Esper

Wielders of power not meant for mortal hands, blessed or burdened by a tether to the Primordial energies that shape the world.

What Is an Esper?

An Esper is a rare individual born with the innate ability to manipulate magical forces directly—without the need for incantations, runes, or external foci. Unlike most humans, who require Arcanite, a mineral that channels and stabilizes magic, Espers possess a latent resonance with the Primordial Vein, the lifeblood of Velastra’s elemental magic. This makes Espers both powerful assets and potential catastrophes.

Magical Affinity and Specialization

While all Espers channel raw magic, their talents align with one of eight foundational schools, which reflect aspects of reality as shaped by the slumbering Primordials:

Esper Schools of Magic

Legerdemain

Legerdemain is a foundational technique often practiced by novice Espers honing their magical skills. It allows the Esper to create various minor magical effects within close range. The spell offers many different options for its effects.

Espers using Legerdemain can magically move nearby objects, create basic illusions, create lights, create and manipulate clothing and more, demonstrating their ability to manipulate the environment on a small scale. The list below are some examples of use-cases of Legerdemain:

• Move or levitate small objects within a certain range (e.g., keys, cups, scrolls).
• Arrange or stack objects with pinpoint accuracy (e.g., setting up traps, organizing items).
• Create simple visual illusions (e.g., a flickering flame, a small animal, a mysterious shadow).
• Produce basic sounds (e.g., footsteps, whispers, a door creaking).
• Conjure orbs of light to illuminate dark areas (e.g., guiding through a cave, reading at night).
• Adjust the brightness and color of existing light sources (e.g., dimming lights for stealth, creating ambiance).
• Magically alter the appearance of clothing (e.g., change colors, patterns, or styles).
• Create minor accessories (e.g., hats, jewelry, scarves).
• Lock or unlock simple mechanical locks (e.g., doors, chests).
• Magically hide small objects in plain sight or make them appear elsewhere.
• Create small sparks for starting fires or signaling.
• Control small amounts of water (e.g., filling a glass, dousing a small fire).
• Generate a brief gust of wind (e.g., to blow out candles, scatter papers).
• Slightly warm or cool objects (e.g., making a drink hot, cooling down a hot item).
• Whisper a message to a distant person within a limited range.
• Calm small animals (e.g., soothing a nervous pet, distracting a guard dog).
• Obscure tracks or footprints, aiding in stealth and evasion.
• Mend minor damage to objects (e.g., fixing a torn page, repairing a cracked cup).
• Create minor alterations to one's appearance (e.g., changing eye color, adding or removing facial hair).
• Muffle sounds in a small area (e.g., for stealth, creating a quiet zone for rest).

Historical Timeline of Espers in Velastra

Ancient History (Pre-500 AR) – The Fractured Awakening

First Emergence (Approx. 320 AR) Following an eruption of Primordial energy deep beneath Caelvaris, a handful of individuals began exhibiting uncontrolled magical outbursts. The term “Esper” did not yet exist. These people were often exiled, executed, or used in warfare as disposable weapons.

The War of Sundering Flame (417–429 AR) A catastrophic war ignited by rogue Espers who attempted to break the Seals of the Primordials. The resulting devastation cratered much of central Velastra and shattered dozens of minor kingdoms. This leads to the formation of The Fourfold Accord.

The Accord Era (Post-429 AR) – Order and Fear

Fourfold Accord Signed (430 AR) To prevent another Sundering, the leaders of the four nations sign an agreement to regulate all relic research and magical training. Espers are deemed “Blessed of the Flame” in Caelvaris, “Divine Phenomena” in Vhar-Khazel, “Nature’s Echoes” in Sylvaraeth, and “Anomalies of the Veil” in Nyssavren.

Relic Prohibition (487 AR) A summit in Thessryn outlaws individual possession of relics by Espers, citing multiple disappearances and a dimensional collapse incident linked to Gravah magic.

Institutionalization and Control (500–770 AR)

First Esper Census (511 AR) Conducted in Avaruun. Estimates only 1 in 200,000 are born with Esper potential, with an even smaller percentage surviving adolescence without magical overload.

Rise of the Aetherwrights (548 AR) In Vhar-Khazel, Esper engineers and philosophers create the Aetherwrights’ Guild, seeking to safely integrate Esper talents with magitek. Some see this as heretical tampering with relic technology.

Sylvaraeth Druidic Integration (566 AR) The Ouralan Druidic Circle begins mentoring Espers as part of the “Weaving Rite,” seeing them as chosen intermediaries between the Worldtree Caethoril and mortal life. Their magic is shaped by rituals and spirit guidance rather than formal schooling.

Nyssavren Dreamwalkers Formed (602 AR) Espers in Nyssavren are absorbed into the Dreamwalkers’ Cloister, tasked with interpreting celestial signs and arcane weather patterns. Their methods are more spiritual and introspective than scholarly.

The Ember Vigil and Modern Policy (770 AR–Present)

Mount Ilthrakar Incident (769 AR) A rogue Esper causes a volcanic rift by awakening a fragment of Ifrexus. The disaster kills hundreds. The Royal Edict of Flame in 770 AR leads to the founding of The Ember Vigil in Caelvaris.

Formation of the Vigil (770 AR) Queen Aelira formally grants operational freedom to Esper-led Vigil agents, recognizing their role as first responders to relic awakenings. The Esper Trials become a rite of passage to serve within the Vigil.

Codification of the Schools (787 AR) The Eight Schools are defined and formalized, allowing for the first pan-continental understanding of Esper classification.

Relic Black Market Surge (805–812 AR) Espers are found increasingly involved in black-market relic trade. The Vigil authorizes “containment squads” to operate beyond Caelvaris borders under diplomatic pretext.

The Emberfall Rebellion (812–814 AR) Multiple rogue Espers join Verathen’s forces, manipulated by the Ifrexus into believing Ifrexus should be awakened. The Ember Vigil is pivotal in reclaiming stolen relics.

Esper Roles in the Four Nations

Caelvaris (The Ember Vigil) — Agents of control and relic defense. Vhar-Khazel (Aetherwrights’ Guild) — Arcane engineers and magitek integrators. Sylvaraeth (Ouralan Druids) — Mystics, healers, and spiritbinders. Nyssavren (Dreamwalkers’ Cloister) — Dream-seers and veilwalkers.

Notable Espers in History

Warden Lys Vaeleth (b. 772 AR) Head of The Ember Vigil. Gravah Esper known for sealing a rift over Mirehold Bastion using an unstable relic.

Tahran Vel Aetherius (d. 584 AR) Founder of the Aetherwrights’ Guild. First to combine Arcanite circuits with Esper resonance fields.

Ilanel of the Hollow Tree (fl. 600s AR) Illusion Esper who merged with the root-song of Caethoril and faded from the material world. Said to whisper in the dreams of Sylvaraeth’s oracles.

Prince Dareth Vaelwyn (Presumed Dead) A Ruin Esper with latent connections to Ifrexus, used in attempted rituals during The Emberfall Rebellion.