Quintessence

Records of the emergence of Quintessence are common enough. The eruption of Helthon in 4688 is the ultimate source of the energy, though where it truly came from is a matter of debate. The superstitious argue the eruption opened a portal to the world of gods. Science suggest no better theory as of yet.

Whatever its true nature, Quintessence is energy that is never quite fully within our world. It attaches to mortal souls like a parasite, offering power in return for the lifespan of those who take the deal. Untrained, it will leave the soul and find another. Those who can train it gain the ability to manipulate the rules of existence. The H. Au'dela have proven particularly sensitive to detecting its presence.

At this time, the boundaries of Quintessence are ill understood. Industry and society have taken advantage of it with little thought for the consequences. The Society has warned of the possible problems, but alas we can do little more than try to discover these pitfalls faster than humanity falls into them.

Quintessence, at this time, seems limited to several fields of use, almost exclusively focused upon the imbibing physical matter with a violation of the laws of reality.

Alchemy

Alchemy is manipulating the nature of plants and animals to impart effects upon the drinker of a potion. An alchemist might take the claw of a leopard and the feather of an eagle and using their Quintessence distill the traits of those animals into a potion of speed.

Runecrafting

Through the careful carving of patterns into the surface of weapons and other physical objects, a Quintessence caster can impart it with the nature of the symbols, such as carving a revolver with a viper assuring bullets will poison the victim.

Transmutation

Transmutation is the modification of ones own body. It is perhaps the simple and most brutal of the uses of Quintessence. No complex symbolism is necessary. Raw Quintessence may be channeled into the body of its bearer, granting strength, speed, invulnerability or other such benefits. However, the price is often high. It may leave a user weary for day, or harm their bodies in other ways.