What are the blue orbs (motes of magic) for?

[Crimson Jupiter]

I must have missed something in the tutorial, but what are the blue orbs for that i keep collecting? Or is this just a collection item with no function?

[Chocos Ramabotti]

Honestly I don't know either, probably just for achievements. D:

[Qwas]

Around half way through the game you will recruit a smith character to your camp. This smithy character can use Motes of Magic to create new armors for you. However, these armors are all purely cosmetic and will conflict with the other cosmetic pickups you find.

The Motes are functionally worthless. They are my largest disappointment with the game.