Incarnum Species in Shadows' Nocturne | World Anvil

Incarnum

As it was in the Beginning, so there was first Light and Darkness and they were everything. Then came Life, and at the same time Death. From the Chaos, Order, and to bind all things in one, Magic. These were the Incarnum and they were the greatest powers in all of known existence. What was beyond them, even they could not know, for they each existed as a single focus; one portfolio which was the nature and wholeness of them. Time passed, however, and there was in the world life and things that walked upon the earth and in realms of magic. In the places of uttermost darkness, and in primordial light. Sparks of being that called upon the Incarnum and drew from the nature of them and they became with will and personality. As these sparks gave them traits and shape, so they assumed those. They took forms, that they might walk the realms of all existence and be of service as their portfolios and natures demanded.

They are the Incarnum of these universal certainties, made whole and singular with consciousness.  The forms they assume upon the earth are most often human, though they have been known to take other shape from time to time as the need of their being requires.  Each of them takes on an Avatar, which is the part of them that walks the world when they need not be actively working upon the earth.  These Avatars are unique and distinct personalities from their Incarnum and they live in a kind of gestalt existence.  Always, however, the Incarnum is most powerful and can override the will of their Avatar if need be.

While they are both eternal and immortal, that does not go to assume that the Incarnum cannot be slain.  They can die, though it is not an easy thing to accomplish.  If the body of the Avatar is done enough damage it can die and the Incarnum will, when the right conditions are met, be reborn into a new body.  It is a true reincarnation and eventually they regain all of their powers and memories.  

Though they are mighty in power, that extends only within the bounds of their portfolio.  They cannot see or act beyond it, and are certainly not all knowing.  They have power limited to that which is required for the execution of their purpose and the need of those around them.  It is true that they are some of the most powerful beings known, this is a very limited band of power and they serve to counter and balance one another.

Each Incarnum takes on a Scion to assist them in their duties.  This scion is their echo in lesser form, their agent upon the earth when they are otherwise busy, or when something does not require the direct hand of an Incarnum.  A Scion can be of any people, from human to faery, and the natures of their duties change with their Incarnum.  The most important function of a Scion is to stand in stead should their Incarnum die, to keep up the work and maintain a balance until the avatar can be reborn.  

Each Scion, in turn, is granted a Raven to help them with their duties as well, thereby establishing a chain of power and agents so that all the great powers of the world can function in balance and equality with one another.  

While the Incarnum generally get along, it is not always the case.  They have gon through periods of strife and those usually cause echoes within the realms, causing times of great upheaval.  They do their best, most of the time, to have as little direct impact on the mortal realm especially.

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