Elantrians

Lore & Background

The transformation into an Elantrian is a profound physical and spiritual change. When ordinary people enter the city during the ritual, their skin becomes marked with glowing Aons, intricate symbols that serve as conduits for magical power. This state grants them immortality in terms of aging, immense strength, and the ability to manipulate the environment through willpower alone. However, this perfection was shattered by the Decay, a mysterious failure of the city's magical connection to the Dor. The Elantrians lost their abilities overnight, their tattoos dimming as they became sickly and vulnerable. They were forced into exile within the very city that made them, surviving on charity while the kingdom outside flourished without their aid. The restoration came through the actions of Raoden, a nobleman who discovered the truth behind the Decay. By proving his worth and utilizing the Aons correctly, he reconnected the city to its power source. This act not only healed the Elantrians but also brought new individuals into the state, ensuring their role as protectors could continue.

In Their Own Story

The golden light of the tattoos pulsed softly against the dark stone of the ruined plaza. Raoden stood amidst the crowd of former gods, watching a young beggar reach out to touch his glowing forearm. The child's eyes widened as warmth radiated from the skin, dispelling the chill that had plagued them for years. It was not just magic returning; it was hope. For fifteen years they had been forgotten shadows, but now the Aons burned bright again, promising a future where service and strength walked hand in hand once more.

Reader's Guide

Elantrians derive their power from the Dor, a magical substance specific to the world of Sel. Unlike other magic systems in this universe, they do not consume external energy sources like gemstones; instead, their bodies act as living conduits for the magic. Upon entering the city of Elantris during the transformation ritual, citizens receive permanent glowing tattoos known as Aons on their skin. These marks allow them to manipulate reality through gestures and willpower, granting abilities such as healing, flight, and enhanced strength. However, these powers are not without limits. The magic is tied directly to the city's connection with the Dor; when this link was severed during the Decay, the Elantrians lost their abilities and suffered physical deterioration. They do not age normally while transformed, remaining in a state of suspended animation that preserves their youth indefinitely. Furthermore, they cannot reproduce naturally in their divine form, as the transformation alters their biology fundamentally. Visual manifestations include intricate golden script glowing across their skin, which intensifies when magic is actively being used. The light emitted can range from a soft shimmer to a blinding radiance depending on the complexity of the Aon being drawn or utilized. While they possess immense physical capabilities, their connection to the Dor makes them vulnerable to disruptions in the city's magical integrity, as seen during the tragic fall of the kingdom.

Did You Know?

• Elantrians do not age while transformed, preserving their appearance indefinitely.
• Their tattoos glow brighter when they actively use magic or channel power.
• The transformation requires entering the city of Elantris under specific magical conditions.
• They are part of the same universe as The Stormlight Archive but exist on a different planet.