Mana-Scarred
Mana-Scarred Creation Sheet (PDF Download).
The Link between Mana and the Gods.
Scrolls in the Exodus Library tell of the Mana-Scarred appearing towards the end of the Great Exodus. It has been said that Korandia and Lagetan both could channel this power, but as the need became greater at the end of the Exodus, they passed this skill onto their followers. Korandia was apparently obsessed with the power insisting that it could save the race. Lagetan however was far more cautious, realising this power was too much for even God’s to use without study. Some even whisper that it is Korandia’s dive into the Mana Stream searching for infinite power that finally broke the Goddesses mind and drove her to her current, twisted madness.
The Creation.
One does not become a Mana-Scarred, it is not a profession to choose. Instead it is something you are born to. All Mana-Scarred can be identified by the moving tattoo like whirls of power moving under their skin, as the power of the Mana-Stream flows through their very blood. These whirls usually appear on children from four to six years old. Around this time, any cut can release some of the power stored within the child, causing localised thunder storms, lightning strikes or
worse.
Understandably few families can or are willing to deal with a child that can cause thunder strikes that can burn down the family home, so they are often sent to the nearest Mana-Scarred in the area who is honour bound to enrol them into the nearest Mana-Scarred academy.
worse.
Understandably few families can or are willing to deal with a child that can cause thunder strikes that can burn down the family home, so they are often sent to the nearest Mana-Scarred in the area who is honour bound to enrol them into the nearest Mana-Scarred academy.
The Academies.
Mana-Scarred powers might be contained within the blood of the wielder, but their powers are also linked quite powerfully to their emotions. The Academies are located outside of major towns and cities (there are a few in every domain) where Mana-Scarred can be taken to learn to control this huge power, and not let it control them. Many of the Academies teach their path to this control slightly differently, but they all have the same penalty for failure.
With the power that the Mana-Scarred have within them, the universal accepted rule is that any who fail to control their power, must have their powers taken from them before they cause destruction to the lives and properties of those around them. Unfortunately the only way to do this, is to slowly drain all of the blood from the failed student, killing them while allowing the trapped Mana in them to release naturally back to the Mana-Stream.
All academies also teach their students other things, the local histories, basic combat skills and more to help their charges prepare for the various rolls the Mana-Scarred will find themselves in demand for when they graduate.
With the power that the Mana-Scarred have within them, the universal accepted rule is that any who fail to control their power, must have their powers taken from them before they cause destruction to the lives and properties of those around them. Unfortunately the only way to do this, is to slowly drain all of the blood from the failed student, killing them while allowing the trapped Mana in them to release naturally back to the Mana-Stream.
All academies also teach their students other things, the local histories, basic combat skills and more to help their charges prepare for the various rolls the Mana-Scarred will find themselves in demand for when they graduate.
Visitors.
All Mana-Scarred academies are often visited by others, their positions outside town and their positions as repositories of local lore can make them invaluable for those seeking sage advice. Few Academies will give away access to anyone however, and often will charge a fee. While most academies are paid for by the Domain’s High Lord out of the collected taxes, they have no qualms about supplementing this wherever possible. It is also accepted that staying on the
grounds is taken at one’s own risk, even if the visitor’s houses are usually separate from the rest of the compound.
grounds is taken at one’s own risk, even if the visitor’s houses are usually separate from the rest of the compound.
Staff & Dagger.
The two symbols of Mana-Scarred are the Staff and the Dagger. All those who pass the training are granted their own dagger, sometimes called a Ritter. This sacred dagger is the tool used to release the Mana from their blood, and is attuned to each Mana-Scarred individually.
The Blood Staves are reserved for those higher in their atunement to the Mana-Stream, often the Academy masters. Of course, blood magic can also be used to create and improve many other items, such as the fabled blood swords, however, these are not so much considered badges of office, as created tools.
The Blood Staves are reserved for those higher in their atunement to the Mana-Stream, often the Academy masters. Of course, blood magic can also be used to create and improve many other items, such as the fabled blood swords, however, these are not so much considered badges of office, as created tools.
The Pilgrims.
Some Mana-Scarred, particularly those who have worked at their posts for a respected period will retire and begin the pilgrimage, visiting each of the Academies in turn, along with the Exodus Library in the holy city of Storfald. These respected masters will pass on their knowledge of how to tap into the Mana-Stream and ensure that important news flows between the Academies.
Fear & Acceptance.
Because of the powers that they wield the Mana-Scarred are in demand, and it is a rare Lord that will not have a trained Mana-Scarred attached to his household, even if not living in the building. The Mana-Scarred are often kept slightly separate from the rest of the household, but are often kept under some form of quiet observation. Some Lords do not trust the indoctrination that is given at the Academies, or the Mana-Scarred themselves.
Amongst the general population Mana-Scarred will often find people moving out of their path when they walk. They will be afforded the treatment of a noble often, given food and preference when requested, but they will also be avoided, and treated as pariahs, simply because of the stories of their abilities. The fact that they are trained to keep their emotions in check can with some make this even worse, as their very natures can appear quite alien to the generally emotional Skaran populace.
Amongst the general population Mana-Scarred will often find people moving out of their path when they walk. They will be afforded the treatment of a noble often, given food and preference when requested, but they will also be avoided, and treated as pariahs, simply because of the stories of their abilities. The fact that they are trained to keep their emotions in check can with some make this even worse, as their very natures can appear quite alien to the generally emotional Skaran populace.
Renegades.
Of course, not all those who are Mana-Scarred get to the academies, some flee when they discover they have the whirls that mark them, some flee before completing their training. These poor souls, known as Renegades are thankfully rare. Few make it many years alone, though some will join mercenary groups or such parties. Without the training however, the self-destruction factor of these individuals is quite high, often taking out others around them. Because of this trained Mana-Scarred will try to arrange hunts to destroy these renegades before their self-destruction causes even more fear or hatred for their own kind.
Article by A.Ockendon, posted 06/08/2013. Copyright claimed.