Nex Walkers

 
"Boldly, he emerged from the trees as they hungrily craved his essence— as if their branches had all turned in and brushed against his skin, eager to even feel a fragment of the divinity he radiated, if only for a moment. His eyes pierced the morning mist with a luminescence previously unseen. A terrifying gale was at his back. Saris did not come back from Echidna's Womb as Saris. He was something else entirely." —A survivor's diary, date and name unknown.

Nex Walkers have traditionally been met with suspicion, reverence, or some mix between the two since their very inception. It does not take very much of the supernatural to make the merely natural feel discomforted or overwhelmed by their presence. By no means should one consider a Nex Walker immortal, but to say that they are not worthy of one's caution would be a foolish, naïve thing to think.   Causation of a Nex Walker A Nex Walker can come in a variety of different appearances. What makes a Nex Walker is merely their command of Caelus. Nex Walkers exist both as a consequence of exposure to Ardor Radiation by happenstance and intention. Enough exposure to Ardor Radiation results in a Nex Walker, where their abilities to manipulate Caelus are strong, and their bodies tend to wither proportionate to their exposure to Ardor Radiation. Some Nex Walkers have sought Venovian Vaults to increase their potency, only to emerge as decrepit, frail things that last no more than a few years.   Capabilities of a Nex Walker Nex Walkers have been most commonly observed manipulating "elements" in the mythological sense. Just as Zeus had hurled lightning bolts from the heavens in Greek Mythology, so too can a Nex walker. Of course, these abilities require great practice. While some may be keen on learning to harness the powers of storms, it does not negate the consequences such powers have on their bodies. A foolish, nouveau Nex Walker that channels lightning through his body to cast at a foe can very easily vaporize all his water content and die in a mere instant. One that seeks the prowess of fire can set their attire ablaze and be consumed by their own flames.   More abstract control of Caelus exists among Nex Walkers, though they remain less common than their elemental cousins. Powers of invisibility, teleportation, and manipulation of a "pure" Caelus have all been observed. These abilities are typically attributed to more imaginative beings with a stronger grasp on the art of manipulating Caelus. Some have even been able to cast illusions or projections that have felt life-like and easily trick the untrained mind.   Telltale Signs of a Nex Walker The most obvious way to identify a Nex Walker is through the use of Caelus. But for the clever, concealing kind, one can look towards ashy gray skin and luminescent irises as typical traits of a Nex Walker. Additionally, Nex Walkers tend to have strong resonations with mutant life— beasts of Echidna's Womb may see a Nex Walker as part of their 'pack' so to speak, or alternatively, crave their potency and immediately resort to aggression.   Artificial Creation of a Nex Walker Rumors of inhumane experiments resulting in the creation of Nex Walkers have formed in recent public memory. Whispers in CETA territory and the more affluent Neo-Byzantine regions talk of misfortunate souls being forcefully exposed to artifacts radiating Ardor from Venovian Vaults. Such rumors though are often dismissed by public officials under the excuse that Ardor Radiation is unable to be contained, though many have their doubts about these statements. Whether there is any truth to these claims remains to be seen..