The Powers

The Powers are a collection of supernatural entities. Their exact nature is unknown, though they show a clear interest in humanity, particularly in inspiring hope and fear in specific ways, though whether they arise from these emotions, exist as parasites that feed upon them, or are merely fixated upon specific ideas and emotions is unclear. It is not even known whether they are a collection of entities with their own interests or a single entity that we glimpse different facets of.
For practical purposes, the Hunter's Guild chooses to describe them as independent beings with complex relationships to each other, as this framework seems to be the easiest one to explain. Each Power is grouped according to what hopes and fears they inspire, and to a lesser extent to the abilities granted those who are bound to them.

• The Hunter is empowered by the emotions of a predator and its prey. The prey fears being caught and hopes for escape, while the predator hopes to kill their quarry and fears going home empty handed. The Hunter has been associated with a number of things, from wild animals to supernatural beasts that prey upon humans to murderous humans.
• The Burning is empowered by the fear of fire and heat, as well as caustic chemicals and similar hazards. It may also feed upon the hope for light and warmth and comfort that a controlled fire can provide, though some have argued that this aspect should be attributed to a being known as The Illuminated, citing cases that feature a sourceless and stifling heat that burns without providing light.
• The Rot is empowered by the fear of decay, disease, and filth. It primarily manifests through swarms of insects or foul moulds that resist any effort to cleanse them.
• The Deep is empowered through the fear of large unknown spaces, and that which may lurk within them. Some prefer to call this the Expanse, to avoid the implication that the Deep is strictly related to the depths of the ocean.
• The Wonder is the direct antithesis of the Deep, empowered by the hope for discovery. This can be the personal discoveries made by exploring children, the great explorers mapping the high seas, researchers seeking to learn more about the world, and more. The Guild believes Megaflorica to be an incarnation of the Wonder, and some are increasingly concerned over the widespread use of the oil and tea drawn from its form.