Arcanists

In the Delirium, there are a variety of approaches to magic. Most approaches have their origins in First Fold traditions or schools. Origins include Western-style alchemy and wizardry, Eastern spirituality, aboriginal shamanism, Wicca, and more. Despite this variety, or perhaps because of it, the Passionate call the many magical approaches to shaping by one label: the arcane arts.

The distinction between arcanist and engineer largely depends on the individual's interpretation of Vapor and shaping. Both believe they are systematically studying and applying advanced properties of the Second Fold. Engineers usually believe that they're building independent devices to leverage those properties. Arcanists usually believe that they themselves are part of the process, through supernatural talent, faith, will, or what-have-you. The results can be very similar: either an engineer's bomb or an arcanist's spell can demolish a building. But the processes and passions can be fundamentally different.

The issue is further complicated by shapers who style themselves both as arcanists and engineers. Of course, in the Delirium, shapers with strong Gifts and great passions can be or do almost anything they want.

Metamorphs may be arcanists or engineers, or their abilities to re-shape their forms may have a different explanation.