There are 3 main sources of strength; Magic, Talent and Special Status. This chapter will explain the basics of all three, but if you want an even more in-depth explanation, make sure to read the other issues of the ANALYSIS BOARD! (This is just a special short chapter!)
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MAGIC
You know what magic is, I know what magic is. However, in this novel, the magic is conjured by transfiguring a mana particle of infinite possibilities into a physical state, whether that be fire gold or even just energy. Using various combinations such as conjuring gravitational pull or light, you can cast pretty much anything! However, more complex spells will take more mana and technical prowess to conjure.
They are classified from EX, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, with each class with the exception of EX split into 9 subclasses for precision.
G = Elementary spells. Only useful for teaching beginners.
F = Utility spells for daily use. May be useful in combat based on application.
E = Minimum required level for a combat-related spell such as fireball or healing by the army. A true manifestation of magic (manipulation of mana into physical phenomena).
D = Mid-class. Most mages can use all D-class spells and below.
C = Including and above class C are the higher echelon of spells, they are forbidden from even being taught to those unworthy. They are categorized by destructive levels, ranging from Castle, Borough to Avalanche. However, these destruction levels only apply to offensive spells and even then, there are some exceptions. C is castle-destruction level, able to destroy a castle with multiple applications of the spell.
B = Borough-destruction level. Only a few mages ever reach this level. Solo threat to cities.
A = Avalanche-destruction level. Legends of the past were built by such spells. This is the highest achievable level of magic without the usage of a talent.
EX = Special class. All talents are EX class, as they bend the laws of reality. Diverse in application and types.
(EG. ⌈Mana Eye⌋ is a F1 class spell)
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TALENT
Split into 4 categories; PHYS, MAGI, TECH, and EXTR. (Physical, Magical, Technical, External)
Notation:
Reginn - ⌈ANTIMANA⌋ = PHYS
Cupio - ⌈The Wishgranter⌋ = MAGI
Dune - ⌈Manifest Destiny⌋ = EX-N
Blodelshein - ⌈The Emperor⌋ = MAGI-EX-P
PHYS - Permanently active. A part of you. Stat boost + HAX passive.
MAG - Grants a new, unique spell. Still takes mana, but requires low technical knowledge. However, with more training, you can enhance your unique spell.
TECH - Like the middle point between MAG and PHYS. Grants a new skill that does not require mana. Can be trained to be improved. More for martial artists and warriors. Comes with a slight stat boost.
EXTR - A unique class, it can act also as a subclass. Draws power/manipulates one of the three subspaces; Psyche, Abstract and Narrative (EX-P, EX-A and EX-N respectively). However, it is theoretically possible to also source your power from Elysium and Hades, denoted as EX-E and EX-H respectively. (The Plane of Existence does not count since it is supposed to be EXTERNAL sources, but I suppose EX-I as in Imaginary Space could be possible…)
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The Psyche is the realm of the souls, calculating emotions and memories. Currently, Blodelshein controls the entire realm, though there is still more room for improvement. Good for mind control and teleportation through subspace.
The Abstract is the realm that contains and calculates the stats and inventories of all sentient creatures tied to the Psyche. Modification of the Plane of Existence updates the Abstract, but the vice versa is also true. Both Kaizer and Solas utilize this realm.
The Narrative is the most elusive subspace, concerning the fate of all creatures from the beginning to the end. Currently, Dune could glimpse into it using her talent, but Prometheus has a much better understanding of the realm, though even he cannot interact with it.
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SPECIAL STATUS
Of course, there are other ways to gain more power, and those are collectively called the ‘Special Status’. Think of it as additional permanent passives and dual-classings.
WORLD BEASTS
Created by divine creatures to protect a specific treasure, location or people. Extremely powerful by the authority of the divine creatures. A middle point between divine creatures and organic/magical creatures. Usually based on an organic/magical creature.
WORLD DISASTERS
A general class of world-ending threats. There have only been a handful in the history of Sol-Aegis.
HORSEMEN
The God of Sonosis has created the Horsemen system in order to appoint generals for his campaign against the Goddess. Currently, only the Horsemen of Conquest is appointed, Zealot being the holder of the title. Each horseman holds a different authority of God, with the Conquest having control over all organic creatures.
SOVEREIGNS
When one gains complete control over an area a subspace or a universe, one becomes a sovereign. Currently, six seats remain empty, the Soverign of the Psyche, the sovereign of the Abstract, the Soverign of the Narrative, the Soverign of Elysium, the Soverign of Hades and the Soverign of the Plane of Existence for the sector that holds Sol-Aegis, but millions of Soverigns already exist in the vast universe.
ROYAL BLOOD
A potent catalyst for magic. All those of the royal bloodline have it.
LIMIT BREAKING (LB)
A special phenomenon that uncaps your stats to a new height. However, the condition for each individual is different.
SPECIE SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES
Different species are born with different strengths and weaknesses, even with different magical capacities. The biggest differences are of course, between magical creatures and organic creatures.
Magical creatures: These creatures cannot live without mana, as mana is like oxygen for them. Lives in mana-dense locations. Extremely potent magic. Around the same lifespan as the organic creatures, they return to mana after death, continuing the cycle.
Organic creatures: Your ordinary creatures. Low mana affinity, but can be trained to use a little magic. There are more than a hundred times more organic creatures than magical creatures. Returns to the soil to continue the cycle.
Divine creatures: The most rare kind. There are only 3 on Sol-Aegis. Extremely powerful, immortal and nigh-invincible. They carry the will of the Heavenly Ruler.
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NOTATION
Here is the definitive system for categorizing characters under the current power system.
STR, SPD, DEF, MAG, and HAX are the base stats, ranging from 0 to 9 then Ex then EX+, and EX++. EX would be the highest calibre of said stat (Reginn is EX in STR), EX+ would be the physical maximum (SPD EX means teleportation which is undefined speed [xm/0s]), EX++ would be to go beyond the limit, reserved for only those of godly status or close to the divine.
STR = Strength
SPD = Speed
DEF = Defence
MAG = Magic
HAX = Hacks (Talents/Special Status)
MAX denotes the total power level. It is calculated by the formula [STR + SPD + DEF + MAG + (HAX*2)]. Ranges from 0 to 72.
Talent Type can be denoted as PHYS, MAGI, or TECH with any EX class as a subclass or solely as an EX class. More info in the ‘Talent’ section.
Standard Notation:
(Name) (Special Status/Specie/Designation) [(STR, SPD, DEF, MAG, HAX)and/or(MAX)] (Talent) (Talent Type)
Examples:
Reginn, World Beast/2nd Hero, 63MAX, ⌈ANTIMANA⌋, PHYS
Blodelshein, Human/14th Hero, 38MAX, ⌈The Emperor⌋, MAGI-EX-P
Siege, Human/99th Hero, 24MAX, N/A, N/A
Now a completely fictional example:
Hevel (LB), World Disaster/Sovereign/Royal Blood/Human?, 72MAX, ⌈???⌋, EX-!
Not sure if I’ll use this notation anywhere, but it’s my neat way of organizing and remembering things! I hope you enjoyed the Wikipedia-esque explanation and enjoy the rest of the novel!!