Relationships between Welders and Humanity

First of all, a clarification: the Welders are humans like any others.

They are not "separated" from Humanity. The only difference is that they master a difficult art that allows them to see the Spirits of the Wild and channel their powers. But human beings they are indeed, with all their flaws and weaknesses. They derive no direct power from this ability.

For example, without the help of their Spirits, Welders cannot fly, throw fireballs or dig caves. Also, they do not live longer than anybody else. They simply have a greater responsibility. Or at least, they had…

In ancient times, Welders were called wizards or shamans. Their people knew the full extent of their abilities, and showed fear and respect for them. But Welders soon realized that it was better to go under cover and keep their identity a secret, for some power-hungry men had anticipated what they could do with the help of the Welders. And their greed soon led to wars.

From then on, Welders began to hide: the wisest among them said that maintaining the balance was at this price. But they did not disappear, and the world still knew of their existence. Worse, kings, emperors and other powerful people of this world still knew where to find them, and coveted them.

The seeds of discord were sown. For some Welders were flattered by the interest of the powerful. They were appointed alchemists, magicians, personal wizards. They enjoyed all the honors, even if some had no choice but to submit to the authority of a ruler.

Other Welders, on the other hand, considered that their duty of reserve forbade them to put themselves at the service of Humanity, because this meant enslaving the Wild for selfish purposes. Feuds broke out within the guilds. And soon, three camps emerged.

Some, few in number, refused to use their powers to destroy and exploit the Wild. Most of them withdrew from the world, ceasing all activity on the grounds that their knowledge was now too dangerous to use.

A few "extremists" even chose to collaborate with the Wild, and crossed over to the other side to became Midwayers.

Some even allowed themselves to be transformed in their entirety and returned to the Wild without any regret. But most of the Welders, seduced by the importance that was given to them, undertook to put their abilities at the service of Humanity.

This rallying, which broke with the promise of maintaining balance, extended the humans' hold on the Wild even more quickly. Some – very few – chose not to choose, and to stay on the path of balance. Those were ostracized, and forgotten.

This internal strife marked the end of the era of the Welders as the world had known it since the dawn of time. With the mastery of the Welders’ powers, Humanity rapidely grew in power and numbers. This alliance marked the beginning of the industrial age.

From century to century, mankind grew stronger and stronger – first mastering stone, fire, water, then extending its hold over all living things, from plants to animals, which it put to its service.

More recently, Humanity learned to master the airs, and its scientific genius soon surpassed what the Welders could do or imagine. Humanity didn’t need the Welders anymore.

Today, all these stories seem very far from us. Yet, it is not impossible that you have recently come across a Welder in the street or at the supermarket. For Welders still live among Humanity, which remains unaware of their existence.

Knowledge has been lost, and desires have been extinguished. But the awakening of the Wild is upon us.

And its rebellion now makes their return essential.