For most, arcane events are unexpected, created by seemingly mindless manifestations. Some fondly remember these blessed events. Some do not survive the encounter. Most spend their nights shuddering behind barred but useless doors. A few watch helplessly as their minds degenerate into madness. These poor souls are no longer human. They are out there ... immortal and obsessed. Meanwhile, others — daring magicians and devoted acolytes — seek out supernatural power and willingly risk corruption. They study arcane tomes, perform strange experiments and cast elaborate rituals. These practitioners manipulate arcane energies and achieve wonderous or horrific results. Some practitioners are solitary and secretive, working in dusty bookshops, deserted buildings or cramped apartments. More of them than you might think operate in state-of-the-art laboratories with substantial budgets. Their machinations affect millions of people, and millions of dollars. The corruptive forces of magic are ever-present, however, and many eventually succumb. Still others fight baleful forces, and bring light to an uncaring world.