Aelthen
"Though the Aelthen come from beyond the known planes, none that we know of predate the migration to Arcanorum. Some historical records claim they came willingly, others that they were forced here by a catastrophe that sealed away their homelands forevermore."
"Regardless, they remain one of the few links to the realms beyond, and the aspected nature of their forms belie a lingering connection to that forbidden place. The ritualistic nature of the transformation into the Aspects is a closely guarded secret, known only to the elders of the Aelthen, however, what is common knowledge is that they derive their power from something called the Aelflame: a deific source of power brought with them from their long lost home."
"One hopes that whatever would drive an entire civilization, let alone one empowered by such a source of power, across the span of the realms should never arrive here."
Description
Aelthen are a breed of long-lived, arcane outsiders who typically present as a pointy eared, shimmery skinned humanoid with sharp fangs. These beings draw their inner powers from an ancient boon granted by a cosmic, deific wyrm who’s name is lost to time. This blessing is commonly referred to as the Aelflame. Within the spirit of all Aelthen lies a spark that can be awakened by a ritual performed by the most ancient of Aelthen - The Aeldest.
The ritual itself is a closely guarded secret and many Aelthen spend their entire lives without their spark having been enkindled. In some cases, the Aeldest may guide a young Aelthen to ignite their flame early in their life, though the motives of this choice are often not revealed to anyone. The ignition of one's Aelflame is as much a rite of passage as it is a social boon, as those who undergo the rite often “bloom”: a rather significant physical transformation. This ritual always includes three Aelthen who each become one of the three subspecies, one of each. Rite-Sibilings commonly feel a strong bond with one another, and follow each other's exploits from afar, if they don’t outright keep in close contact.
Ætori: The Aspect of Body
Aelthen who find themselves attuned to the Body are invigorated with energy directly from the Aelflame. Their eyes naturally tend to shade towards warmer colors, such as gold, red, and orange and their ears shorten to just barely pointed human-like ears. Their hair commonly has streaks of metallic gold and thin veins of gold present themselves over the large portions of the Ætori’s body as a result of the magical energy surging through to their muscles.
The Ætori are physical marvels: their reflexes are lightning fast, and are often unnaturally graceful. They are capable of quickly healing themselves, leaving golden scars scattered over their bodies, as well as an ability to unleash catastrophic amounts of power in short bursts burning their own flesh from within.
Bellorae: The Aspect of Soul
Aelthen who are attuned to the Soul are emotional savants and have an impassioned sentimentality. Their forms tend towards jewel-like tones that are deeply saturated, like sapphires, emeralds, and amethyst. Their skin often takes on a similar blush with unearthly hues dominating the cheeks, hair that falls in blue, green, and purple cascades, eyes like cool gemstones, and lips like freshly cut aloe. Many have prominent ears that exceed a hand’s breadth, often coming out near perpendicular from their heads.
Bellorae are capable of embracing and manipulating emotion to their benefit. They can force an uncomfortable sense of fear in their foes, or lend an object or location a sense of calmness and tranquility. This can often present itself in a literal healing, where mending the frantic emotions of an ally also closes physical wounds.
Shaddari: The Aspect of Mind
Aelthen of the Mind are calculating masterminds, with an immaculate understanding of the world. Their eyes are often pale and milky, or jet black, and their skin often has a silvery overtone that is marked by veins of pure silver coming from their eyes and hairline. Their ears remain the same length as the unattuned Aelthen, but often become twisted and gnarled like that of a bat.
The Shaddari have an incredible natural mental acuity, and while this doesn’t necessarily make them smarter than anyone else, they do possess a powerful memory for the intricacies of magic. The Shaddari are often born with an innate magical sense, and find it even easier to add to their collection of knowledge over time, even when they devote themselves to other pursuits.
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~ Dylan Thomas