Southern American folk magic, also known as "hoodoo" or "conjure," is a form of traditional folk magic stemming from the African diaspora and practiced in the Southern United States. It is a unique blend of African, Indigenous American, and European folk traditions that has been passed down through generations. Key elements of this practice include the use of herbs, roots, and animal parts to create charms, potions, and talismans. One of the main beliefs in Southern American folk magic is the power of sympathetic magic, where like attracts like. Practitioners believe that by using objects or substances that resemble the desired outcome, they can influence reality. For example, using red pepper for protection or burning a black candle to get rid of negative energy.
Battle an ever-evolving horde of unique enemies, including the charging Knots, the explosive Thorns, the long-ranged Splinters, and many more! Each Deadwood type has its own strengths and weaknesses that will require you to discover which weapons and attacks are most effective. Take on heart-thumping boss fights that will challenge you to push your strategies to the next level.
Certain areas that were home to either specific important objectives or large story beats were fully designed and setdressed by me to ensure gameplay, narrative, and aesthetic cohesion. Curse of the Deadwood is a twin-stick shooter with an emphasis on melee combat; and my first foray into professional game development as a level designer.
For example, using red pepper for protection or burning a black candle to get rid of negative energy. Another important aspect of this practice is the use of rituals and spells. These rituals often involve prayer, chanting, and the recitation of psalms or other sacred texts.
Curse of the Deadwood
Curse of the Deadwood is a twin-stick shooter with an emphasis on melee combat; and my first foray into professional game development as a level designer.
I joined the project at the tail end of pre-production, which meant that my main job at first was understanding and translating the overhead maps created by my lead at the time into Unity, as well as implementing maps I created myself. I directly imported the maps into the engine; and using scale references comparing assets to map markers established a size for all levels in the game while whiteboxing them. Once the levels were whiteboxed I would go through and implement dialogues, objectives, map collision, and enemy spawn points to create a first-pass of the level and its gameplay in compliance with the Game Design Document.
With gameplay and progression established, my tasks then moved onto first-pass setdressing across specific levels. Painting grass and defining paths and their materials, placing tree lines and structures, and general themes of areas were all part of my work. Certain areas that were home to either specific important objectives or large story beats were fully designed and setdressed by me to ensure gameplay, narrative, and aesthetic cohesion.
Following the broader strokes of level and world design was my more nuanced work with level and boss balance. With the general framework for the game established for setdressing and programming teams to tackle, my focus fell onto designing bosses with the rest of the team and refining their fight, as well as playtesting my levels and updating the balance. Updating enemy count and pickups, as well as updating the boss encounters through altering their damage, attack rate, and enemy spawns. Through numerous playtesting, both with team members and solo tests, I balanced the experience through levels and bosses to try and match the flow we'd established for our title.
Joining the team near the very beginning gave me valuable insights into the overall development process and the pitfalls that can show up; but also tackled, through proper planning and pre-production. As the level designer both art and tech would come through me to be implemented and meshed together, and as such I needed to be communicative and available for my team to be able to have all aspects of development come together to form the experience we have today. Through said communication I've come to love my team, as well as have a deeper understanding of all branches of game development and their intricacies. Game development is difficult, but through all I've learned and experienced I'm still raring to go for the next one.
PLAY STYLE
They are performed to communicate with spirits or deities, seek protection, or bring about desired outcomes. For example, a practitioner may perform a ritual to attract love or create a charm to bring luck and fortune. The role of spiritual workers or practitioners is significant in Southern American folk magic. These individuals, often known as root workers, conjurers, or hoodoo doctors, have extensive knowledge and experience in the practice. They are sought after for their expertise in creating potent charms, performing powerful spells, and providing spiritual guidance. In many communities, spiritual workers play a vital role in healing, protection, and solving various life problems. Southern American folk magic also encompasses a wide range of traditions and practices, varying from region to region. Many of these traditions have been influenced by local customs, beliefs, and cultural events. For example, in Louisiana, the practice of hoodoo has been influenced by French, Spanish, and Native American traditions, creating a unique blend of magic. In recent years, Southern American folk magic has gained popularity and recognition beyond its traditional boundaries. Its rich history, cultural significance, and focus on practicality have attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds. Today, many people of different races and ethnicities are drawn to the practice, seeking spiritual guidance, protection, and the ability to manifest their desires. In conclusion, Southern American folk magic is a vibrant and diverse practice that has deep roots in African, Indigenous American, and European traditions. Its use of sympathetic magic, rituals, and the expertise of spiritual workers make it a unique and powerful form of magic. With its continued popularity and influence, this practice continues to evolve and adapt, carrying with it the rich cultural heritage of the Southern United States..
Reviews for "The Gullah and Geechee People: Keepers of Southern American Folk Magic"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really looking forward to reading "Southern American Folk Magic" as I have always been interested in different cultural beliefs and practices. However, I found this book to be incredibly shallow and lacking in any real depth or substance. The author only scratches the surface of the topic and fails to provide any meaningful insights or explanations. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with my reading experience.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I was initially intrigued by the concept of "Southern American Folk Magic," but the execution fell flat for me. The book lacked organization and coherence, making it difficult to follow and understand. Additionally, I felt like the author relied too heavily on anecdotes and personal experiences rather than providing concrete information and research. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity to delve into a fascinating cultural aspect.
3. Mark - ★★☆☆☆
While the title of "Southern American Folk Magic" intrigued me, I found the content of the book to be quite disjointed and confusing. The author jumps from one topic to another without providing a clear structure or introduction to each concept. Furthermore, I was disappointed by the lack of historical context and cultural background. The book seemed to assume prior knowledge on the subject, which left me feeling lost and disconnected from the material. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Southern American folk magic.
4. Laura - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Southern American Folk Magic" to be a complete waste of time. The writing was incredibly dry and lacked any sort of engaging storytelling. Additionally, the author seemed more focused on promoting their own beliefs and practices rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I was left feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, as the book failed to deliver on its promise to delve into the rich traditions of Southern American folk magic. Save your money and look elsewhere for a more enlightening read.