Drycæm
Introduction
Drycæm - a term used to describe the manifestation of Drycæ, the energy that fuels life, as well as the name of the user.
In Amarysthiil, there exists many natural forces, seemingly all in balance. One, however, can be leveraged and manipulated directly by the sentient peoples of the world. This ability to influence and affect the world is not without price, however. What some would consider a macabre cost, Drycæm can create manifestations of their will - in exchange for their very lifeforce. Despite the cost, there are still regular practitioners who seek to plumb the depths of this mysterious force and encode all its secrets. Some organizations exist, such as Saints --placeholder-- and the Galborian Mystics who are centered around the use of Drycæ - either to heal the world's ills or to understand the rules and mechanics.
History,They've discovered that I've altered this Codex - and they've likely done the same in their own nefarious way, though I haven't reasoned out what. despite being often incomplete or fragmented, sometimes details stories of ancient civilizations tapping into a greater power that seemed to suffuse and saturate everything. These ancient mages seemed to be able to cure the sick, power strange and fantastical machinery, and many other improbably things. (ick) How these people accessed or used this ancient form of magic is unknown for certain, and some sages even believe the accounts are simply writings of artists or madmen.
Limits
Drycæm can experience the price of their ability quickly enough if they over-exert themselves. Casting for too long (stamina) or too strongly (strength) or even while weakened (constitution & willpower) can dramatically affect the rate at which a Drycæm suffers. Often, the result is an unnatural fatigue accompanied by chills and aches. Many practicioners consider this the warning signal, for when one ignores these signs, they can collapse, begin to immediately "age", or even succumb to insanity. In a few cases, it has been observed that a caster dramatically reaching beyond their means can die or even reduce their very being to nothingness. It is not easy to determine a "gifted" individual's overall power or stamina until they have practiced enough, defying the odds.
Recuperation
It is generally unkown whether caution in using Drycæ can eliminate the cost of one's life over time. Generally speaking, most Drycæm don't tend to live long when compared to others - though this is likely in part to their propensity to engage in risky behavior, such as 'adventuring'.
It is known that some Drycæm possess the ability to absorb the magical energy of others, though for the "non-gifted" the amounts received are often negligible. In addition, the Drycæ received in this manner seems to leak, or drain away over time. An interesting note, a person can voluntarily give a portion of their energy to a Drycæm and the effect seems to be much stronger - as in the caster receives much more than if they were to take said energy by force. Thankfully, this aberrent ability (ick) is exceeding rare in both Drycæm and Drycæ infused items.
The Spark
Despite common desire, almost anyone can learn to tap into the ability to use Drycæ. There are, however, certain indidividuals who have a "gift" for casting. These people often discover their ability unintentionally, usually during periods of stress or crisis. A few of these "natural" Drycæm discover their ability when nearby a powerful source of Drycæ being manifested. A Drycæm's strength, or the limit of their ability, is hardly a fixed amount. Amongst novice Drycæm, the ease to manifest a particular effect has been observed to vary wildly. The seemingly simple act of creating a flame could be as easy as one snapping their fingers, or require such concentration and focus that the burgeoning Drycæm may as well abandon any desire to use their ability. Similarly, some possess a strength far in excess of others, and attempting to light a lamp could result in the entire immediate area bursting into flame - including the caster.
Manifestation
To produce an effect, a Drycæm must envision the desired result, and enforce their will on the subject. To produce a cooling breeze, for example, a Drycæm might envision the fabric, hair, and loose items that lie nearby being disturbed by such a breeze, and then desire it to the point it becomes real. It is noted, however, that the more likely an effect is to occur, the less draining it appears to be for the caster. Knowledge of the sciences appear to help in some capacity, as shown in the Lazarian Trials, wherein some individuals were tasked with starting a fire in a hearth, and those instructed on the nature of heat and natural energy seemed to have dramatically less difficulty in accomplishing the task. Practice over time, coupled with proper education in the Natural Laws seem to shore up the disadvantage with pure innate strength. A final note, it is known that through repeated practice, a Drycæm's raw strength seems to grow, often in spurts, requiring less effort to create the desired effect. It is unknown why different individuals seem to have dramatically different absolute limits, however.
Perception
Animals & Monsters
Certain creatures, like the camoflauging Xell, have the ability to tap into this ability - yet rarely demonstrate any of the negative aspects. In truth, the only consequence ascribed is behavioral changes, though this side-effect may simply be speculation.
The ancient creatures known as Dragons were known to wield Drycæ with incredibly potent results. The fragmentary records of ancient times seem to indicate they did not suffer ill effects for millenia, until The Razing.
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