The Old Faith

Lore & Background

Long before the establishment of formal magical academies or the Church's influence, humans coexisted with Spirits through direct communion. This era gave rise to what is often termed The Old Faith, a system where magic was not studied but bargained for through blood and service. These entities do not adhere to human concepts of time or morality; they follow their own ancient laws that prioritize balance and debt. The decline of this faith occurred as humanity industrialized and modern magi sought to control supernatural forces rather than negotiate with them. However, the Spirits did not vanish. They retreated into forgotten places—deep forests, abandoned shrines, and the spaces between shadows. Chise’s journey reveals that these old debts are never truly settled; they merely wait for someone strong enough to carry them. Modern magi often view these traditions as chaotic or dangerous superstitions, yet many powerful rituals still rely on principles from this ancient lineage. The tension between the structured magic of the Magus Association and the wild nature of The Old Faith drives much of the series' underlying conflict regarding freedom versus control.

In Their Own Story

The wind carried no scent of rain, only the metallic tang of old iron. Chise stood before a shrine overgrown with ivy that seemed to breathe in the twilight. No magi had visited this place for decades; the stones were cold, yet they hummed with warmth beneath her fingertips. A shadow detached itself from the tree line—not human, not quite spirit, but something older. It did not speak, yet a voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of promises made by ancestors long turned to dust. She bowed low, not out of fear, but respect for the weight of the past.

Reader's Guide

Unlike the structured Magus Association, The Old Faith operates without a central bureaucracy or written charter. It is less an organization and more a loose network of Spirits, Fae, and humans who honor ancient pacts over modern laws. Authority stems from age, power, and adherence to tradition rather than elected office. Members include various nature spirits, fae entities, and magi who specialize in animistic magic. They do not seek political dominance but rather the preservation of natural balance and old obligations. Their influence is subtle; they shape events through dreams, omens, and direct intervention by powerful spirits. While modern magi often view them as obsolete or dangerous, their power remains undeniable in rural areas and forgotten places. Chise Hatori’s journey frequently intersects with these entities, highlighting the tension between new magic systems and ancient debts. Humans who serve them often do so through inheritance or bloodline, carrying burdens passed down generations. These bonds are binding and absolute, unlike the contractual nature of modern apprenticeships. The Old Faith thrives in places where technology cannot reach, such as deep forests or abandoned shrines. Conflict arises when modern magi attempt to exploit these entities without respect for tradition.

Did You Know?

• Spirits within this framework do not die like humans; they fade or transform based on belief and memory.
• Chise's initial sacrifice was rooted in her family's debt to these ancient spiritual forces.
• Modern magi often use barriers specifically designed to keep Old Faith entities away from urban centers.
• The Fae Realm operates under laws that are fundamentally different from human legal systems.