Magic appears to be part of the ontology in Primal, being a supernatural phenomenon capable of being harnessed by intelligent beings for a variety of purposes.
Description[]
Magic has been practiced by different species and cultures in the world. Some beings use it as part of their lifestyle, some use it for more utilitarian or sinister purposes, and others for the purpose of helping. Magic has been typically invoked through various methods, such as runic symbols, elixirs, rituals, hand gestures, and more. Magic has been used in various forms and has granted a wide range of abilities.
History[]
Black Liquid[]
The mysterious black liquid.
Prior to their decimation, the Ape-Men possessed a special black liquid which was utilized by their Shaman and appeared to be magical in nature, as it granted incredible physical powers to their warriors. Those who drank even small amounts of the liquid became powerful beasts with altered appearances, most noticeably greater size, muscle mass, bloodshot eyes, and abnormal skin color. Aside from appearances, the liquid also granted increased strength, speed, durability, and aggression.
The black liquid was seen again and in the possession of a volcanic tribe that a zombified Spear had encountered. A river of this liquid flowed next to an active volcano and right through rivers of molten lava. This liquid was watched over by a special member of the volcanic tribe and given to the champion of the duels held there. Not only did this liquid physically enhance those who drank it, but it also seemed to have some limited healing properties as well, as the zombified Spear was later shown to have regenerated from most of the damage he suffered from since his resurrection. Spear appeared to have become addicted to the black liquid as he eagerly drunk it after every match he won. The black liquid gradually regenerated and restored various parts of Spear's body, while slowly regenerating the flesh and muscle of his right forearm and gradually restored Spear to true life again as it also restored his bodily functions again. The effects of the black liquid was also shown to work over time without the need to continually drink it, as by the time Spear and Mira's daughter was old enough to ride on one of Fang's offspring, Spear was shown with his skin returning to its previous pigmentation and his right hand and forearm restored.
The cures to the black liquid's negative effects are enduring pain from intense heat like lava, hearing the pain from a crying child, and seeing a loved one in mortal danger.
Witches[]
Witches possessed many magical abilities that they often used for the preservation of their coven. Their power took the shape of a green, glowing energy that they manipulated with intention and skill. They could shapeshift, control minds, levitate, read memories, and, in rare instances, exert some influence over time.
The coven's most notorious practice centered on life force manipulation, a ritual reserved for the leader. Preparations began with a captive taken and bound while symbols were drawn on the skin using a magic, paint-like substance. In the middle of night, the ritual would commence, with the leader approaching the captive while the other members of the coven prayed to be the one to receive the new child. The leader would take a demonic form and, through the painted symbols, siphoned the captive's life force until the person was reduced to a desiccated corpse. The leader then used the gathered life-force to gestate an infant within her own body. After the birth, she presented the newborn to one of her followers, thereby replenishing the coven's ranks.
Celtic Tribe[]
An elderly woman who lives among the Celts possesses remarkable medicinal knowledge. She was able to use various concoctions and special techniques to heal Spear's wounds at a rate much faster than normal.
Vikings[]
While not shown to practice magic themselves, the Vikings are implied to be associated with a form of theology based on Norse tradition, among these include entities resembling valkyries, demons, and gods.
After the Vikings' decimation at the hands of Spear and Fang, their Chieftain would pursue the duo in a quest for vengeance. Unfortunately, this led to the death of his last remaining son, the only other known survivor who accompanied him on this quest. During this time, the Chieftain would be contacted by a mysterious figure who possessed god-like magical abilities. The figure was able to resurrect the Chieftain from death and transform him into a monstrous being empowered with magical abilities over fire in order to grant him another chance at revenge.
Necromancer[]
To avenge his tribe being murdered, a necromancer mixed various substances and body parts of the enemy, resulting in a pulsing green heart that he attached to a staff. He then used that staff to resurrect Spear as a zombie.
List of magical beings[]
- Ape-men
- Witches
- Celtic Tribe
- Vikings
- Valkyrie-like women
- Viking Chieftain
- Shaman
- Black River People
Trivia[]
- The Black Liquid is one of the only forms of magic to appear more than once in the series, in Season One and Season Three.
- Curiously, the Black Liquid appears impervious to destruction as a river of it was shown flowing right through rivers of molten lava, yet was completely unaffected by it.
- In addition to this, it was shown to be safe to ingest, despite flowing right next to molten lava.
- The Black Liquid may have been originally inspired by "The Black Blood of Kali" From Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, as it shares several characteristics and qualities in common with it, including the fact that intense heat (like that of lava) is capable of curing victims of its effects.
