Arcane Powers

Introduction:

In the vast expanses of the Nexarium Arcanis, magic weaves through the fabric of reality, a potent force accessible to only a chosen few. Born from the cosmos's primordial energies, this arcane power divides the galaxy's inhabitants between those who draw from the light and those who harness the darkness. This division is not merely about the nature of the powers but the sources from which these energies are drawn and the intentions behind their use.

The Essence of Arcane Power: Arcane power in the galaxy manifests from the cosmos's very core, an omnipresent energy that transcends physical laws, connecting all forms of life and matter. This energy, however, is interpreted through the lens of cultural beliefs, historical conflicts, and personal philosophies, leading to the widespread perception of a binary: the Light and the Dark.
The Light is seen by many, especially the followers of the Veyd Order's teachings, as the universe's natural harmony—a force of balance, healing, and enlightenment. Drawing power from Light involves inner peace, concentration, and a deep connection with the cosmos's benevolent aspects. It represents an extension of the universe's will, aiding in the maintenance of equilibrium and the nurturing of life.
The Darkness, in contrast, is viewed as a malignant growth, a corruption seeking to suffocate the galaxy's light. Yet, this perspective is not universally held. The Draethar, and the Acaronian Empire, see it as the source of true strength, a means to transcend limitations and assert one's will over the cosmos, breaking their shackles. For them, arcane power is a tool, a weapon to conquer and dominate, irrespective of its source.
Learning and Sensitivity to Magic: Arcane sensitivity is a rare gift, bestowed upon approximately one in a thousand individuals. This sensitivity varies across species and is notably absent in mechanized beings, hinting at a deep, organic connection between magic and life. Training, knowledge, belief, and a profound link to the energy pool from which one draws power are crucial for harnessing arcane abilities.
Arcane Powers and Practices: The Veyd: Keepers of the Light The Veyd harness their powers through tranquility, concentration and a firm commitment to the greater good. Their abilities includes:

• Healing Light: The ability to heal wounds and cure poisons in themselves and others through meditation and the channeling of positive energy.
• Understanding Languages: Every Veyd has the innate ability to understand every language spoken in the known galaxy.
• Aura of Serenity: They can calm emotions in others, diffusing tense situations and promoting peace.
• Mind Shield: A mental barrier against manipulation and control, reflecting their focus on self-discipline and protection.
• Battle Trance: A Deep concentration state that sees a warrior of the Veyd not be affected by physical harm or distress, in some cases the Veyd could be seen fighting for hours, even after a wound that would’ve killed them.
• Lightning: A manifestation of the Veyd indomitable will, they can channel their energy into destructive arcs of energy capable of incapacitating or killing foes.
• Energy Projection: The Veyd can manifest their will into protective barriers or non-lethal force to subdue enemies without causing permanent harm.
• Ancestral Projection: Veyd with deep connection to the Arcane can call upon projections to help them in a moment of need. These projections take the form of long deceased Veyd warriors and councilors, being able to turn the tide of a battle.

The Draethar: Masters of the Dark The Draethar embrace the arcane through intense emotions and blood rituals, having access to different abilities than the Veyd, more powerful and devastating in nature, such as:

• Blood Magic: Draethar sorcery knows no bounds, through rituals, they can summon creatures, cast curses, or bolster their physical capabilities, trading vitality for power.
• Blood Fury: Enhances their physical capabilities and resilience, driven by their own pain or anger, often invoked through rituals of bloodspill.
• Shadowflame: The ability to conjure and manipulate dark fire, representing their control over destructive forces.
• Mind Warp: They can manipulate, terrify, or control the minds of others, showcasing their mastery over fear and aggression.
• Essence Drain (Arcane Vampirism): A Draethar may use his powers to drain the living essence of beings as a way to sustain themselves. There have been several accounts of this vampirism through the years, with some Draethar being able to achieve a virtual immortality through this process, extending their lives for millennia untold.
• Dark Resurrection: In rare, extreme cases, high-ranking Draethar can perform rituals to bring the dead back to serve them, though at great personal risk and cost.
• Wraith Transformation: It is a known fact that a particularly powerful Draethar may become a wraith upon death, being able to posses bodies and objects and infecting the surrounding area with their influence.

Shared Arcane Abilities Both factions share a set of fundamental powers, underscoring the neutral nature of arcane energy itself. These include:

• Telekinesis: Both the Vayd and the Draethar are able to move objects or people, with their mind, lift, throw, crush, pull and even in some cases choke them. Being one of the most versatile abilities to be used
• Shadowmelding: The ability to blend into shadows, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. This power reflects their adeptness in moving unseen, whether for protection or stealth attacks.
• Eidetic Memory (Knowledge Absorption and Perfect Memory): They can absorb knowledge rapidly and remember it perfectly, allowing them to learn languages, codes, and secrets with ease.
• Enhanced Reflexes, Intellect, and Senses: Both factions possess heightened physical and mental abilities, including quick reflexes, sharp intellect, and acute senses, enabling them to react swiftly to dangers, solve complex problems, and perceive threats that would elude ordinary beings.

The Dichotomy of Light and Darkness: The cosmic struggle between Light and Darkness in Nexarium Arcanis mirrors the eternal human questions of morality, power, and destiny. It is a reflection of the universe's complexity, where the same energy that can illuminate can also consume. This duality serves as the backdrop for tales of heroism, betrayal, redemption, and the endless quest for understanding in a galaxy where the arcane is both a gift and a curse.