Willworkers

The practice of Willworking, controlling one's own body or the minds of others, is relatively unknown, an art passed from one Willworker to another, never seen outside Grakis. The origins of this mysterious art remain hidden in the veil of history. As their art is seen as dangerous, Willworkers often hide from society, practicing their arts in secret. Willworkers use the power of the will to enhance their own physical prowess or to bend the wills of others. It is this latter aspect of Willworking that draws fear from the general populace, causing even well-meaning Willworkers to be persecuted in the backwater Fens. Unlike the grandiose, almost theatrical spellcasting of the wizards of New Coldain or the ritual orisons of the Dragonspeakers, Willworking requires only the Will to act, eschewing incantation and gesture and material correspondence. It is much more taxing on the body as a result, even for mental Willworkers.

The Twin Paths

Willworkers practice one of two paths - the Path of the Mind and the Path of the Body. Only one Willworker is known to have mastered both, and no one knows what became of her.

Path of the Mind

The Path of the Mind is the most widely known - and feared - of the two Paths. Those who practice the Path of the Mind assert their Will over others, suggesting, commanding, even dominating others. Some practice oneiromancy, working in dreams - both their own and others. Others weave their Will through their tongues, giving orders or suggestions or commands. Others still can hide in plain sight by planting the suggestion in many minds that one is not worth looking at. Some can link minds together to speak without words.

Path of the Body

The Path of the Body is the ultimate expression of mind over matter, pushing the body beyond the limits of pain and fatigue to accomplish impossible feats. A physical Willworker can run for days without end, go without food or drink for weeks at a time, contort their bodies into impossible positions, and move faster than muscles should be able to propel them.

The Union

Some feats of Will are common to both Paths of Willworking.

• Telekinesis - moving objects from afar
• Mental Fortress - guarding one's mind against direct mental control and manipulation
• Detection - detecing when another's Will has been compromised