I did actually have something of an idea in the shower this morning, that humanity isn't the first 'soulless' life the aliens have encountered, it's just the first such life they've come across that isn't still pretty much at the level of the Cambrian Explosion or earlier. Personally, I'd go with low- or medium-powered humanity, and magic one step above it. Of course, it's possible to mix and match - the obvious option is to throw low-powered humans with a larger industrial base to compensate against a more elitist force of high-powered fantasy adventurers & company. Magic is Epic on the brink of Miraculous, with Archmages terraforming or destroying planets and Heroes ascending into full-on God-hood every now and then.
Insane Power Humanity uses Space Magic in the guise of technology, in the spirit of Ancients and Forerunners ever-verse. Magical creatures are common, with Trolls and Giants being strong and tough enough to take on tanks while Dragons are a serious challenge even for air superiority fighters. Every soldier carries a magic wand loaded with spells and ubiquitous Wards against Arrows and Fire makes most projectile and energy weapons useless. Magic is common and powerful, with basic mages throwing around thunderstorms and meteor showers. High Power Humanity uses the power of Applied Phlebotinum, near-instant FTL transportation and communication, and extreme transhumanism some ships carry humans, some ships are humans. Enchanted equipment is common and packs a punch - every other soldier carries some scrolls or a couple of potions - and lesser magical beings are fairly common while higher-level ones can pose an actual threat to modern militaries. Magic is modestly powerful - a skilled mage might be able to take out a modern MBT by going all out with a thunder bolt, even apprentices can throw a decent magic missile. Medium Power Humanity uses matter/antimatter reactors, DEWs, and fairly quick and reliable FTL cybernetics and AI are common. Mythic Creatures are very rare or not powerful enough to pose a major threat to modern military except under unusual circumstances. Enchantments are basic fantasy fare - most soldiers have to settle for Sword +1 or Always Comfortable Armour, with only champions and high level adventurers using Rings of Haste or Shields of Arrow Repulsion. Magic is fairly low powered - an arch mage might be able to blow up a barn with a fireball, he doesn't conjure a solar eruption to scour an entire planet to the mantle. Low Power Humanity uses fusion reactors, basic artificial gravity, and slow and/or unreliable FTL communication and travel. So, away from the soul business what power level should such a story feature?
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