Interlude A2.I

From the Archives of the Explorers Guild

Excerpt from “Yggdrasil: A System of Power” by Scholar Arvian Melchor, Senior Fellow of the Explorers Guild, Chair of Aetheric Studies, Brightwash Military Academy.

Yggdrasil: The Interface Between Mortals and the Aethereal Sea

At the heart of our understanding of Soulsinging lies Yggdrasil, a sophisticated system that enables mortal beings to access and harness the immense power of the Aethereal Sea. Practitioners of Yggdrasil are known by various appellations across Iardyss, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that define our world. The language various cultures use to refer to those with access to Yggdrasil may provide a deeper insight into the nature of magic itself. Terms such as Magi, Fishers—a nod to the ancient Morduin expression for “Fishers of the Deep” or “Fishers of the Aethereal Sea”—and Soulsingers (often shortened to “Singers” in some cultures) are commonly employed to describe these individuals who bridge the gap between the mortal and the aethereal.

In the discipline of Aetheric Studies, Yggdrasil refers not only to the overarching system of power derived from the Aethereal Sea (to differentiate from the various forms of Old Magic) but also to the generally intelligent interface through which practitioners engage with this power. I will be referring to the latter as many do, simply calling it the “System.” This interface functions as a conduit for processing data, providing users (those granted access to Yggdrasil) with critical information about the functions inherent in the magic they wield. It is this aspect of Yggdrasil—the System itself—that forms the crux of our exploration in this treatise.

The Interface and Its Functions

Yggdrasil, the System, as an interface, provides a highly structured method by which practitioners of magic may access a broad spectrum of information about their capabilities. This is presented in three key areas: Class information, Spell Data, and Attributes. While much has been written about the Class and Spell functions, it is the Attributes and their corresponding Levels that demand particular attention in any scholarly discussion.

Yggdrasil divides a practitioner’s Attributes into three broad categories—Physical, Mental, and Spiritual—each representing a different facet of a Soulsinger’s potential. Through consistent application of their abilities, practitioners can raise their Levels in these Attributes, enhancing their efficacy in both mundane and magical endeavors. For clarity, I will briefly summarize the core Attributes and their relevance to the practice of Soulsinging.

Physical Attributes encompass the traditional qualities associated with bodily function and physical prowess. Strength, for example, determines how much force a practitioner can exert, while Dexterity governs their speed and agility. Endurance measures the body’s capacity to withstand damage, and Vitality reflects the life force itself, influencing recovery and resistance to poisons and other harmful effects.

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Mental Attributes pertain to cognitive and psychological capabilities. Intelligence measures computational power, or how quickly and effectively one can process information. Reactivity governs the speed at which a practitioner can respond to stimuli, while Perception enhances their ability to observe and interpret their surroundings. Willpower, perhaps the most critical Mental Attribute, represents a practitioner’s ability to resist mental strain and control their emotions in the face of overwhelming stress. Willpower has also been discovered to be the sole Attribute governing a user’s ability to break free from or see through the effects of illusory or mind-altering magical spells.

Finally, Spiritual Attributes are the foundation of magical prowess. These attributes determine not only a user’s connection to the Aethereal Sea but also the potency and flexibility of the magic they wield. Power measures the strength of a practitioner’s aura and the force they can project, while Reserves quantify the amount of natural mana available within the body. Versatility dictates how malleable and adaptable that mana is when manifesting as magic, and Control reflects the degree to which a practitioner can precisely manipulate their aura and mana to achieve their desired results.

Each Attribute is assessed by Yggdrasil on a Level-based system ranging from E-1, which represents the baseline for an ordinary, non-awakened human, to the highest theoretical Level of SSS (pronounced “Triple S”). It is essential to note, however, that while practitioners may train and develop their Attributes through repeated use, human biology seems to impose a natural limit. In my extensive research, I have yet to encounter a practitioner who has reached a Base Level higher than SS-9 in any Attribute without external augmentation. This ceiling suggests that while the human body can adapt to the demands of channeling power from the Aethereal Sea, there are inherent physical and metaphysical constraints that prevent further natural progression.

Artificial Enhancement and the Concept of Effective Attribute Value (EAV)

In cases where a practitioner seeks to surpass their natural limits, Yggdrasil provides an important distinction: the Effective Attribute Value (EAV). This value reflects temporary boosts to an Attribute, typically granted through the use of magical Artifacts, aethertec, or Celestial Treasures. Sometimes too, a user’s Class may impart an artificial boost to a particular Attribute. For example, a Giantsblood Type Bonesinger may have increased Strength when using their magical abilities. These augmentations allow a practitioner to operate beyond their base capacity, though the increased Level provided by EAV does not permanently affect their foundational Attributes. For example, an Artifact might temporarily raise a practitioner’s Power from A-5 to S-1, offering enhanced power in combat without altering the individual’s baseline. There can be significant repercussions from using items that provide a heightened EAV in combat applications. Additionally, EAVs also work in reverse, and occasionally result in an Attribute’s level being effectively lower than a user’s base value in that Attribute.

The significance of this System cannot be understated. Yggdrasil’s ability to quantify both the natural progression of a practitioner’s abilities and the impact of artificial enhancements provides a level of insight unprecedented in any other known magical tradition. Furthermore, the precision with which it tracks and relays this information suggests a level of intelligence or sentience within Yggdrasil itself, one that warrants further investigation. For more on the nature of the System’s general intelligence, please see my treatise The Foundations of Yggdrasil: The Mind Beneath the Waves.