Veil-Born

“Children of the Mists” / “The Northern Folk” / “Star-Gazers”

“We came from the mountains where the sky met stone. Now we wander the mists between worlds.”
—Veil-Born saying

Quick Reference

The Veil-Born - Children of the Mists

Overview

The Veil-Born are one of the five major ethnic groups of the Aetherium, descended from the peoples who inhabited the northern mountainous regions of Terrum Solidus before the Shattering. They are characterized by their pale complexions, light hair, tall stature, and deep connection to mystical traditions. Pre-Shattering, they were known as the mountain folk, living in high altitudes where “the sky met stone” and the veil between worlds seemed thinnest.

The Veil-Born have always been a people apart—even before the Shattering, they lived in isolated mountain communities, practicing ancient mystical traditions and studying the stars. Many of the greatest Star-Readers came from Veil-Born lineages, and their connection to the constellations was legendary. When the world shattered, the Veil-Born adapted perhaps better than most, as they had always lived on the edges of reality, comfortable with mysteries and the unknown.

Post-Shattering, the Veil-Born have become even more scattered and isolated. Many dwell in the Veiled Heights—the highest-floating islands where the Aether is thin and cold, reminiscent of their ancestral mountains. Others have become hermits, living alone on remote islands. Some wander as mystics and prophets. They are respected for their wisdom and feared for their strangeness, seen as people who exist partially in this world and partially in another.

Physical Characteristics

Appearance

Skin: Pale, ranging from porcelain white to light gray. Some have an almost translucent quality, with visible veins beneath the surface. Prolonged exposure to Aether sometimes gives their skin a faint silvery sheen.

Hair: Light colors—platinum blonde, silver-white, pale gold, occasionally ice-blue. Hair tends to be fine and straight. Many Veil-Born let their hair grow long, believing it connects them to the stars.

Eyes: Pale colors—ice blue, silver-gray, pale green, sometimes violet. Eyes often described as “seeing through you” or “looking at something beyond.” Some claim Veil-Born eyes reflect starlight differently.

Height: Tall—average 180cm (men 185cm, women 175cm). Lean build, long-limbed. Adapted to high altitudes and thin air.

Build: Slender, almost ethereal. Not physically strong but enduring. Built for endurance in harsh conditions rather than raw power.

Aging: Age gracefully but noticeably. Hair turns pure white early (30s-40s). Faces become lined but retain a certain timeless quality. Elderly Veil-Born often look ancient and wise.

Distinctive Features

The Veil-Mark: Some Veil-Born are born with pale birthmarks that resemble constellations or abstract patterns. These are considered signs of strong mystical potential.

Star-Touched Eyes: Rare condition where eyes have silver flecks that seem to move. Said to indicate ability to see beyond normal perception.

The Frost-Touch: In extreme cold, Veil-Born skin sometimes develops intricate frost-like patterns. Fades when warmed.

Voice: Tend to speak softly with slight echo quality. Some say Veil-Born voices carry further than they should.

History and Origins

Pre-Shattering Era

Ancestral Homeland: The Veil-Born inhabited the Mistral Peaks—the highest mountain range on Terrum Solidus. Their settlements were built at altitudes where few others could survive, in valleys perpetually shrouded in mist.

The Sky-Watchers: For millennia, Veil-Born served as Star-Readers and astronomers. They built the first observatories, mapped the constellations, and claimed to hear the voices of the stars. The Luminar Council recruited heavily from Veil-Born communities for their mystical expertise.

The Nexus Spire: Many of the architects and ritualists who designed and operated the Nexus Spire were Veil-Born. Their involvement in the Apogee Working is a source of both pride and shame—they helped reach for the stars, but also helped break the world.

Cultural Isolation: Even pre-Shattering, Veil-Born were seen as strange and otherworldly. They rarely intermarried with other peoples, maintained their own languages and customs, and were both respected and feared for their mystical abilities.

The Shattering (Year 0 S.)

Disproportionate Loss: The Mistral Peaks were shattered into thousands of fragments. Veil-Born population was decimated—estimated 80% died in the initial Shattering, higher than the general 70% mortality rate.

The Survivors: Those who survived found themselves scattered across the Aetherium on fragments of their ancestral mountains. Many of these fragments drifted to what became known as the Veiled Heights—high-floating islands where conditions resembled their old homes.

The Guilt: Many Veil-Born carry collective guilt for their role in the Apogee Working. Some see the Shattering as punishment for their hubris in trying to reach the stars.

Post-Shattering Adaptation (0-287 S.)

The Scattering: Veil-Born never re-established a unified homeland. They remained scattered, living as hermits, small communities, or integrating (uncomfortably) into other settlements.

The Veiled Heights: The highest-floating islands became informal Veil-Born territory. Highfall Village is the closest thing to a Veil-Born settlement, though it’s small and isolated.

Mystical Renaissance: Post-Shattering, Veil-Born mystical traditions became more important. Their ability to navigate mysteries and accept the unknowable made them valuable guides in the shattered world.

The Void-Kin Question: Some Veil-Born have interbred with other peoples, creating mixed-heritage children. The Void-Kin (children born post-Shattering with unusual eyes) sometimes have Veil-Born ancestry, though not always.

Culture and Society

Values and Philosophy

Mysticism: Deep belief in forces beyond understanding. Comfortable with mysteries and paradoxes. Seek connection to the divine/cosmic.

Solitude: Value time alone for contemplation. See isolation as opportunity for spiritual growth, not punishment.

Star-Connection: Believe they have special relationship with constellations. Many can sense when constellations are visible even without seeing sky.

Knowledge Preservation: Obsessive about preserving ancient wisdom. Many Veil-Born serve as living libraries of pre-Shattering mystical knowledge.

Acceptance of the Unknown: Comfortable with not having answers. See mystery as sacred, not problem to be solved.

Non-Attachment: Tendency toward detachment from material world. Can seem cold or distant to other peoples.

Social Structure

No Formal Hierarchy: Veil-Born have no kings, chiefs, or formal leaders. Respect is earned through wisdom and mystical ability.

The Elders: Oldest and wisest Veil-Born are consulted for guidance, but their advice is not binding. Elder Talvyn of Highfall is most respected current elder.

Family Bonds: Weak compared to other peoples. Veil-Born children are often raised communally or sent to study with mentors far from parents.

The Seers: Those with strongest mystical abilities hold informal authority. Can include Star-Readers, prophets, or those who’ve had visions.

Hermit Tradition: Many Veil-Born choose complete isolation. This is respected, not seen as abandonment.

Daily Life

Meditation: Most Veil-Born meditate daily, often for hours. Believe it maintains connection to cosmic forces.

Star-Gazing: Spend significant time observing constellations. Can identify patterns and movements others miss.

Minimalism: Tend to live simply with few possessions. Believe material attachments cloud spiritual perception.

Fasting: Periodic fasting is common, believed to sharpen mystical senses.

Dream-Recording: Keep detailed journals of dreams, which they believe contain messages from constellations.

Silence: Comfortable with long periods of not speaking. Some take vows of silence for months or years.

Customs and Traditions

The Naming: Veil-Born children are not named at birth. They receive temporary names until they have a significant vision or mystical experience (usually age 10-15), then are given true names based on that experience.

The Vigil: Coming-of-age ritual where adolescent spends three days and nights alone on mountain peak (or highest point available) without food, water, or shelter, seeking vision.

The Star-Marriage: Veil-Born marriages are rare and unusual. Partners “marry” under specific constellation, believing it blesses union. Divorce is accomplished by mutual agreement under same constellation.

The Final Ascent: When Veil-Born know they’re dying, many climb to highest point they can reach and die there, believing their spirit will rise to the stars more easily.

The Silence-Feast: Annual gathering where Veil-Born communities eat together in complete silence, contemplating the year past.

Mystical Traditions

Star-Reading

Ancient Art: Veil-Born pioneered Star-Reading—the ability to communicate with constellations and interpret their will. Most skilled Star-Readers in history were Veil-Born.

Current Status: Post-Shattering, Star-Reading is more difficult (constellations are “wrong”), but some Veil-Born maintain the practice.

Training: Requires years of study, meditation, and attunement. Only a few have the gift.

Notable Practitioners: Elder Talvyn (Highfall), The Watcher (Throne of Stars), several hermits whose names are unknown.

The Veil-Walking

Mystical Practice: Belief that Veil-Born can “walk between worlds”—perceive things others cannot. Some claim to see spirits, future events, or hidden truths.

Void-Lotus Use: Some Veil-Born use void-lotus (psychoactive plant) to enhance visions. Controversial and dangerous.

The Trance-State: Trained Veil-Born can enter deep meditative states where they claim to leave their bodies and travel the Aether as spirits.

Skepticism: Other peoples are skeptical of these claims. Veil-Born don’t care—they know what they’ve experienced.

Prophecy and Divination

The Sight: Some Veil-Born claim precognitive abilities. Accuracy varies wildly.

Dream-Prophecy: Believe significant dreams foretell future. Keep detailed dream journals.

Star-Omens: Read meaning in constellation movements and appearances.

The Bone-Casting: Ancient divination method using carved bones. Few still practice.

Relationship with Other Peoples

With Bright-Folk (Majority)

Mutual Wariness: Bright-Folk find Veil-Born unsettling. Veil-Born find Bright-Folk mundane.

Economic Interaction: Veil-Born sometimes trade mystical services (prophecy, guidance) for goods.

Respect: Bright-Folk respect Veil-Born wisdom even while finding them strange.

With Iron-Blood (Warriors)

Tension: Iron-Blood value strength and directness. Veil-Born value wisdom and mystery. Cultures clash.

Rare Alliance: When Iron-Blood need mystical guidance, they grudgingly consult Veil-Born.

Mutual Incomprehension: Each thinks the other is missing the point of existence.

With Sun-Touched (Southern)

Affinity: Sun-Touched storytelling tradition resonates with Veil-Born mysticism.

Cultural Exchange: Some intermarriage between these groups.

Shared Outsider Status: Both are minorities; sometimes find common ground.

With Void-Kin (Post-Shattering)

Complex: Some Void-Kin have Veil-Born ancestry. Veil-Born see them as both kin and something new.

Mentorship: Veil-Born sometimes mentor Void-Kin who show mystical abilities.

The Question: Are Void-Kin evolution of Veil-Born, or something entirely different?

Notable Veil-Born

Historical Figures

Lyanna Starwhisper (Pre-Shattering): - Greatest Star-Reader in history - Helped design Nexus Spire - Warned that Apogee Working was dangerous (ignored) - Died in the Shattering - Some say her spirit still wanders the Veiled Heights

The Three Seers (45 S.): - Prophesied the Rot’s coming - Warned settlements (some listened, some didn’t) - All three died mysteriously within days of final prophecy - Prophecies still studied

Contemporary Figures

Elder Talvyn (Highfall Village): - Age 68, most respected living Veil-Born - Knows pre-Luminar legends - Maintains ancient Star-Reading traditions - Consulted by leaders across Aetherium - Rarely leaves Highfall

The Watcher (Throne of Stars): - Unknown name, unknown age - Lives alone at highest point in known Aetherium - Survives in conditions that should kill - Speaks only in prophecies - Pilgrims seek them out

Storm-Captain Kiera Windcaller: - Half Veil-Born, half Bright-Folk - Leads Storm-Sailors in Howling Expanse - Saw something inside Black Tempest (won’t say what) - Embodies Veil-Born mysticism with practical skill

The Hermit of Glimmering Spire: - Name unknown - Lives in ruins - Helps those who seek wisdom - May be multiple people using same identity

Veil-Born in the Current Age (287 S.)

Challenges

Population Decline: Already small population continues to shrink. Few Veil-Born children born.

Cultural Erosion: Young Veil-Born integrating into other cultures, losing traditions.

The Hermit Problem: So many choosing isolation that community bonds weaken.

Mystical Fatigue: Post-Shattering, mysticism is harder. Constellations respond less. Some Veil-Born losing faith.

Opportunities

Valued Guides: In uncertain times, Veil-Born mystical knowledge is increasingly valuable.

The Void-Kin Connection: Some see Void-Kin as Veil-Born evolution—hope for future.

Preservation Role: Veil-Born maintaining knowledge that would otherwise be lost.

The Veiled Heights: Establishing stronger presence in high-altitude islands.

Current Developments

Highfall’s Growth: Highfall Village slowly growing as Veil-Born gather.

The Prophecy Boom: More people seeking Veil-Born prophecies as world darkens.

The Hermit Network: Isolated Veil-Born maintaining communication through mysterious means.

The Next Generation: Small number of young Veil-Born showing strong mystical abilities—hope for traditions continuing.

Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Common Stereotypes

“All Veil-Born are psychic”: False. Some have mystical abilities; most don’t.

“They can see the future”: Exaggerated. Some have vague precognitive abilities; none see clearly.

“They’re cold and emotionless”: Misunderstanding. Veil-Born feel deeply but express differently.

“They worship the void/darkness”: False. They worship constellations and seek understanding.

“They’re all hermits”: Many are, but not all. Some live in communities.

Truths

They are comfortable with mysteries: True. Don’t need all answers.

They have strong mystical traditions: True. Ancient practices maintained.

They’re often isolated: True. By choice and circumstance.

They see things differently: True. Literally and figuratively.

They’re connected to the stars: True. In ways others aren’t.

Language and Communication

Veil-Tongue (Ancient Language)

Status: Nearly dead. Only fragments survive.

Characteristics: Soft consonants, flowing vowels, many words for concepts like “mystery,” “void,” “star-light.”

Current Use: Prayers, rituals, some names. Elder Talvyn speaks it fluently.

Preservation: Veil-Born scholars recording what remains.

Common Tongue Usage

Accent: Soft, slightly echoing quality. Precise pronunciation.

Vocabulary: Use archaic words others don’t. Poetic phrasing.

Communication Style: Speak less than others. Words carefully chosen. Comfortable with silence.

Non-Verbal: Communicate much through gesture, gaze, presence.

Related Topics

• Constellation of the Veil - Patron constellation
• Veiled Heights - Primary region
• Highfall Village - Largest settlement
• Elder Talvyn - Most respected elder
• The Watcher - Mysterious prophet
• Star-Reading - Ancient mystical practice
• Void-Kin - Related people

In-World Documents

From The Book of Mists (Ancient Veil-Born Text)

We came from the mountains where the sky met stone.
We walked in the mists between worlds.
We heard the stars singing.
We learned their names.

Now the mountains are shattered.
Now the mists are everywhere.
Now the stars sing differently.
But we still listen.

We are Veil-Born.
We walk between.
We see what others cannot.
We remember what others forget.

Elder Talvyn’s Teaching

“You ask what it means to be Veil-Born.
It means seeing the veil between worlds and knowing it’s thin.
It means hearing whispers others dismiss.
It means being comfortable with mystery.
It means being uncomfortable with certainty.

We are not better than others.
We are not worse.
We are simply… different.
We see differently.
We live differently.
We die differently.

And that is enough.”

Veil-Born Blessing

May the stars guide your path.
May the mists hide you from danger.
May the veil be thin for you.
May you see what you need to see.
May you be blind to what would destroy you.

“The Veil-Born are the children of the mountains and the stars, the people who walk in the mists between worlds. They see what others cannot, know what others don’t, and accept what others fear. They are strange, yes. Unsettling, yes. But in a shattered world full of mysteries, perhaps we need people who are comfortable with the unknowable. Perhaps we need the Veil-Born.”
—From Peoples of the Aetherium by Historian Elias Stormchaser