Flowing, the Aether encompasses all.

[elements-and-aether]

The sky is never so clear as it is on the outskirts of Ul’dah

[elements-and-aether]

The Absolute Power

5th day 3rd Umbral Month Year of Oschon, the Wanderer

To be a Thaumaturge in the service of Nald’thul is to know the secrets of life and death, through manipulation of aether. It is to face the yawning abyss and know, truly know, what lies outside our material world. This knowledge is both our blessing and our curse. With it we wield the aether as a great weapon, striking with surety and devastation when the time calls for it. Few in all of the world can claim mastery of such power. 

And that’s what it is. Power. Fire, ice, thunder or pure aether. We summon it all at a moments notice. The knowledge required to wield it is vast. And for some, more than they can bear. Not every mind is fit to journey in the abyss, and it takes it toll on the weak of will. Some minds are forever lost to it. But those who do not lose themselves to the depths of the abyss gain great influence over the manipulation of the Aether.

I have spent my entire life studying the ways of Nald’thul. Reading life and death, light and dark, the elements and the aether.  And I have risen through the ranks of the Ossuary, serving the guild and the great city of Ul’dah. And with my position I have found a new kind of power. Authority over others, political influence. 

It, much like aether, requires a subtle touch. And it can be just as devastating. But it hasn’t the grace of aether. It’s a clumsy form of power. But power it still is. And it’s mine. 

All this knowledge. All this sway over the fabric of life and death. All this power. There is no power as absolute as that of a true Thaumaturge. And of course, we know what they say about absolute power. 

It corrupts absolutely. 

And I have not been immune to this influence. I have gladly taken part in the many abuses of power that come with my station.  I would have it known that I didn’t come into power ready to take advantage. But over time, with the help of other members of the Order, I was seduced by it. I have indulged in wicked dealings and sought ill-fathomed thrills. 

And now I must seek absolution for my sins. I do so by trying to bring others out from under the influence of this perversion of authority. And if they cannot be made to right their ways, I will expose them and drag their dealings into the light. 

Even if it means I must expose myself.

Nald’thul forgive my corruption and aid me in my quest. I will need it.

-Samael Brekth  Master in the Ossuary  High Priest of the Order of Nald’thul