Velmorn
Cursed Descendants of Aetherion Ambition
The Velmorn bear the heaviest burden of the Aetherion Empire's fall. Their blood is infused with corrupted magic, allowing them to cast powerful spells at the cost of draining their own life energy. Their fractured souls leave them trapped between the physical world and the Veil — a shadow realm of spirits and death. They reside in the Hollow Veil, a cursed region that was once the heart of the Aetherion Empire, now twisted by the Grand Nexus explosion into an eerie landscape where time and reality behave unpredictably. Their society is deeply divided: the Seekers of Redemption believe the curse can be lifted by restoring balance to the Veil, while the Embracers of Power view their curse as a gift, mastering blood magic, necromancy, and soul-binding spells. The Velmorn's existence is a living reminder of what happens when ambition outweighs caution.
Subraces
Hollowborn
The Hollowborn are the oldest and most traditional of the Velmorn, tracing their ancestry back to the noble families of the Aetherion Empire who led the experiments involving the Grand Nexus. They view their curse as both punishment and responsibility, believing that their suffering is a reminder of their ancestors' hubris. Many Hollowborn dwell in ancient crypts and ruined cities within the Hollow Veil, studying ways to break or control the curse. They are highly religious and ritualistic, conducting ceremonies involving the Veil to seek redemption or insight, and are known for their stoic demeanor and dedication to preserving ancient knowledge.
Veilforged
The Veilforged are a more recent branch of the Velmorn, made up of those who have embraced the power of their curse rather than viewing it as punishment. They believe the curse is a gift — a tool to elevate them beyond mortal limitations. Many Veilforged live as warriors, mercenaries, and powerful necromancers, often wandering beyond the Hollow Veil to influence the wider world. While not inherently evil, they are seen as dangerous by more conservative Velmorn factions. Their motto, "Our curse is our strength," captures the ambition that mirrors the very flaw that doomed the Aetherion Empire.