Shaping

=Shaping=

Shapers are beings with the Gift for using passions to shape Vapor. Vapor responds to the passions of any sentient being in unpredictable ways. Shaping is the art of consciously combining passions with Vapor to create something specific. Shaping can produce instantaneous effects (like a fireball) or longer-term effects, like clothing, a building, or a whole shard. Only some beings can deliberately shape: those with the Gift.

Shapers can move objects or their bodies through Vapor. Shapers can also use telepathy and empathy to sense and project thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

The Gift
Shapers are sentient beings with the Gift. Shapers also needs training to control their Gift. Without training, someone with the Gift may unknowingly or unconsciously create wild islands or wildlings.

[All avatars in the Delirium are assumed to have the Gift, even if they're only Dreamers.]

The Gift is poorly understood, but seems to have a genetic, hereditary component. The Gift can't be given or taken away. However, with an advanced arcane effect or engineered device, the Gift can be suppressed. For example, a slave's collar can include a suppressor effect that can be turned on and off. With the suppressor active, the slave can't teleport away or rez objects. [Suppression is usually role-played, although some vendors sell scripted suppressors (e.g., Restrained Life).]

Foresight
Unshaped Vapor is not a static fluid. Passions too slight to shape an island still create ripples. As the population of sentient beings in the First Fold and Second Fold grew, the currents and eddies in the Delirium became more complex. Some shapers claim to be able to read the future in the movements of unshaped Vapor. A few shapers style themselves as diviners or seers.