Veils of Marus

Overview

When Caydon Rel ascended to become the Lord of Magic, one of his great miracles was the creation of the Veils of Marus. These metaphysical auras are woven into the being of every Sophont who lives in the Realm of Seas; A magical shroud that grows to envelope their Soul, drawing in Primal Elements from their surroundings, and slowly preparing their bodies as they age. When a Sophont reaches maturity they may finally learn to manipulate it, control it, and develop an intimate understanding of this Veil's inner workings.

These would-be Gifted come about when individuals consciously absorb the potent energies found within one of the Realm's Natural Treasures. These pure sources of the Primal Elements warp both the Gifted and their Veils as they gain influence over subtle fundamental forces on Marus. Gifted that adjust to these unique slurries powers will inevitably develop some control over their Veils and a deeper understanding of the currents of powers held within them. Those who train their will and spirit will find that their Veil becomes like clay in an artist's hands; its inner power being shaped into Workings born of imagination and their command over their absorbed Primal Elements. Thus a Path to Power is born and another Gifted begins their trek toward the pinnacle.

I give to you a shield with which your soul will finally be safe... A tool with which you may build a better future... A weapon with which you strike down the mighty... I give to you a Veil to shroud your soul, bear yor identity, give purpose to your Path.

— Excerpt from the Words of Rel

There are 2 secrets on this page.

General Information

Veil Wounds

Some wounds strike deeper than mere flesh and bone. Truly harmful injuries will attack at the very Soul and may leave scars on the Veil that protects it. These Veil Wounds may be rare, but they drastically affect a Gifted's future advancement and may even be a lasting set back on their Path to Power. There are few ways to fully heal these grievous injuries and time is often the only way to recover what was lost.

Veil Echoes

When a Sophont dies on Marus, their Soul does not pass over into a Divine Domain as on many other Realms. Their Veil instead consumes their Soul in order to create a creature known as a Veil Echo. This being of pure magic is born from the remnant identity, emotions, and history of the creature from which it originates. These magical entities may still possess some level of intelligence, a personal drive, and even some latent fears; but they are often imperfect reflections of their living selves and driven to violent madness by their metamorphosis.

Veil Control

This is the measure of a Gifted's ability to command and control their Veil along with its associated Primal Elements. The young and the newly Gifted are often taught that their Veils are like a muscle that will only improve with the most diligent and studious training. Those who apply themselves will inevitably find that their Veil Control has evolved into a tool with which they can freely express their creativity. It is the most vital skill to push a Path to Power through to the pinnacle of the Relic Arts.

Veil Contests

When two or more Gifted go head to head, it is not uncommon for their Veils to wrestle for supremacy. These contests act as a measure of a Veil’s innate strengths, its Gifted's level of control, and their overall rank through a owerful projection of their Path to Power into the surroundings. Victory is only attained when one side has overwhelmed the other. Veil Contests play a pivotal role in Marus' cultures as the primary method for resolving common disputes, identifying unfamiliar individuals, and enforcing civil order in the city centers. Thus the strong rule over the weak for the power of rank is king.

Veil Suppression

When a Gifted has reached Iron-Rank, their Veil becomes powerfully dense and capable of temporarily subsuming the Veils of others. Through a successful Veil Contest they may suppresses a Gifted's ability to effectively wield their Veil. A Suppressed Gifted is unable to cycle Primal Elements through their body and is thus incapable of using the Relic Arts. These effects persist as long as the Gifted maintains their focus or until their opponent successfully shoves off their yoke of suppression.

Realmhopping to Marus is required to know this secret.

Developing a Veil is required to know this secret.