Author's Notes
Folk Magic
I wanted the small magic, the common folks magic, the rituals which may be meaningless, but maybe not.
What uses do I see for it in the game?
- Mood setter. The sailor who pours a little bit of wine into the ocean before leaving port sets the scene. It makes him look experienced. It makes the sea look a bit more dangerous, something which needs to be appeased.
- Adventure hooks. Folk magic and superstitions around it can be useful for setting up adventure stories.
- Deus ex machina. Sometimes the players need saving. Perhaps that flickering light leading the way was because an old woman left a light with flour in the window? Used well, this can also be an amazing mood setter.
It also ties in a lot to historical beliefs. Old buildings have carved symbols to protect from various supernatural creatures. People put out milk for the little people. They hung horse-shoes over the door.