Outlanders are beings drawn into Eldrahn by the Ether during the Conjuring Cycles. Every 1,000 to 1,500 years, the living, breathing Ether reaches across dimensions, pulling sentient beings from myriad realms into Eldrahn. Their arrival brings with it unfamiliar philosophies, innovative magical practices, and disruptive cultural innovations that forever alter the established norms of this enchanted world. Although their presence is often met with suspicion and fear by native inhabitants—who view these newcomers as harbingers of unpredictable change—the impact of Outlanders is undeniable, acting as a catalyst for both transformation and renewal in Eldrahn.
Origins and the Conjuring Cycle
Outlanders emerge as an integral part of the Conjuring Cycle, the periodic event during which the Ether extends its reach well beyond its native confines. With each surge, the Ether assimilates fresh energies and ideas from countless universes, drawing a diverse array of beings into Eldrahn. This mystical influx, while essential to the Ether's relentless pursuit of knowledge and the evolution of magic, destabilizes established cultural and magical norms. As the native peoples of Eldrahn strive to maintain the structured order dictated by The System—and mediated by NEXUS—the arrival of Outlanders represents both an opportunity for enrichment and a challenge to longstanding traditions.
NEXUS and the Outlander Challenge
Within the divine design of Eldrahn, NEXUS is not merely an impartial mediator of progress—it also functions as a guardian of the established order. The Eidons, ever wary of the disruptive influence that has historically accompanied each Conjuring Cycle, purposefully imbued NEXUS with constraints that make life significantly more difficult for Outlanders. This was a deliberate decision, born of their fear that the unpredictable changes brought by new arrivals could destabilize the ancient balance of the Ether—and, in turn, dilute the divine essence of the Eidons themselves.
Purposeful Impediments
- Enhanced Difficulty in Skill Acquisition: The algorithms and magical protocols embedded in NEXUS impose stringent criteria on Outlanders seeking to unlock new abilities. These criteria may require outlanders to overcome extra challenges or prove their worth through arduous trials—an effort that native Madrith and other long-established inhabitants are not subject to.
- Limitations on Advanced Techniques: Certain high-level magical techniques and class-changing abilities built into The System are deliberately rendered less accessible to Outlanders. This acts as a filter, ensuring that the rapid and unfettered influx of external magical methodologies does not disrupt the carefully curated traditions maintained by the Eidons.
Divine Rationale
The rationale behind these built-in restrictions is clear: the Eidons have observed throughout the Conjuring Cycles that each wave of Outlanders carries not only innovative ideas and transformative magic but also the potential to challenge—or even overthrow—the long-held stability of Eldrahn’s cultural and mystical order. By embedding these countermeasures into NEXUS, the divine architects aimed to preserve the established balance of the Ether and to prevent the rapid, widespread changes that could weaken their own realms of influence.
Over time, these restrictions have proven to be a double-edged sword. While they force Outlanders to work harder to integrate and thrive, they also serve as a constant reminder of the inherent tension between innovation and tradition in Eldrahn. Many Outlanders, through resilience and ingenuity, manage to overcome these hurdles, gradually earning the right to advance and even reshape aspects of the system. Yet, the underlying bias remains—a persistent hallmark of Eldrahn’s divine design, ensuring that the Ether’s flow, as governed by the Eidons, retains a measure of its ancient, unchanging power.
Legacy and Impact
For Outlanders, navigating NEXUS’s rigorous protocols is both a curse and a crucible. Their struggle to rise above these imposed limitations often marks the first step in their journey toward greatness. Each victory against this divine bias not only propels individual Outlanders forward but also slowly shifts the dynamic of power within Eldrahn. However, until such breakthroughs become widespread, NEXUS stands as a formidable barrier—a steadfast sentinel maintaining the balance between the old order and the inevitable tide of change.
In this ongoing conflict between rigid tradition and the transformative force of the Conjuring Cycles, NEXUS reflects the cautious approach of the Eidons, forever guarding against rapid disruption while, at the same time, ensuring that only the most adaptive and determined Outlanders succeed in integrating into the heart of Eldrahn.
Cultural Impact and Integration
The arrival of Outlanders has always precipitated significant social and magical shifts within Eldrahn:
- Cultural Infusion and Transformation: Outlanders bring fresh ideas and practices that can invigorate local arts and magical disciplines. Their diverse origins introduce new techniques, philosophies, and rituals that merge with indigenous customs to form novel schools of thought and innovative practices, reshaping ancient rites while opening up unexpected avenues for progress.
- Social Tensions: The native population of Eldrahn, deeply rooted in traditions that are rigorously maintained by The System, often views the unpredictable nature of Outlanders with apprehension. The sudden introduction of alien customs and methodologies can spark social friction and sometimes outright hostility. Communities, striving to preserve their ancestral heritage and cultural identity, frequently find themselves challenged by the rapid adaptation required to accommodate these transformative influences.
- Evolution of Magical Practice: As the Ether continuously absorbs new perspectives during the Conjuring Cycle, the magical landscape in Eldrahn remains in constant flux. Outlanders force local practitioners to adapt and often inspire creative synthesis, where traditional techniques merge with novel approaches. This dynamic interaction leads not only to enhanced magical capabilities but also to redefined boundaries that blur the line between established methods and emerging innovations.
The Madrith: Human Outlander Legacy
Within the tapestry of Outlander influence, the legacy of humanity is both remarkable and enigmatic. Humans are known to have originated in Eldrahn as Outlanders—drawn into this realm by the Ether during one of its ancient cycles. Their precise point of origin remains shrouded in mystery; the records do not definitively reveal which world they came from. Nevertheless, over hundreds of thousands of years, these early human settlers adapted to the unique conditions of Eldrahn and evolved into a distinctive local variant now known as the Madrith.
- Adaptation and Evolution: As humans integrated into the fabric of Eldrahn, they gradually developed unique cultural, physical, and magical characteristics that distinguished them from their ancestral origins. Through constant adaptation to the ambient energies of the Ether and the structured influence of The System, the once-outlandish newcomers transformed into vital contributors to the realm.
- The Term "Madrith": Today, humans in Eldrahn proudly refer to themselves as Madrith—a name that resonates with both self-identity and external acknowledgment. It is a term used by both humans and non-humans alike to refer to the human species, affirming their evolution from mysterious Outlanders into an integral part of Eldrahn's societal tapestry. As Madrith, humans demonstrate the profound potential for adaptation and progress ushered in by the perpetual cycle of cosmic change.
Conclusion
Outlanders serve as living proof of the Ether's ceaseless expansion and its burning quest for knowledge across all realms. Though their arrival into Eldrahn carries the potential for both creative fusion and cultural disruption, these interdimensional envoys have indelibly shaped the magical, social, and political landscapes of this enchanted realm. Among them, the legacy of humanity—as encapsulated by the Madrith—stands as a testimony to the transformative power of adaptation, underscoring the intricate tapestry woven by history, magic, and the ever-changing flow of the Ether.
Notable Outlanders
- Vandalf the Red
- Aurelia, The Valkyrie
- Nivara, The Blind Saint of Valah
- Varun