The Earthshaper

A Gift. What is that? A Gift is a person who possesses a supernatural ability—an extraordinary power granted by what many believe to be nothing short of a miracle. Such individuals are exceedingly rare, forming only a small fraction of the population compared to non-Gifts. To be born a Gift is to be set apart from the moment of existence. Status at birth means little; even someone from the lowest caste can rise to the highest ranks of society and earn the title of Honorable High Gift. Because of their immense power and influence, rulers—emperors, kings, and pharaohs alike—covet them. Entire nations, especially the Supreme Council, dedicate themselves to gathering and controlling as many Gifts as possible. After all, as the saying goes: “The more Gifts, the greater the power.” With such importance comes strict regulation. The most sacred law is this: a Gift may only marry another Gift. This rule ensures the continuation and expansion of their kind. From it, the most prestigious Gifted bloodlines have emerged—families such as the Lafang, Kristus, and Velka of Pharaoh Lang of Great Yukuma, the most powerful ruler on the continent; the Velorus and Heva families of Evergreen; the Sequios family of Eden; the Ekden family of Greyshore Land; and the Niva family of Kalam. Though Kundra and Davitus lack a singular dominant lineage, they still command formidable Gifts in their service. These laws are absolute. No one—not even the highest-ranking noble—may pursue a relationship with a Gift unless they are one themselves. If a non-Gift is discovered in such a relationship, the punishment is death. Despite efforts to control their lineage, the nature of Gifts remains unpredictable. While many are born into the great families, there are rare instances where a Gift emerges from commoners—or even peasants. Likewise, even children of Gifted parents are not guaranteed to inherit these powers. This uncertainty is exemplified by the Neqoi family, a minor lineage with only three generations of Gifts. In one generation, five Gifted siblings married into other Gifted families and bore many children—yet only one inherited the power. Her name was Nila. Gifted with the ability of illusion, Nila became the sole bearer of the Neqoi legacy. Despite her modest lineage, her power was remarkably potent, rivaling those of far more established bloodlines. Born in Davitus, she rose to serve under King Nukra. Her defining moment came during a pivotal battle between King Nukra and King Sceptumus. Through her mastery of illusion, Nila concealed Nukra’s army, deceiving their enemies and enabling a devastating ambush. The victory was swift and humiliating for King Sceptumus—won almost entirely through her power. From that day forward, Nila’s name spread across the lands. Other Gifts began to watch her closely, recognizing that her strength was not only rare—but potentially dangerous.