Tracers

Tracers are an elite group of individuals born with a unique sensitivity to TRACE energy, a primordial force that permeates the universe and enables the use of magick. While not all TRACE-sensitive individuals become Tracers, those who do dedicate their lives to mastering TRACE magick to protect humanity from dark entities known as ALTERs. Each Tracer’s journey is a path of rigorous training, spiritual commitment, and ultimately, the crafting of a soul-bound weapon that is uniquely theirs.

Tracers have existed since ancient times, tracing their roots to early mystics who recognized and sought to harness the TRACE energies around them. Legends suggest that the very first Tracers were guided by cosmic beings, perhaps even the TRACE itself, to wield magick responsibly and protect the physical dimension from supernatural threats. As civilization progressed, the role of Tracers became more structured, eventually forming the basis of today’s Tracer Order. However, being a Tracer is not simply a title within the Order; it is an identity, a calling, and a lifelong pursuit.

The primary duty of a Tracer is to seek out and destroy ALTERs — malevolent beings spawned from corrupted TRACE energy. ALTERs are dangerous, soul-consuming entities that pose a severe threat to humanity and the balance of TRACE magick. Tracers, with their innate TRACE sensitivity and disciplined training, are uniquely equipped to combat these creatures and maintain the harmony of their world.

TRACE-sensitive individuals are typically ordinary humans who experience an ALTER-EVENT at a young age. This event occurs when latent TRACE energy within them unexpectedly surfaces, often during moments of extreme emotion or distress. This uncontrolled surge can result in the creation of an ALTER or the accidental release of powerful magick, leaving the individual and those around them in grave danger. If these individuals survive the ALTER-EVENT and are discovered by existing Tracers, they are offered a place within the Tracer training academies, where they learn to harness their powers safely.

For most TRACE-sensitives, joining the Tracers represents an opportunity to understand their powers and gain control over their abilities. However, the journey is neither simple nor easy. Only a select few who endure the training, pass the Trials, and succeed in the Soulbinding ritual attain the title of Tracer.

The path to becoming a Tracer is defined by a series of rigorous tests and trials designed to push TRACE-sensitives to their limits, both physically and spiritually. These Trials are intended to strip away personal weaknesses and hone a candidate’s connection to TRACE energy. Each stage of the Trials reveals something new about the candidate’s willpower, courage, and adaptability, ensuring that only those with the greatest potential continue forward.

Once a candidate completes the Trials, they undergo a final rite known as the Soulbinding. This ritual is deeply personal and highly dangerous, as it requires the candidate to forge a weapon directly from their own soul. This TRACE-Weapon becomes an inseparable extension of the Tracer, reflecting their deepest essence and their unique relationship with TRACE energy. Soulbinding is considered the ultimate test of a Tracer’s fortitude, with many aspiring Tracers failing or perishing in the attempt.

Every Tracer wields a TRACE-Weapon — a magickal weapon crafted through the Soulbinding ritual that is bound to their soul. TRACE-Weapons are the only tools capable of dealing lasting damage to an ALTER. Because these weapons are forged from the Tracer’s soul, they are deeply personal and highly unique. Each TRACE-Weapon embodies the characteristics of its wielder, often taking a form and power set that reflects their personality, strengths, and alignment with TRACE magick.

In battle, the TRACE-Weapon functions as both a physical tool and a conduit for TRACE magick. It amplifies the Tracer’s abilities, allowing them to cast spells, manipulate elements, or enhance their physical prowess. Some TRACE-Weapons may be imbued with specialized traits, such as healing properties or enhanced agility, depending on the nature of the Tracer who forged it.

Tracers can tap into various TRACE magick affinities, with each affinity representing a specific elemental or thematic connection to TRACE energy. While affinities may vary widely, the most commonly cultivated affinities include:

• Fire Magick - Symbolizing raw power and destruction, Fire Magick is wielded by Tracers with a strong offensive focus.
• Water Magick - Known for its restorative and cleansing properties, Water Magick is commonly used by Tracers who prioritize healing and support.
• Earth Magick - Emphasizing resilience and protection, Earth Magick is favored by Tracers who adopt defensive roles.
• Lightning Magick - A volatile and powerful affinity, Lightning Magick grants speed and high-impact attacks to Tracers.
• Air Magick - Subtle and strategic, Air Magick is often wielded by Tracers who prefer agility and adaptability.

Each affinity requires years of practice to master and reflects a Tracer’s distinct relationship with TRACE. Some Tracers also develop dual affinities, blending their powers to create unique magickal effects.

Tracers operate largely in secrecy, their identities and missions concealed from the general public. The Tracer Order enforces strict protocols to ensure that the existence of Tracers and the threats they combat remain unknown to ordinary people. This secrecy serves to protect civilians from the dark aspects of TRACE magick and the terror that knowledge of ALTERs could bring.

As such, most Tracers live double lives, blending into society by day while standing as hidden defenders of humanity by night. They conduct investigations, respond to ALTER-EVENTS, and patrol areas with high concentrations of TRACE energy, always vigilant against the next threat. Despite their reclusive nature, Tracers form a close-knit community bonded by shared purpose and the sacrifices they make to protect the world.

Becoming a Tracer comes with a heavy cost. TRACE energy, while powerful, can be unpredictable and corrupting. Prolonged exposure or overuse of TRACE magick can weaken the body, strain the soul, and even lead to a loss of sanity. Furthermore, Tracers who encounter particularly powerful ALTERs risk losing their souls to these entities, either through direct consumption or through the corrupting influence of an ALTER-Weapon.

Despite the dangers, most Tracers view their role as a sacred duty, a calling to protect humanity from threats most people will never know exist. This sense of purpose drives them to continue their fight, often at the expense of personal happiness, health, or even their lives.

Over centuries, Tracers have left an indelible mark on the world, though their legacy remains hidden in shadows. Through their actions, they have safeguarded humanity from unseeable threats, kept balance within the realm of TRACE, and preserved knowledge of magick that would otherwise be lost to time. Even as their work remains shrouded in mystery, their sacrifices ensure the survival of a world that will likely never understand the magnitude of their contributions.

The life of a Tracer is one of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Their legacy endures not through monuments or public recognition, but through the continued existence of humanity — a testament to the courage and strength of those who embrace the TRACE and commit themselves to defending all of creation.

For more information on the Tracer Order, refer to The Tracer Order.