The Order of the Incarnate Merchants

Time passed and The World Travelers left their subtle mark on the outer Realms. For their part, The Artisans gained ever greater mastery over their creations, fashioning accessories that enhanced the capabilities of the Outfits. These objects were normally reserved only for the most talented Travelers, and could only be acquired in The Absolute. But to reach the nomads residing for long periods in The Distant Realms, they founded an order of Incarnate Merchants, whose mission was to present the various creations of The Artisans or to provide new Outfits to the unfortunate ones who had seen theirs destroyed in one battle too many.

The Incarnate Merchants offered their services to locals and nomads alike, and it happened that The World Travelers would encounter a wealthy individual wearing an Outfit from The Absolute. But its wearing bore no comparison to that of an incarnated ethereal being. The hue of the Outfit then radiated, even if its possessor did not master all its mysteries. This gift of perceiving the auras of Outfits was the difference that distinguished ethereal beings from locals, which allowed Travelers and Artisans to recognize each other easily.

The Awakened Travelers, through their Outfit, had access to the knowledge of The Akashic Library. When the situation required it, some contributed to small scientific advances as long as they did not disturb the world's harmony. They drew their knowledge from The Absolute and disseminated it through a turn of phrase or an allusion in order to remain as discreet as possible. Giving too much could have upset the Realm's order or political balance. Sometimes, instead of drawing their knowledge from The Absolute, Travelers learned certain arts on their own alongside the natives. This practice allowed them to provide new information to The Akashic Library, but they also retained mastery of these skills even if their Outfit was destroyed.