The mystical powers of the Krae'set have long been a great puzzle. While Ashallite zealots seem believe the Krae'set's power is generated by their Demon, Genen, more balanced minds can dismiss this explanation as the rambling of heretical fanatics. Certainly, there are some peculiarities in the histories, and some indication of prophecy. However, rational thought can deduce that much of this was merely coincidence—for example, the Ashallite Book of the Wise named Genen as the Demon long before Genen Krae'set's birth, but Genen is such a common name in the North that it is highly unlikely this was anything but happenstance.
Any logical person can see that the Krae'set's mental powers are not born from the religious conflict Ashallites point at. If it were so, then surely the signs of Evil would be present in their widespread organization. Yet the Krae'set are whole-heartedly dedicated to peace, and despite the have immense influence they have within their territory, the level of corruption present within their ranks appears to be surprisingly low. The vast majority of their members spend their lives dedicated to helping the commons of the North, sequestered away in their Spires and tending the sick and the ill. Those who are more gifted throw their souls into ensuring peace between the diverse Gulf Nations, and even the mysterious Psions work only for the cause of Good.
Before the creation of the GodsWall, which has shut off nearly all travel to the North, I had the occasion to travel there and speak with some of the Krae'set at length on their powers. They seemed to feel the development of the four mental disciplines—speaking without sound, moving objects through force of will, and gazing into the future and the past—were merely inherited traits, as normal as having blue eyes instead of brown eyes, or black hair instead of blond. They viewed themselves as wholly human, and saw what they did as a science, not magic. Indeed, at one point I was fortunate enough to speak to Genen Krae'set himself (for while he was not yet so famous at the time, he nonetheless possessed quite the reputation, and it was a great honour), and he laughed at the very notion of magic, lecturing me:
"The word 'magic' is an ill-defined one, used by the commons to describe a breaking of the physical rules of the universe. What they do not understand is that the Laws of the universe are not like human laws. Human laws can be broken, for they are just a thing we have said should be so—but true Laws cannot be bypassed, for they are what governs the very essence of Creation. What magic claims to do is break or bend Laws—which simply cannot be done. If a Law is broken, then it was never really a Law at all, but rather a miscalculation on the part of the human who declared it a Law. On the other hand, psychism is not the breaking of Laws—well, obviously, since unlike magic it does exist—and is quite in accordance with all that we know of science."
From the Imperial Library of Havshanas
Shingama Osqwa, Sage of the Imperial Library
3459 AF, 8 MW
"While commoners always seem to believe psychism is inherently magical in nature, I can assure you that is not the case. Psychism is the result of various genetic mutations that, while they are very small, can have a large effect upon the mental capabilities of the individual produced, resulting in the ability to manifest metaphysical powers…that are nonetheless in conjunction with what we know of the realm of science, not in contradiction, as 'magic' would work—which it doesn't. The odd thing about it is the mutations seem to be randomly found within the Northern population, without regards to genetic history. This has led me to believe that the probability of a random mutation towards psychism has been enhanced by—ah, pardon, Your Highness? Oh, right…well, er, genetics might be a bit too advanced to explain right at the moment…"
From the Iodasan Palace Records
Psion Genen Krae'set
Speaking to Crown Prince Reonar Iscaren of Iodas
3446 AF, -5 MW
"I worry more and more about Psion Genen's mental state. He grows increasing distant, and has become prone to zoning out at random intervals during the day—which is worrisome, given his penchant for dangerous experiments. None of his projects have managed to halt the Ashallite advance entirely, and I fear his perceived failures have taken a heavier toll on him than he will admit, even to himself.
"Nonetheless, he continues to claim our Foreknowledge must be wrong, and completely refuses to look into it—despite it being backed up by numerous older prophecies, including the Kasaelic ones in the Book of the Wise. Every time I attempt to suggest he at least consider the solution, he reacts angrily, and is beginning to show signs of paranoia towards with me, even when I avoid the topic. He also continues to deny any personal Foreknowledge of it. Unfortunately, while I have long since begun to suspect that he is lying through his teeth, I cannot be certain he is not telling the truth. He has a history of sometimes missing what is very obvious to everyone else."
From the A'y'shl Closed Archives
Recorded Relayed Message
High Psion Adrhysen Krae'set
Sent to the Krae'set A'y'shl Council of Five
3451 AF, 0 MW, Midsummer