Veil Walkers

The Veil Walkers are a secretive and elusive group of individuals who have crossed into the Veil surrounding the Veilstone Monolith and returned with profound, often inexplicable changes. Legends suggest they are no ordinary wanderers but people touched by the ancient magic that flows through the monolith. They possess abilities that border on the supernatural, and their existence is shrouded in myth, though sightings of these enigmatic figures are rare but not unheard of in the lands of Silverhelm.

Origin and Purpose

The true origins of the Veil Walkers are unknown, even to themselves. Those who become Veil Walkers often claim to have no memory of the moment they crossed into the veil. Some are scholars and wizards seeking forgotten knowledge; others are ordinary travelers who stumbled upon the monolith by accident. Upon crossing the threshold, their memories of that time become hazy, but they emerge changed—imbued with strange powers and a deep connection to time and space.
Most Veil Walkers believe that they have been chosen by an ancient, unknown force that resides within or beyond the monolith. Their purpose, while not entirely clear, seems to be tied to the balance of magic and fate in the world. Some are drawn to prevent great calamities, while others act as advisors, guiding those with potential to greatness or steering them away from ruin.

Powers and Abilities

The most defining trait of a Veil Walker is their ability to manipulate time and space, though their powers are subtle, cryptic, and not entirely under their control. Some of the abilities commonly attributed to Veil Walkers include:

• Temporal Foresight: Veil Walkers are said to experience flashes of possible futures, glimpses into events yet to come. These visions are rarely clear and can be symbolic or fragmented, requiring interpretation. They often come unbidden, triggered by emotional events, proximity to the monolith, or celestial alignments.
• Phasewalking: Veil Walkers can slip in and out of the material plane for brief moments, allowing them to move unseen or pass through physical barriers. This power is unreliable, and the longer they stay "phased," the greater the risk they might not return.
• Echoes of the Past: They can summon ghostly echoes of people or events from the past. These spectral figures may not be fully tangible or sentient, but they can convey important information or replay critical moments in history.
• Time Distortion: In extreme situations, Veil Walkers can temporarily slow down or speed up time in a small area. This ability is taxing and can lead to a price paid in physical or mental exhaustion. Prolonged use of time distortion can even blur the lines between the present and alternate timelines.

Appearance and Symbolism

Veil Walkers are often indistinguishable from ordinary people until their powers manifest, but those familiar with their lore recognize them by subtle signs. They may possess slightly glowing eyes that shift colors in different lighting, or their skin may carry faint marks, like the shimmering runes on the Veilstone Monolith.
Each Veil Walker also carries a "Veilstone Fragment," a shard of the monolith’s stone that seems to have bonded to them during their journey through the veil. These fragments are rumored to resonate with nearby magic, glowing softly in response to mystical energies or celestial events. Some believe that the fragments protect them from the veil's more dangerous effects, while others think they are a key to unlocking even greater powers.

Role in Society

Veil Walkers tend to keep to themselves, often wandering the world or retreating into seclusion. However, when they appear, it is usually at crucial moments in history. Kings, wizards, and adventurers alike have sought the advice of Veil Walkers during times of great need, though they are known for their cryptic and sometimes frustratingly vague guidance. Unlike seers or prophets, Veil Walkers do not always offer direct answers; instead, they present choices or hints, believing that individuals must choose their own fate.
While most of society views them with awe and reverence, there are some who fear or mistrust Veil Walkers. Their powers and cryptic nature lead some to suspect that they are harbingers of doom or agents of unknown forces. Dark rumors claim that not all Veil Walkers are benevolent—some may have been twisted by their journey through the veil, becoming agents of chaos or manipulating events for their own ends.

Notable Veil Walkers

• Isaline Velarion: A noblewoman from Silverhelm who disappeared for three years after entering the Argent Woods. She returned as a Veil Walker and has since advised three different monarchs during times of great strife. She is known for her calm demeanor and unnerving accuracy in predicting political upheaval.
• Korin the Silent: A former adventurer who wandered into the veil while exploring ruins near the monolith. Upon his return, he took a vow of silence and now only communicates through written prophecies and visions. Korin has become a cult-like figure, surrounded by followers who believe he will lead them to some hidden truth.
• Lylith Sunshadow: A rogue Veil Walker who uses her time-bending abilities to carry out covert missions. She is a wanted figure in several cities for interfering with the natural flow of time, believed to have caused several disappearances and temporal anomalies.

Mysteries and Theories

Some scholars believe that the Veil Walkers are part of a larger cosmic cycle, a select group chosen in each generation to maintain balance in the world. Others argue that their powers may come with a terrible cost—that each time a Veil Walker alters time or space, they risk unraveling reality itself. It is whispered in some circles that the veil around the monolith is not just a barrier between worlds but a prison, and the more the Veil Walkers interfere, the weaker that prison becomes.
Despite these fears, the Veil Walkers continue to walk the line between fate and chaos, their true purpose known only to themselves and the forces that call them.

Type

Secret, Brotherhood