Kivuli

Kivuli are central to everything that's going on, and will need to be included in the solution, if there is to be a permanent one.

Notes

Role in the Plot

The Kivuli are, unfortunately, being used by Umumtu, and to a lesser extent, Veza. Umumtu is using them as magical sources for Humans to try to bring magic to the Living Realm. Veza, in turn, is using them as tools to guide humans to their own solution to the magic problem.

In the end, Kivuli and Humans will need to come together to solve this one way or the other.

Tatoos

Their tatoos are, in fact, their life energy. A Kivuli without any markings on their skin will die, but the markings can be very small and they still live.

Surviving without Life Force

Since they run entirely off of Magic, all it takes to bring them from the brink is more magic. Be it a magical item, another magical creature, a spell, whatever; when they are near death they can absorb magical energy enough to survive, but in the Living Realm it's a constant drain, so they would need to return to a Magical location quickly.