Disclaimer: The following document fragment is presented from an in-character perspective, it should not be taken as the truth of the setting.
Context: This week we indulge in some self reflection from the mages of the setting, considerations about the place and nature of mage-kind. In this second expert, we see some speculation about the possible nature of mages, in regard to the rest of humanity.
Let us unravel a topic today — a question of our origins and nature.
What are we?
In times long past, we spoke of ourselves as possessing the blood of a single progenitor. We gave this being many names, Adam, Enki, Orpheus, Nu, or many more. And, assuming these are names we have bestowed, over time, onto some existing person, we still fail to address the issue of why this one person came to be the carrier of our genetic legacy. Furthermore, as the genes that grant us our powers are recessive, the progeny of a single magus or maga could not possess the gift. And the first mage could not possibly know of the secrets of the universe to teach them.
The nature of the first mage, if such a person ever existed and magecraft did not develop in parallel, in different corners of this world, is secondary. As many mythical origin stories, it serves to answer the question posed in only the most shallow, symbolic sense. It provides an answer to stop us from thinking, not to sate our curiosity.
What then, is our true origin? And thus, what is our nature?
Are we a fluke, a mere accident of genetics, the result of a random mutation, and the unguided hand of evolution? In such a case, should we consider ourselves lucky or unlucky to be given this gift? Could it have evolved among cetaceans as well? It is not of human nature to easily consider ourselves an accident. We always strive to find meaning in our existence, often one granted to us from above. Yet we know that the Cosmos is uncaring, the Elder Gods silent. Among the vastness of space, accidents such as us are to be expected. Brought into this world by chance. We marvel at the splendor of the stars. For a moment, before another accident brings an end to our existence. The time between our birth and death insignificant.
Or perhaps we were made with purpose by one of the Great Races? An experiment, a different form of accident. Such a question rises so many more that follow. Were we made with benevolence in mind? Can we even comprehend the motives of our creators? Is the reason for our existence one we can find solace in, or is it one we must reject, as its essence is abhorrent to the human mind. We know the Great Races give life to barren worlds. But we know not of a case where a member of the Great Race would change the nature of its lesser. Yet, the Cosmos is grand, and our knowledge of it not only finite but scarce.
Or maybe we are a manifestation of something that emerged from the Deep — a dream given form in physical space. But once more, that poses much the same questions as the hypothesis above. What is the nature of the idea that made us? Did we dream it ourselves, or did it come from beyond, maybe even from the lowermost depths? Is magecraft an imperfection of the soul or a parasitic concept that clings to our minds? The Deep is full of things we cannot comprehend, things that do not and should not exist. And worst still, things that change as we think about them. Protean chaos is not easily studied, and we must always question if we are not the architect of the answers we find.
Each of these theories is possible, and though the first is most probable, there are concerning details of our nature and the nature of the Cosmos that undermine its veracity. Likewise, as nebulous and far fetched as the other two ideas are, there is direct evidence our origin may come from the Cosmos or the Deep.
Esoteric Musings... 