Zavia the Swineherd
So called for a delightful tale about an Ithatian woman whose name is given to the practice, zavia is the unintentional and unconscious practicing of magic, usually ascribed to a non-expert. It is called both unintentional and unconscious because the person neither believes he is casting magic nor intends to cause an effect by any means, magic, conventional, or psychic. Many scholars dispute the the notion of 'unintentional,' by arguing that it is illogical to label 'unintentional' what the higher mind instigates.
The Zavia Effect is frequently discussed in late Ithatian philosophy. It is often a fleeting phenomenon for the individual 'zavian' in the world of Asdar where her fellows can be quick to point out that she is using magic. Many students of magic were once undiscovered zavians and are regarded as ideal students of magic. Rural wizards will sometimes make their rounds through the countryside, inquiring after zavians so as to secure a suitable apprentice.
Other scholars posit that all life ultimately stems from ambient magical energy and that all beings are using some kind of magic, if only to live, breathe, learn, think, and perform all the basic functions of life.
Zavia the Swineherd's rare circumstance made her the subject of investigation by the magistrates of the local municipality where she dwelt and labored in Maturn. Her life is dated to the mid to late third century after Salmakhamer (ca. 275 AS). Zavia could cure sick swine, ward off wolves, and cause villagers to suffer uncontrollable flatulence. She did all these things unintentionally and without any instruction from wizard or priest. The local priests exonerated her of any curse and the local mages denied ever having trained her. The natural philosophers were called in and determined that her condition was the subconscious and unwitting, even when immediately desirable. They fit this into a pattern of tales and legends that accounted for persons who had unintended magical effects. Thus, the name of Zavia the Swineherd rose from obscurity and became a common topic of visiting wizards and first year students.
The term Zavian refers to anyone who unintentionally and without any training causes magical effects. The condition, or the Zavia Effect, is thought to be incurable and the only treatment is for the Zavian to undergo some degree of magical training to learn to control the consequences.
See Also
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