The Ael
The Ael (or Aelum)
The Aelum, commonly nicknamed the ‘Ael’ is the name given to the mark that a large part of the Nosteramean population has on the nape of their neck. This distinguished characteristic, which is not decided by an individual, possesses magical properties that grant the bearer dominion over a specific element.
Its form is variable as there are a total of eight elements, and therefore, a total of eight marks. These elements are as follows: Light, Dark, Metal, Mystic, Water, Fire, Earth, and Neutral.
Among all the Ael, the Neutral stands out prominently, also known as the divine power of Nost. This mark is an exceptionally rare blessing as its proper use has the potential to completely transform the world. Throughout history, only 23 members of the Nosteramean people have been graced with this marked distinction.
The Ael manifests first through intense sensations and emotions (attributed to the elements) and persists throughout one's life.
Below are a series of questions that may arise in relation to this power.
When does it appear?
The Ael is predetermined from the moment of birth and its nature cannot be modified. However, it is worth mentioning that there is a possibility of using other elements, but this choice leads to extremely serious consequences.
Theryans
“Prolonged use of unassigned elements leads to a partial or total metamorphosis into a Theryan.”
What are the consequences of using an unassigned element?
Prolonged use of unassigned elements leads to a partial or total metamorphosis into a Theryan. This process involves a gradual transformation towards the non-designated element being used, gradually turning the individual into a creature until a complete transmutation into that element is achieved.
How is the Ael activated?
The Ael is activated in response to experiencing a specific emotion, felt with extraordinary intensity at a particular moment in life. Each element requires a specific emotion or sensation to trigger its manifestation, which means that not all elements follow a uniform pattern in their activation.
Below are the emotions or sensations required for the activation of each Ael:
Water Ael: Fury
Fire Ael: Joy
Earth Ael: Sadness
Light Ael: Hope
Dark Ael: Fear
Mystic Ael: Trust
Metal Ael: Guilt
Neutral Ael: Nostalgia
Why don't some Aels activate?
For an Ael to activate, it is necessary to experience an emotion with a supernatural intensity. While it is common to experience profound joy in life, it is more challenging to reach such elevated levels of guilt.
Why is a Neutral Ael so powerful?
Unlike the other elements, the Neutral Ael embodies reality itself.
As such, the bearer of the Neutral Ael has the ability to alter and dominate reality, a power that surpasses all others.
Are all Ael distributed in the same way?
All except the Neutral.
However, not all of them manifest, so many of them remain inactive. This graph represents the percentage of bearers for each element within a population of 10,000 members of the Nosteramean people.
Where is the Ael located exactly?
The Ael is located at the nape of the neck. Its location and dimensions are unique to each individual, just like facial features such as the nose or the jaw. It appears as a scar would when not in use but will subtly glow the color of its element when the user is tapping into it for the use of magic.
The Ael is alive
Although it doesn't move or have vision, the Ael is a living being and possesses the ability to feel and communicate.
This communication happens on rare occasions and is challenging to perceive the voice of an Ael, but not impossible; in fact, it is quite common to hear it at least once in a lifetime.
The Ael communicates through a universal language, a language that, in some way, can be understood by any creature in the world.
The objectives sought by the Ael vary according to each mark and are, in their essence, incomprehensible to us; however, when its request is fulfilled, a higher level of power known as "Sync" is achieved. This transcendent state represents a complete and harmonious connection with the Ael, granting the bearer exceptional mastery over their element.
What is Sync power?
Sync power represents the most potent enhancement or "power-up" in existence in Nostalgix.
If an individual manages to hear the voice of their Ael and establish a profound connection with it, they become one with the element, acquiring a strength even superior to that of the Neutral Ael.
Sync is classified into three levels:
Level I: In this level, the bearer is capable of controlling the element, manipulating it to act according to their will.
Level II: In the second level of synchronization, the bearer has the ability to alter the element, giving it a new form and characteristics (e.g., Light transformed into electricity).
Level III (Sync): Complete synchronization is achieved at this supreme level, allowing the bearer to fully transform into the element and use it at their will.
If it's alive, what happens when the bearer of the mark dies?
When a bearer of an Ael passes away, the mark transforms into a spiritual entity known as an Entite.
Entites are elemental spirits that embody the power of the element. These beings take on the task of fulfilling the objective that the physical being couldn't achieve during their life, thus allowing destiny to follow its course without being altered.
“When a bearer of an Ael passes away, the mark transforms into a spiritual entity known as an Entite.”
Power Levels of the Ael
Neutral
Neutral Aels do not follow traditional norms but also have the potential to ascend to the enigmatic “Level Sync”. In doing so, they acquire the ability to manipulate reality itself, altering the course of history according to their own vision or desires.
Earth
Level I
Elemental manipulation of rocks and pebbles as well as initial mastery over minor vegetation like herbs and flowers.
Level II
Metamorphosis of rocks into various minerals and expert control over complex plant organisms such as trees and shrubs.
Level III (Sync)
Supreme mastery over flora, geology, and even the very tectonic plates that form the skin of our world.
Fire
Level I
Rudimentary management of small flames and sparks.
Level II
Transmutation of conventional fire into high-intensity blue flames along with advanced management of the thermal spectrum.
Level III (Sync)
Total command over fire, heat, and even the planet's burning core.
Water
Level I
Primary control over minor currents and water sources.
Level II
Transformation of the liquid into solid or gaseous states, such as ice or steam, and their subsequent manipulation.
Level III (Sync)
Omnipotent control of water, ice, wind, and the unfathomable ocean depths.
Light
Level I
Elemental regulation of various light sources.
Level II
Transfiguration of light into streams of magical electricity and proficiency in the art of light refraction and reflection.
Level III (Sync)
Absolute mastery over the light spectrum, electricity, and the generation of storms of pure energy.
Dark
Level I
Elemental handling of shadows and penumbra.
Level II
Transmutation of darkness into tangible matter and temporary invisibility.
Level III (Sync)
Omnipotent control of shadows, corporeal visibility, and the material manifestation of darkness.
Mystic
Level I
Partial and transient projection of thoughts.
Level II
Transformation of mental impulses into fragile and ethereal realities.
Level III (Sync)
Complete materialization of mental concepts and mastery over the essential fabric of magical energy.
Metal
Level I
Initial control of metals and their fundamental properties.
Level II
Transformation of one metallic matter into another, deploying advanced alchemy.
Level III (Sync)
Complete mastery over all forms of metal, from the simplest alloys to exotic and mysterious metals.
In Nosteram, there are many more types of metals than on Earth. Minerals and metals are not the same; minerals contain energy within them that is underutilized while metals make the most of that energy as they concentrate it on their surface.
