The Awakening

In a diesel-punk fantasy world akin to 1940s Earth, humans with innate magical abilities, known as witches, undergo an awakening called the emergence of their Arcana. This awakening, often triggered by extreme emotions, leads to either tragedy or ascension to become Arcanists, rulers within the Arcania Empire, wielding nearly godlike powers.

• Terraseer Witch: These witches possess an omniscient awareness, sensing the location and emotions of entities across vast distances. However, overwhelming sensations during emotional turmoil render them vulnerable. For instance, a Terraseer Witch might locate a lost child by feeling their heartbeat from afar, but succumb to disorientation amidst a cacophony of sensations during a chaotic battle.

• Riftwalker Witch: Masters of interdimensional travel, they create wormholes to traverse realms. A Riftwalker may bring an artifact from a distant dimension, but unchecked emotions could lead to catastrophic rifts tearing them apart across dimensions, akin to scolding their apprentice and being smeared across realities.

• Bonelord Witch: They manipulate life's essence, accelerating mitosis or reshaping DNA. A Bonelord might heal wounds or create grotesque mutations, like wilting flowers or creating malignant tumors. Uncontrolled emotions might lead to catastrophic explosions of gore or catastrophic mutations in their own bodies.

• Powerforge Witch: These witches control elemental forces, inducing heat or freezing surroundings. They might incinerate enemies or create ice barriers. However, emotional instability can lead to uncontrollable energy surges, potentially boiling themselves alive or freezing allies.

• Spectralweaver Witch: Commanding radiation, they emit blinding light or cloak themselves in invisibility. They might irradiate foes or render themselves unseen. Yet, emotional turmoil could lead to devastating radiation storms or irreversible mutations in living beings.

• Mindflayer Witch: Masters of telepathy, they manipulate thoughts and emotions. They might calm a panicked crowd or drive foes mad. However, constant bombardment by others' thoughts can lead to confusion, with a Mindflayer ultimately losing their sense of self and succumbing to madness.

These living gods shape reality but must control their emotions to prevent catastrophic consequences, capable of wiping out entire cities with a single outburst. The lucky enough to survive witches seek guidance from the Arcanists. If the Arcanist feels generous, they take the poor witch as their apprentice to help them control their emotions and, by extension, their powers.

Tags: angst, possible gore