Wanderers, welcome to our next Devlog!

This time, we will introduce you to the principles of protective sigils and explain why you don't want to find yourself in a situation where their energy drop to zero during one of your adventures.

First, let’s talk about Taint contamination. The textbook definition of this phenomenon is based on the effect of wild magic, which causes various mutations on everything within its range. If an area is not surrounded by a sufficient protective field capable of dissipating wild magic, the Tainted energy can spread, causing mutation of everything it encounters.

When an excessive amount of wild magic affects a living organism, the process of mutation begins.

Plants, as the most sensitive to these transformations, begin to change the color and size of their leaves, and then their appearance changes significantly. Razor-sharp thorns or vines appear on the branches, which they would not naturally have a chance to grow.

Sometimes, under the influence of prolonged magic, the bark of trees begins to grow crystals, and crystal structures break through the ground.

Animals can resist radiation for longer, but the mutation process for them is deadlier. The first phase of defilement is manifested by the change of their fur to grass or moss and the appearance of growing fungus on their skin. Then the changes reach their brains leading to behavioral shifts. Gentle animals become aggressive, while predators turn into monstrous beasts, gripped by a frenzy of pain, fueled by the Taint.

In practice, humans undergo similar transformations to animals. To minimize or even eliminate the negative effects of the surrounding Taint, humans have learned to use techniques designed to dispel the wild magic in their environment. This is done by learning to acquire and use protective sigils.

Protective sigils can be found on city walls, over the entrances to taverns, temples or lonely farms. The sigil consists of a crystal that provides it with a constant supply of energy, allowing it to constantly emanate its protective aura. This aura drowns out the effects of wild magic, protecting living beings within its field of effect, and repels defiled organisms, like magnets facing each other with the same poles. Plants brought within the protective aura's reach die and turn to dust, and animals instinctively avoid its influence. Contaminated humans and beasts absorbed with wild magic are unable to withstand the orderly, regular waves of magic from the sigil, causing them to stay away from these areas.

The protective sigil in the caravan serves both a propulsive and protective function. Unfortunately, the power of the crystal breaks down during the journey, causing the protective barrier to collapse. As the sigil's aura diminishes, its ability to drown out waves of wild magic weakens, leaving the party prone to deadly Taint.

Note: Crystal can be regenerated at various power sites, such as sigil obelisks and in cities. When planning your journey, you should definitely consider this aspect.

And, just as a good night's sleep is beneficial to team morale, prolonged rest in Camp will have a positive effect on sigil regeneration as well.

So stay safe and remember to slow down once in a while, Wanderers!