Boons

A genasi healer touches a dying man; the mark on her chest glows with a cool blue light as his wounds close and vanish. A half-elf bounty hunter reaches out his hand, and with the power of his mark makes sure every shot from his crossbow finds his prey. A gnomish artificer touches a creation forge, having failed to start it before, and with a warm amber glow the machine rumbles to life. Each of these people possesses a boon, a symbol etched on the skin in colours more vivid than any tattoo, magical power made flesh. A special gift from one of the Elderfey Gods, marking them as their champion.

A boon enhances the user's ability to perform certain tasks. For example, the Mark of the Huntsman guides the hands of the warrior, while the Mark of Order helps its bearer subdue their enemies. The power of a boon can also manifest in more dramatic ways. The Mark of the Duelist can compel the bearer's chosen foe to engage in combat, while the Mark of the Dragon can create a beautiful draconic visage.

You can't buy or choose to develop a boon; each mark is gifted to worthy individuals chosen by an Elderfey god. A boon appears on a person one of the gods deems worthy to carry on their legacy, and it can just as easily be stripped away if they lose the god’s favour.

Long ago, the bearers that carried the boons joined together to form adventuring parties, dedicated to protecting the land, and as time went on, their allied nations. Over the course of centuries, these parties have used their gifts to change history within the Republic. For example, the city of Ephitis, the Great Library of the Sun, and the plane of Kyber-Izmeren were all created by these adventuring parties.. These contributions to the Republic gave them a large amount of favour with its citizens, and had them labelled as heroes and pioneers throughout the ages .

In the past, these boon-marked adventurers were held in check by the kingdom of the Iron Sword, bound to do the bidding of the ruling monarch. But in the wake of the 1000 year war, and the genocide of those born with magic within the continent, these adventurers were given more free reign to do good across the Republic. Rather than serving just the singular power, as they had done for centuries.

With the gift of the boons, also comes what some would consider a curse. Those who bear them have something unlocked within their minds, once again being able to harness the Chaos Arcanum, in what one would consider a rather uncontrollable and unstable manner. Called Arcane Bursts, these magical surges come each time the mark is used, as it opens up a pathway that most times remains closed to mortals due to their long history repressing it. It normally has quite random, and potentially dangerous consequences.

**Boons and their Aligned Gods**

**Mark of the Huntsman**

**“***If you want to muscle your way through a fight, then that is your own choice, if not a foolish one. I, however, prefer to rely on precision.***”**

-Ipheon Nerine, 17th Bearer of the Mark of the Huntsman

The Mark of the Huntsman is any warrior’s dream. It sharpens their powers of strength and position, giving them a temporary glimpse into the skill of their patron deity, Luna the Huntsman.

**Mark of the Duelist**

“*When I challenge you to a duel, you accept, dammit! Whether you like it or not, defend your honour or die a coward!*”

-Cardemine Hoya, 11th bearer of the Mark of the Duelist

The Mark of the Duelist is perfect for anyone who wants their foe’s undivided attention, whether they wish to give it or not. They’re generally given to those with a flair for the dramatic, or those who know how to hold a grudge. Very much in the spirit of their patron deity Cyrus, King of Duels.

**Mark of the Protector**

“*For those who chose to hide behind me, I am a shield of unbreakable stone. For those who chose to oppose me, I am an unstoppable force. Bow before my banner, and you shall be spared.”*

-General Aeichloros, 9th bearer of the Mark of the Protector

The Mark of the Protector is gifted to those who wish to protect others in the face of threat and adversity. They’re often given to those considered righteous or selfless, allowing them to protect those they hold dear. Similar to their patron deity Akkiram the Protector, the Shield-Bearer of the Broken Gods.

**Mark of the Deathlord**

“*Fear me, for I am Death incarnate. I care not what you can give me, what you can offer in return for your life. Justice is blind to your bribery, and so am I.”*

-Syriacus Bane, 3rd bearer of the Mark of the Deathlord

The Mark of the Deathlord is often given to those who seek justice by any means necessary, and are willing to deliver the ultimate punishment. Their users are those who can choose necessity over morals, and are not blinded by sentiment or mortal hang ups. They follow the will of their patron deity Tyrvar, doing his work as Death on the Material Plane.

**Mark of Order**

“*Without order, society has no solid foundation to stand upon. Chaos for chaos’s sake is the rule of beasts and savages, and it is only with some form of order that we may continue to grow.*”

-Queen Jasmine Ixia, 5th bearer of the Mark of Order

The Mark of Order is given only to those with the capacity to lead, and to command and organise those they hold leadership over. Their users must prioritise order over chaos, and defend those they lead well. Much like their patron deity Celosia, the Champion of Order. Due to the chaotic nature of the boon’s after effects, it is rare that Celosia would pick a champion to bear her mark

**Mark of Luck**

“*People often ask me ‘Why tempt fate with your ridiculous actions?’. And all I can say to them is, well, because it’s fun! Where’s the enjoyment in playing it safe, when you could put your luck to the test*”

-Wilimar Underburrow, 18th bearer of the Mark of Luck

The Mark of Luck is given to those with an adventurous, risk-taking spirit. Often without apprehensions or even really much common sense. Their bearers are ones that tempt fate with a smile on their face, and disregard the odds. Their daredevil behaviour greatly entertains their patron deity Edo, the Prince of Luck, and he loves to make them his champions.

**Mark of the Courageous**

“*I have fought ancient beasts of legend, stared down the god’s worst creations, and walked through the ruins of my home. I have seen the worst this land could offer, and it did not break me. So when I look at you, I see no tyrant. I just see a feeble mortal man wearing a false crown.*”

-Ceto the Fire Herald, 10th bearer of the Mark of the Courageous

The Mark of Courage is often bestowed upon those with an unending fire in their heart, who have the tenacity and willpower to charge their way through challenges and adversity and come out the other side, regardless of triumph or failure. Their bearers are often great warriors, leading the fight on the front lines. Truly embodying the spirit of their patron deity Vorse, the Prince of Courage.

**Mark of the Dragon**

“*Have you ever soared above the cloud line, watching the sky be painted by the colours of the sunset. Or seen the ocean on a summer’s day, glistening like a sapphire under the sun. It’s a beautiful world that we live in, and it is my greatest wish to explore it.*”

-Yrisa Imbys, 21st bearer of the Mark of the Dragon

The Mark of the Dragon is gifted to those who can truly appreciate the world around them, and their magical roots that tie them more to the land they live in. They are often the more curious, adventurous types, with a deep desire to learn more about the world. As one of the creators of this world, their patron deity Athera, Lady of the Dragons, choses champions that appreciate the work done by her and the other gods.

**Mark of Healing**

*“I cannot bear the destruction that rages around me. I think of the gifts I’ve been given, and yet all I can do is scream how it’s not enough. It will never be enough.*”

-Alanna Inclan, 14th bearer of the Mark of Healing

The Mark of Healing is given to those with more compassion and desire to help than most. They have a tendency to lift up those around them. They are often the more nurturing, kind type, though that’s not always necessarily the case. Much like their patron deity Azzys, the Giver of Life, they have both a warm side and a cold side to their personalities.