Imager

Illusion magic means that Imagers are rarely what they appear to be. These Spell-Touched have a talent for mimicry, refracting people's quirks back at them. Unlike the Mutables, they do not shift their own forms in response to others, but they excel at building on existing features in ways that produce a different effect. More than any other Spell-Touched, Imagers are welcomed by other humanoids. They aren't trusted, as lying seems to come as easily to them as breathing, but they are valued for their creativity and skills. While there is little to no space in a harsh world like Detritus for art or entertainment, travelling troupes who brave the storms and fashionable socialites in Gorlincks can make a respectable living. Imagers are often bards, weaving illusions to tell their stories. This can be a political act, too: the tragic tale of Karanis and Meroe is forbidden in Gorlincks on pain of death but if anyone can get away with performing it, the Imagers can. Of course, they are also employed in a variety of less savoury occupations: the Bounders-Chant family are known to employ a number of them in their dealings. This may well be exaggerated - after all, how would you ever know? Imagers have an iridescent sheen to their skin and eyes like mirrors, which makes them both beautiful and unnerving to look at. However, most stay out of the public eye and assume illusions for all but select people.