Unveiling the Nephari: A Journey into the World of Mistgate
In Mistgate the line between magic and reality is razor thin and exist in a delicate balance with one another. The nephari emerge as captivating figures woven into the tapestry of the setting's arcane history. Their origin is steeped in the disconnection of aetheric energies from the world, a time when almost all magic had disappeared and the practice was a rare phenomenon. Skilled sorcerers, grappling with the scarcity of magical forces, delved into their own beings to unearth latent energies. Others, more daring, discovered that the sacrifice and rituals involving blood could unlock even more potent magical capabilities.
The nephari, as we know them today, are the result of these daring arcane rituals. A break in the Veil, the ethereal boundary separating Theia and the Mists, allowed spirits to be drawn through and forcibly bound to a mortal host. In the bygone days of the Tiefys Empire, such rebirth ceremonies were reserved for the elite—high priests, court dignitaries, and the like. Surprisingly, royal houses seldom underwent the Ritual of Rebirth, making it an exceptional occurrence when they did. Post-rebirth, these individuals wielded a formidable magical prowess, elevating them to an almost god-like status among other spellcasters.
While the nephari's origin is linked to a time of magical scarcity, the Ritual of Rebirth has evolved. In the current era, it is performed under different circumstances, devoid of the need for sacrifice. The arcane tradition has been preserved by the descendants of the Thirteen Demon Tribes, who later became the original settlers of Thasmudaine. Today, the gift of rebirth is bestowed as an accolade upon agents of powerful houses operating within Thasmudaine, particularly in its capital city of the same name. The nephari, much like their predecessors, occupy a position of prestige and privilege.
The Nephari in the World of Mistgate
Within the Mistgate setting, the nephari possess a unique connection to both the spiritual realm, shared by espers and nightmares, and the tangible world known to the inhabitants of Theia and the Mist Isles. Much like the people of Mistgate, the nephari are intimately tied to a seminal event that altered the course of Theia's history and shaped the future.
Drawing parallels with D&D's tiefling or genasi characters, nephari in Mistgate stand apart from others. As part of their rebirth, a nephari's appearance changes and characteristics such as tails, wings, or other aspects that manifested from the will of the spirit or the magic of the ritual to bind the souls together. Regardless of the other physical changes that might occur, the defining feature of the nephari are their horns. The fusion of two souls into one triggers a transformation, resulting in a variety of horn shapes and sizes. Whether resembling ram's horns, stag's antlers, or a series of ridges, the horns are often misconstrued as indicators of a nephari's power. Within nephari culture the size and shape of a nephari's horns has become a symbol of status.
Just like any diverse population, nephari come in various temperaments—some are haughty, while others exude humility. As Mistgate opens up to an interconnected world, nephari have ventured beyond Thasmudaine, spreading across the Known World. Notably, they have made a significant presence in the Guild Marches, one of Thasmudaine's closest neighbors and crucial partners.
Embark on the Journey of Mistgate
As Mistgate's development unfolds, delve deeper into the captivating world of the nephari and other mystical beings. Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter for future updates or following us on social media. Join us on this enchanting journey, where the boundaries between magic and reality blur, and the nephari stand as living testament to the ever-evolving wonders of Mistgate.
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