TRACE

TRACE Magick is the mystical force that underpins all magical abilities. Referred to simply as TRACE by most, this primordial energy is a powerful and versatile resource that allows its users, known as TRACE Sensitives, to manipulate reality, control the elements, and perform feats beyond human capability. Despite its potential for good, TRACE is also highly susceptible to corruption, and its misuse can lead to devastating consequences — including the creation of ALTERs.

TRACE Magick is not universally accessible; only those with a natural sensitivity to TRACE energy can wield it. This sensitivity often manifests in childhood or adolescence and, without proper training, can result in accidental bursts of raw power, creating dangerous events known as ALTER-EVENTS.

TRACE is thought to be an ancient, fundamental energy that flows through every living being, object, and the very fabric of existence. Its origins remain a mystery, with theories suggesting it may stem from cosmic forces, divine intervention, or even the elemental core of the universe. In its purest form, TRACE represents balance, harmony, and boundless potential. However, it is a neutral force, meaning that its effects depend entirely on the intentions and skill of the user.

TRACE energy is both finite and regenerative. TRACE Sensitives draw upon this energy reservoir to cast spells, heal wounds, or alter the environment around them. Overusing TRACE without proper control, however, can deplete a user’s energy, leading to exhaustion, loss of control, and in severe cases, corruption of the TRACE itself.

TRACE Magick manifests in a variety of forms, each representing a distinct elemental or thematic affinity. Every TRACE-sensitive individual typically has a natural connection to one primary affinity, though some develop multiple affinities through intense study and practice. The main affinities include:

• Fire Magick - Known for its raw offensive power, Fire Magick harnesses the energy of flames to incinerate and overwhelm opponents. It is powerful but volatile, requiring discipline to control.
• Water Magick - The magick of healing and restoration, Water Magick can cleanse toxins, heal wounds, and purify corrupted TRACE. It embodies compassion and rejuvenation, but lacks the offensive force of other affinities.
• Earth Magick - Focusing on defense and resilience, Earth Magick allows users to manipulate soil, stone, and natural structures. It grants its wielders heightened endurance, making them difficult to defeat.
• Lightning Magick - An electrifying affinity, Lightning Magick emphasizes speed and high-impact attacks. Its wielders can unleash quick, powerful bursts of energy but must be cautious of its unpredictable nature.
• Air Magick - Subtle and strategic, Air Magick enables the manipulation of air currents, enhancing agility and providing sensory enhancement. Air Magick is favored for evasion and control rather than outright damage.
• Blood Magick - A forbidden affinity, Blood Magick draws upon the life force within blood itself. Rare and highly controversial, Blood Magick is potent yet dangerous, often leading to madness or corruption.

Each affinity has its own strengths, weaknesses, and thematic characteristics, reflecting the wielder’s personality and their relationship with TRACE energy. Many Tracers devote years to mastering their affinity, learning to use it in ways that align with their unique abilities.

TRACE is inherently neutral but can be influenced by strong negative emotions, irresponsible magick usage, or exposure to tragedy. When TRACE becomes corrupted, it may spawn an ALTER — a malevolent entity that feeds on the life force of living beings. The misuse of TRACE is therefore treated with utmost caution by the Tracer Order, as unchecked corruption can have devastating consequences for both the wielder and the world around them.

To prevent corruption, TRACE-sensitive individuals are trained rigorously to control their abilities, often going through the Trials to become Tracers. However, even with training, some users fall victim to TRACE corruption, transforming them into dangerous beings like Husks or drawing the attention of powerful ALTERs. The Tracer Order has strict protocols for handling such individuals, as well as preventive practices for cleansing areas with high concentrations of corrupted TRACE.

TRACE energy is essential to the creation and use of TRACE-Weapons — unique, soul-bound weapons crafted by Tracers through the Soulbinding ritual. These weapons are infused with TRACE energy from the wielder’s very soul, making them the only tools capable of harming an ALTER directly.

TRACE-Weapons act as conduits for TRACE energy, amplifying the user’s abilities and enabling them to cast more powerful magick. Each weapon is a reflection of the wielder’s essence and affinity, often manifesting as a personalized weapon type (e.g., sword, staff, or bow) that is attuned to the wielder’s specific TRACE powers.

For more on TRACE-Weapons, see TRACE-Weapons.

Maintaining the balance of TRACE energy is essential for preserving the stability of the world. TRACE, in its uncorrupted form, flows in harmony, supporting life and maintaining equilibrium within the natural and mystical realms. However, when the balance of TRACE is disrupted, it can lead to rifts in reality, pockets of corrupted energy, or the emergence of powerful ALTERs.

The Tracer Order, as protectors of TRACE energy, is responsible for preventing such disruptions. They monitor areas with high TRACE concentrations, cleanse corrupted sites, and train TRACE users to wield their power responsibly. While the general populace remains unaware of TRACE, the Order’s vigilance ensures that its dangers remain contained, preserving the natural balance.

Though TRACE Magick is powerful, its use is not without risks. Prolonged exposure, irresponsible usage, or an over-dependence on TRACE energy can lead to physical, mental, and spiritual deterioration. Some of the known risks associated with TRACE usage include:

• Overexertion - Pushing TRACE abilities to their limit drains the user’s life force, leading to fatigue, illness, or worse.
• TRACE Depletion - When TRACE energy is entirely exhausted, the user is left vulnerable and may experience long-term damage to their soul, risking transformation into a Husk.
• TRACE Corruption - Misuse or exposure to tragic events can taint TRACE energy, transforming it into dark, destructive forces and giving rise to ALTERs.
• Loss of Sanity - Extended use of forbidden magicks, such as Blood Magick, often warps the user’s mind, leaving them mentally unstable or permanently corrupted.

The dangers of TRACE magick underscore the importance of discipline and restraint, principles that are emphasized heavily in the training of all TRACE Sensitives.

For more details on how TRACE energy is used in combat, see Abilities and Skills and The Tracer Order.