Within the realm of Hydrea, humans long ago stole the secret of magic, and as a result, the use of magic in humans is cursed. A human’s magical capability and skills come from the specialized ‘affinities’ and ‘source’ of of their magic. However, the more a human uses their magic, the closer to their affinity they become, leading to their physical form potentially becoming twisted and changed the more they use it. They can reverse the changes, but at the cost of power.

In order to properly manage the use of magic, and to mitigate things going out of control, special seals are applied to someone when they are born, limiting their use of magic. It is only when one comes of age, and decides to obtain a license, that the seal upon the person is broken to allow them to delve deeper into their magical abilities.

Marley, for example, is a rather powerful mage whose magical affinity involves toys, and has long abandoned its very humanity to become as powerful as it could be. Marley lends out its services to those in need, as well as is willing to deal with various troublesome threats. Though it is fully able to move around on its own, it has long lost its ability to actually properly speak... and seems to really enjoy cuddling and being held.

Fay is a mage whose own affinities include the concepts of youth and girliness, leading to her constantly coming off as just a young girl. She is also an apprentice of Marley’s, learning all she can about magic. She can always be seen with Marley, carrying it around, and is even able to communicate with it thanks to a special link in their affinities.

Tinsley’s own affinity involves Motherhood, leading to a very caring and motherly woman. Her very body itself stockpiles excess magic and energy, causing it to go so far as to simulate the look and feel of being pregnant. She basically acts as a caretaker and mediator, with Fay more than happy to treat her like an actual mother. Despite things, when she needs to, she can be someone not to be messed with.

Kaz possesses a dog-themed affinity, and is definitely a good boy.

All four of these exampled individuals live with each other, and their affinities allow them to basically feed into each other in a lifestyle that keeps them empowered. Basically viewing themselves as a rather odd family unit.

Though not everybody takes to their affinity very well, and some struggle to find a good balance in using just enough while also trying to keep some semblance of themselves from going too far.