deliberately or wantonly kill or destroy any living thing.
Eco-Wizards always hold honored places within the barbarian tribes. The degree of authority and status possessed by an Eco-Wizard varies from tribe to tribe, and in many tribal societies, the eldest shaman also doubles as a chieftain. Most tribes have 3-6 Eco-Wizards, with an additional 3-6 in training as apprentices. Larger tribes might have as many as a dozen or more Eco-Wizards. One interesting anthropological note about Eco-Wizards is that they are almost always female. The reason for this seems to be due to the erroneous belief among barbarians that women are naturally better spell casters, and that magic is an innately feminine practice. However, this belief does not translate to the use of magic items - only the creation of such items or the casting or spells. As such, using the products of Eco-Wizardry is acceptable for anyone, regardless of gender.
Eco-Wizardry is an item-based magical style, not unlike Techno-Wizardry or Native American Fetish Magic. This means traditional spell casting comes a far second to the design and construction of enchanted items. That's not to say that Eco-Wizards don't know spells; all accounts indicate that Eco-Wizards CAN cast certain General Invocations. However, much like Techno-Wizards, their magic focuses on the creation of magic items, which leaves their proficiency in spell casting somewhat limited.
Form and Function
The practice of magic in Dinosaur Swamp has evolved to reflect the day to day struggle for survival. Like the rest of Rifts Earth, magic is an ever-present element, a force of nature like the blustering wind or a rushing river. Eco-Wizardry molds bone, teeth, muscle and sinew into magical weapons of impressive power. Even individuals like Ley Line Walkers, Mystics, and Shifters, as well as Native Americans and Druids, find Eco-Weapons immediately comfortable and pleasing.
Eco-Wizardry was developed and practiced exclusively by the barbarian people of Dinosaur Swamp and is known by both humans and mutants. It is a visceral and organic approach to magic very similar to Techno-Wizardry, but rather than using circuit boards, machine parts and crystals to direct and store power, Eco-Wizardry uses sinew to conduct power, and bone and wood to direct and store it. It is primitive, crude in some ways, but it is a natural application for infusing magic power into manmade constructs. Though it may appear crude, it is no less powerful or effective than the combination of magic and technology practiced by Techno-Wizards. Like TW weapons, anyone with sufficient magic or psionic energy (P.P.E. or I.S.P.) can use the device, and anyone can use the item when on a ley line.
One of the defining characteristics of Eco-Wizardry is the primitive and organic nature of the items it creates. These items generally take the form of traditional looking melee weapons (knives, swords, spears, clubs, bow and arrow, etc.) and tools for everyday life. Each is clearly handcrafted using carved wood and/or bone, animal teeth, claws, horns, spikes, feathers, skin, and similar raw materials obtained from dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are the primary resource for Eco-Weapons because they are plentiful and because dinosaurs signify strength and power. They never contain glass, metal, or any type of technological component, and even the use of stone is rare.
There are no existing Eco-Wizard equivalents of guns or modern vehicles, and it's uncertain if such creations are even theoretically possible within the parameters the mystic art. At the very least, the barbarians' complete and utter lack of familiarity with high technology (as well as the mystic art's focus on practical items for survival purposes) would make it nearly impossible to produce such items. Not to mention highly impractical and costly, in terms of resources. Even if it were achievable, the results would likely be extremely bizarre (the idea of an Eco-Wizard conveyance brings to mind the vehicles from a pre-Rifts animated show called The Flintstones).
The actual style and appearance of Eco-Magic weapons varies wildly from tribe to tribe and maker to maker. Some constructs are simple, quick, and crude — or perhaps basic is a better word. Something as uncomplicated as a wood or bone club and a dinosaur tooth, claw or spike tied together and enchanted by an Eco-Wizard can be a formidable weapon. Others may be carefully shaped and carved, polished and painted, or decorated with artistic designs or animal images carved out of, or into, the wood or etched into the bone. They may be adorned with ornamentation like feathers, colored twine, fur and frills for show, but only the key elements are magical. In fact, a couple of tribes have taken to carving handholds on spikes, claws and horns, and ornate handles and shafts with etched or painted designs or pictures. Likewise, when it's said that the Eco-Wizard uses bone and sinew, it means the mage can actually take muscle tissue and magically attach it to wood and bone, claws and teeth, to hold the various components of a weapon in place rather than glue or tie them with leather strips. The use of "sinew" is often reserved for moving parts or components that need flexibility, and can bend or magically move. Again, which approach the Eco-Wizard chooses will depend on his personal preference, the style or look he is trying to achieve, the level of artistry desired, who the item is for (i.e., Chiefs are often give ornately decorated EW items), and the amount of time available to make the weapon. The greater the amount of time the fancier the piece can be, if that's what the maker desires.
Rules Note
Most practitioners of magic can determine if an item is the enchanted creation of an Eco-Wizard by physically examining it, while other characters with the skill Lore: Magic are at -15% to tell if it is magical after a personal inspection of the item. Most other folks can't tell one way or the other. It is important to note that like Techno-Wizard devices, anyone with sufficient P.P.E. or I.S.P. (double the P.P.E. number) can activate and use Eco-Wizard items. Thus, a Techno-Wizard can use an EW device even though he cannot create it, and vice versa for the Eco-Wizard. Likewise, barbarians with high P.P.E. or sufficient I.S.P. should be able to figure out and use TW weapons thanks to their familiarity with Eco-Wizardry.
The practice of magic in Dinosaur Swamp has evolved to reflect the day to day struggle for survival. Like the rest of Rifts Earth, magic is an ever-present element, a force of nature like the blustering wind or a rushing river. Eco-Wizardry molds bone, teeth, muscle and sinew into magical weapons of impressive power. Even individuals like Ley Line Walkers, Mystics, and Shifters, as well as Native Americans and Druids, find Eco-Weapons immediately comfortable and pleasing.
Eco-Wizardry was developed and practiced exclusively by the barbarian people of Dinosaur Swamp and is known by both humans and mutants. It is a visceral and organic approach to magic very similar to Techno-Wizardry, but rather than using circuit boards, machine parts and crystals to direct and store power, Eco-Wizardry uses sinew to conduct power, and bone and wood to direct and store it. It is primitive, crude in some ways, but it is a natural application for infusing magic power into manmade constructs. Though it may appear crude, it is no less powerful or effective than the combination of magic and technology practiced by Techno-Wizards. Like TW weapons, anyone with sufficient magic or psionic energy (P.P.E. or I.S.P.) can use the device, and anyone can use the item when on a ley line.
One of the defining characteristics of Eco-Wizardry is the primitive and organic nature of the items it creates. These items generally take the form of traditional looking melee weapons (knives, swords, spears, clubs, bow and arrow, etc.) and tools for everyday life. Each is clearly handcrafted using carved wood and/or bone, animal teeth, claws, horns, spikes, feathers, skin, and similar raw materials obtained from dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are the primary resource for Eco-Weapons because they are plentiful and because dinosaurs signify strength and power. They never contain glass, metal, or any type of technological component, and even the use of stone is rare.
There are no existing Eco-Wizard equivalents of guns or modern vehicles, and it's uncertain if such creations are even theoretically possible within the parameters the mystic art. At the very least, the barbarians' complete and utter lack of familiarity with high technology (as well as the mystic art's focus on practical items for survival purposes) would make it nearly impossible to produce such items. Not to mention highly impractical and costly, in terms of resources. Even if it were achievable, the results would likely be extremely bizarre (the idea of an Eco-Wizard conveyance brings to mind the vehicles from a pre-Rifts animated show called The Flintstones).
The actual style and appearance of Eco-Magic weapons varies wildly from tribe to tribe and maker to maker. Some constructs are simple, quick, and crude — or perhaps basic is a better word. Something as uncomplicated as a wood or bone club and a dinosaur tooth, claw or spike tied together and enchanted by an Eco-Wizard can be a formidable weapon. Others may be carefully shaped and carved, polished and painted, or decorated with artistic designs or animal images carved out of, or into, the wood or etched into the bone. They may be adorned with ornamentation like feathers, colored twine, fur and frills for show, but only the key elements are magical. In fact, a couple of tribes have taken to carving handholds on spikes, claws and horns, and ornate handles and shafts with etched or painted designs or pictures. Likewise, when it's said that the Eco-Wizard uses bone and sinew, it means the mage can actually take muscle tissue and magically attach it to wood and bone, claws and teeth, to hold the various components of a weapon in place rather than glue or tie them with leather strips. The use of "sinew" is often reserved for moving parts or components that need flexibility, and can bend or magically move. Again, which approach the Eco-Wizard chooses will depend on his personal preference, the style or look he is trying to achieve, the level of artistry desired, who the item is for (i.e., Chiefs are often give ornately decorated EW items), and the amount of time available to make the weapon. The greater the amount of time the fancier the piece can be, if that's what the maker desires.
Rules Note
Most practitioners of magic can determine if an item is the enchanted creation of an Eco-Wizard by physically examining it, while other characters with the skill Lore: Magic are at -15% to tell if it is magical after a personal inspection of the item. Most other folks can't tell one way or the other. It is important to note that like Techno-Wizard devices, anyone with sufficient P.P.E. or I.S.P. (double the P.P.E. number) can activate and use Eco-Wizard items. Thus, a Techno-Wizard can use an EW device even though he cannot create it, and vice versa for the Eco-Wizard. Likewise, barbarians with high P.P.E. or sufficient I.S.P. should be able to figure out and use TW weapons thanks to their familiarity with Eco-Wizardry.
Comparisons to Other Mystic Arts
Some observers confuse the use of bone and teeth and muscle with Necromancy, but Eco-Wizardry has nothing to do with the dead and everything to do with the living. Even the component parts, often taken from slain animals, dinosaurs and plant life (wood, vine, glue, etc.) are seen as being taken from the living to help people survive in a hostile domain. An environment where tooth, claw and bone are a natural resource and common materials used in everyday life. When an Eco-Wizard kills or uses the skin, bones, or teeth of a dead animal, he is using the parts of the animal as raw materials the same as others might use the animal's hide to make clothing or rawhide for rope, and bone to whittle a flute or to carve sewing needles, and the meat cooked to feed a family or the entire tribe. There is no malice, ulterior motive nor death worship involved. In fact, many Eco-Wizards and Shamans find the art of Necromancy to be completely repulsive because it is wasteful and malicious, whereas Eco-Wizardry is part of the natural cycle of life. Nor is Eco-Wizardry related to Bio-Wizardry, which is devoted to the enslavement and mutation of living organisms, nor is it related to the extremely rare art of Biomancy native to South America. The Eco-Wizards' use of organic materials in their magic is nothing more than a reflection of their environment and primitive way of life. A place and time where animals are hunted and eaten and their every part used in some economical manner. More than that however, when it comes to the dinosaurs and other predators, they symbolize primordial power and strength that help the sorcerers to focus and direct the magic energy placed in the weapon or item that utilizes the animals' parts.
The similarity to Techno-Wizardry is staggering, yet many Techno-Wizards refuse to see any similarity between the two. The tiny few who have heard of Eco-Wizardry dismiss the mystic art as primitive enchanters using Stone Age technology to work their crude magic. Likewise, most barbarian Eco-Wizards see no similarity to Techno-Wizardry which utilizes modem technology and is oblivious to nature and the cycle of life. Perhaps it is these basic philosophical differences, or plain and simple arrogance, that keeps the two mutually exclusive from one another, for neither can seem to understand or duplicate the work of the other. A Techno-Wizard can no more use sinew and wood to create a magic weapon than an Eco-Wizard can use wire and crystals to create a magical gun.
Some observers confuse the use of bone and teeth and muscle with Necromancy, but Eco-Wizardry has nothing to do with the dead and everything to do with the living. Even the component parts, often taken from slain animals, dinosaurs and plant life (wood, vine, glue, etc.) are seen as being taken from the living to help people survive in a hostile domain. An environment where tooth, claw and bone are a natural resource and common materials used in everyday life. When an Eco-Wizard kills or uses the skin, bones, or teeth of a dead animal, he is using the parts of the animal as raw materials the same as others might use the animal's hide to make clothing or rawhide for rope, and bone to whittle a flute or to carve sewing needles, and the meat cooked to feed a family or the entire tribe. There is no malice, ulterior motive nor death worship involved. In fact, many Eco-Wizards and Shamans find the art of Necromancy to be completely repulsive because it is wasteful and malicious, whereas Eco-Wizardry is part of the natural cycle of life. Nor is Eco-Wizardry related to Bio-Wizardry, which is devoted to the enslavement and mutation of living organisms, nor is it related to the extremely rare art of Biomancy native to South America. The Eco-Wizards' use of organic materials in their magic is nothing more than a reflection of their environment and primitive way of life. A place and time where animals are hunted and eaten and their every part used in some economical manner. More than that however, when it comes to the dinosaurs and other predators, they symbolize primordial power and strength that help the sorcerers to focus and direct the magic energy placed in the weapon or item that utilizes the animals' parts.
The similarity to Techno-Wizardry is staggering, yet many Techno-Wizards refuse to see any similarity between the two. The tiny few who have heard of Eco-Wizardry dismiss the mystic art as primitive enchanters using Stone Age technology to work their crude magic. Likewise, most barbarian Eco-Wizards see no similarity to Techno-Wizardry which utilizes modem technology and is oblivious to nature and the cycle of life. Perhaps it is these basic philosophical differences, or plain and simple arrogance, that keeps the two mutually exclusive from one another, for neither can seem to understand or duplicate the work of the other. A Techno-Wizard can no more use sinew and wood to create a magic weapon than an Eco-Wizard can use wire and crystals to create a magical gun.
Availability
Eco-Wizardry is entrenched in the culture of Dinosaur Swamp; Eco-Wizards and their EW weapons originate exclusively from this region. Yet here, in Dinosaur Swamp, Eco-Weapons and items are quite common, especially among the warriors of the barbarian tribes, as well as many Wilderness Scouts and Swamp Stompers. The dominance of the barbarians is one reason for this, and the fact that it is one of the few magics that turns ordinary materials into super-strong (Mega-Damage) materials is another. The abundance of the commonly used materials (e.g., dinosaurs) is also a contributing factor. Of course, not all Eco-Wizard weapons are made exclusively from dinosaur parts. Wood, shaped tree limbs, wooden pegs, vine, leather, rawhide, glue made from animals or plants, fasteners and material from animals, such as antlers from deer, as well as claws, teeth, horn, fur, and feathers, may all be part of the creation. The only key to the components is that they must be from nature, and ideally from a living creature (plant or animal). Stones and gems may be used for decoration or as a small part of the weapon.
While places like the city of Char sell Eco-Wizard items, Eco-Wizards do not, as a rule, create magic items for resale. Eco-Wizard items are specifically created to help the tribe by providing warriors and scouts with weapons that can slay dinosaurs and combat outsiders. They are also created and given away as gifts and boons to tribal champions, heroes and friends of the tribe. Only occasionally are they used as trade, and then only with people the tribesmen know. Items offered by townspeople, traders and adventurers have usually been won in combat or taken from the vanquished (slain or enslaved barbarians). Surprisingly, even the Splugorth and their Minions see minimal value in the crude looking weapons and have not tried to produce and sell them in mass quantities. Their clientele is typically more sophisticated and looking for magic weapons that appear impressive or cutting edge, not primitive items made of wood and dinosaur claws. All of this helps contribute to keeping Eco-Wizardry local and unknown to the rest of the world.
Eco-Wizardry is entrenched in the culture of Dinosaur Swamp; Eco-Wizards and their EW weapons originate exclusively from this region. Yet here, in Dinosaur Swamp, Eco-Weapons and items are quite common, especially among the warriors of the barbarian tribes, as well as many Wilderness Scouts and Swamp Stompers. The dominance of the barbarians is one reason for this, and the fact that it is one of the few magics that turns ordinary materials into super-strong (Mega-Damage) materials is another. The abundance of the commonly used materials (e.g., dinosaurs) is also a contributing factor. Of course, not all Eco-Wizard weapons are made exclusively from dinosaur parts. Wood, shaped tree limbs, wooden pegs, vine, leather, rawhide, glue made from animals or plants, fasteners and material from animals, such as antlers from deer, as well as claws, teeth, horn, fur, and feathers, may all be part of the creation. The only key to the components is that they must be from nature, and ideally from a living creature (plant or animal). Stones and gems may be used for decoration or as a small part of the weapon.
While places like the city of Char sell Eco-Wizard items, Eco-Wizards do not, as a rule, create magic items for resale. Eco-Wizard items are specifically created to help the tribe by providing warriors and scouts with weapons that can slay dinosaurs and combat outsiders. They are also created and given away as gifts and boons to tribal champions, heroes and friends of the tribe. Only occasionally are they used as trade, and then only with people the tribesmen know. Items offered by townspeople, traders and adventurers have usually been won in combat or taken from the vanquished (slain or enslaved barbarians). Surprisingly, even the Splugorth and their Minions see minimal value in the crude looking weapons and have not tried to produce and sell them in mass quantities. Their clientele is typically more sophisticated and looking for magic weapons that appear impressive or cutting edge, not primitive items made of wood and dinosaur claws. All of this helps contribute to keeping Eco-Wizardry local and unknown to the rest of the world.