Riddles in the Dark of Exilian

[Jubal]

I have a new answer which I think works:

Spoiler

I propose that the answer is cast.

The cast of a play or show gives life to its story: a medical cast can be in many forms and thus help heal things.

The "power of nations" I assume here is democracy and about casting a ballot (this is the reason I'm least sure about this answer as nations aren't necessarily democracies and voting isn't necessarily for national government), but you can certainly launch tools of purpose by e.g. "casting a net".

[Tusky]

Correct!

[Jubal]

OK! Excellent

Right, here's my next one:

I was born in the days that walk four steps together,
I passed by the pillar that names me alone,
To the shore of what lies between now and forever,
Where on the wide ocean, by me all are known

 Initial hint:

This is a wordplay riddle - much, though not all, of it is about giving you clues about the word rather than about the word's meaning.

[Tusky]

I shall have a pop, although not confident of my chances

Spoiler

History?
Four steps together maybe eras - ancient - medieval - early modern - modern
Second line I am sure is I
History lies between now and forever in the past.
Wide ocean might refer to the letter o?
By me all are known, this could also refer to history...

[Jubal]

Not right yet, but some very good thoughts!

Some confirmation on bits you got right:

Spoiler

You're right about line 2.

You're also very close though not quite there with line 3.

And a further hint:

Spoiler

For line 1, which is probably the hardest, think more about actual steps.

[Tusky]

Could it be

Spoiler

Maritime?

• Mar for March... Born in = Start of the word... Days = could also be a unit of time... Walking 4 steps together - well it sort of describes marching... although less sure about the number 4. Are march songs usually in 4:4 time? Or should troop divisions usually be 4 abreast?
• I again
• Time could be said to be between now and forever
• Fits the last line pretty well

[Jubal]

Well done! Perfectly correct on all counts

Spoiler

Marches are indeed in 4/4 to the point where it's almost definitional - probably the two most memorable step to time signature correlations are that marches are 4/4 and waltzes are 3/4.

[Tusky]

Here's one: Hope it isn't too tricky!

At first, I am slow to reveal my full nature, babe.
But once I arrive,
I could be your favourite companion.
Use me to express yourself.
Use me as a lure!
Or you could simply sever our ties, I suppose.
But I won't stick around forever,
I might need to abandon you.
But do not fear, I might sneak back, in places you might least suspect!

[Jubal]

First thoughts:

Spoiler

My first guess is hair.

• Hair takes a while to reveal itself (grow fully) for babes (newborns).
• Not sure about the favourite companion line, that's probably the hole in this guess.
• Hair is something you can express yourself with, use to attract people, or cut off.
• Hair will abandon you when falling out as you age...
• ...but you also can end up growing more body hair even as you lose your head hair.

[Tusky]

Correct! That was fast!

Spoiler

You were right about all of the clues. The favourite companion bit was to suggest it's something someone has, rather than something abstract like a meme or idea

[Jubal]

Nice!

Right, my go again I guess, let's try this one:

Though alone and unhinged I am useless,
Add to my start and counsel I'll give,
Though my charge becomes wholly anonymous,
They're as obvious as any who live.
Put me down, and I'll be a protector, it's true -
But your most valued treasures I'll leave to open view.