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Synesis Aeon
LN; CR 4 [PF1e]
Muses for intellectuals, wizards and inventors, who maintain the balance between magic and technology
The synesis aeon is a strange and otherworldly entity, its form resembling an twin vortex sculpted from swirling cosmic starstuff. Its body shimmers with a twinkling glow, reminding onlookers of the vastness of the multiverse. Whenever it desires, a pair of three-fingered arms can extend from any part of its form. These alien limbs are flexible and capable of stretching in ways that defy physics.
The appearance of the synesis as a dual-bodied being is far removed from mortal comprehension of what a creature should be, and its cosmic appearance and strangely fluid body just enhance its sense of timelessness and purpose. It can be quite uncomfortable to look upon one of these beings, if it so desires,
Chant goes the synesis aeon was created by the Monad to oversee the delicate interplay between magic and technology. As such, synesis aeons are tasked with preventing either force from destabilising the planes. Mortals often view magic and technology as tools for progress and civilisation, but the synesis understand that unchecked advancements in either can lead to catastrophic consequences—just look at how history is littered with examples like Netheril where mortal hubris with magic ended up badly. These aeons will frequently appear unbidden during moments of great technological or magical innovation, subtly guiding inventors, spellcasters, and thinkers toward discoveries that preserve multiversal balance rather than disrupt it. Their presence is often unnoticed by mortals, but their influence can shape entire civilisations.
Philosophically, synesis aeons embody the duality of intellect and instinct, logic and intuition. They believe that true balance requires both deliberate thought and spontaneous action, though favouring one over the other at critical moments may be necessary to maintain harmony. As such, they are not at all popular with factions like the Fraternity of Order or the Transcendent Order, who rarely agree on anything except that their philosophies of logic and spontaneity respectively are incompatible with the synesis. Perhaps the fact that both factions exist is sufficient to maintain the balance these aeons seek.
Synesis aeons often serve as muses for great thinkers, encouraging breakthroughs that align with the greater cosmic order. However, they are equally capable of eradicating individuals whose ideas or inventions they deem pose a threat to planar stability. This dual role as both nurturer and destroyer underscores their impartial nature; they act not out of malice or favouritism but purely in service to the Monad’s Vision.
The abilities of a synesis aeon reflect its focus on thought and intuition. Its cognitive aura allows it to influence creatures within its vicinity by enhancing either deliberate contemplation or instinctive judgment. Additionally, its unintuitive reach enables it to stretch its arms unpredictably when attacking intelligent creatures confounding expectations to aid themselves in combat. These abilities make the synesis aeon a formidable presence in combat when necessary, though it prefers to avoid direct confrontation unless balance is at stake.
For planewalkers encountering a synesis aeon, understanding its motives is crucial. These beings are not inherently aggressive but are deeply committed to their mission of maintaining equilibrium. Planewalkers involved in groundbreaking magical research or technological innovation may occasionally find themselves under the watchful eye of a synesis, which may be flattering until they tumble to the consequences. The synesis may be there to offer subtle guidance, or to impose devastating consequences if they deem the work threatens cosmic stability. Synesis aeons are also known to gravitate toward powerful psychics, subtly steering their actions toward goals aligned with planar harmony. For cutters who wish to engage with these enigmatic beings, demonstrating respect for balance and an awareness of the broader consequences of their actions is essential to earning a synesis’ trust—or at least for avoiding its wrath.
Stats: Occult Bestiary [PF1e] p3
Canonwatch: Synesis have not yet been converted to PF2e rules. Synesis is a grammatical and rhetorical term that means ‘to bring something together to give it meaning’.