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A level one cryptid can be lethal but is, as their rank implies, weaker than those ranked above. They're known to do heavy structural damage to homes and smaller buildings. While they're often faster than the human eye can perceive, their agility remains mundane relative to their peers and superiors. This isn't always the case considering some abilities lend themselves to certain aspects of physicality such as speed, strength, or endurance. It isn't impossible for a level one cryptid, or any cryptid for that matter, to have the physical advantage in one context over their superiors, although they are still understood to be inferior in general.
It is also worth observing the tendency for selection bias to manifest. Because higher-level cryptids accrue more experience by surviving longer given their natural talent, it is to be expected that their intelligence and battle/hunting strategy surpasses that of their inferiors.
Level two cryptids are generally as impressive as level one cryptids with the addition of specializing in one or two elements of physical prowess. Their rank may also be contributed to by their craftiness and the complexity of their ability. The doll-cryptid Holden faced in chapters six and seven of the series had a sufficiently complex ability and sophisticated mentality to warrant this rank but was not perceived as being on that level given its weak body.
When stepping into the realm of level three cryptids, high levels of power are a non-negotiable requirement. Beings of this strength have been known to wipe out small towns and villages, inflicting terrible property damage. These cryptids will almost certainly be capable of high-level abstract thought, planning, experience, ability sophistication, or a culmination of multiple/all of the above.
A step beyond that lays the turf of level four cryptids. If human beings were capable of engaging with and witnessing cryptids, a substantial military effort consisting of air and ground offense would be required to defeat them, not accounting for the cryptid's speed. Although there are few examples of this occurring historically, cryptids of this rank are known to cause severe damage to entire portions of cities.
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Few instances of level-five cryptids have been reported in the modern era. It could be considered a miracle considering that they've stepped into the realm of unimaginable might. Throughout history, these entities have ravaged cities and regions with little opposition. Only the strongest forces could hope to stop these leviathans.
There exists a level beyond, one few beings in history claim. Whatever immense competency a level-five cryptid expresses, those on this plane can be considered apocalyptic by comparison. God help those unfortunate enough to encounter something at this stage.
Given the lack of structure/excess of conflict within a hybrid society, there is no organization that defines the level of any given cryptid. These things are largely based on estimations, with high-level cryptids often gaining a reputation which makes them easier to place. Therefore it isn't uncommon for lesser-known cryptids to be misidentified and pose a larger risk than initially thought. Hybrids are also commonly classified under these principles.
There are three types of abilities cryptids and hybrids are said to have.
Innate ability: This refers to the physical prowess and ability produced by the cryptid/hybrid's body. These abilities are considered the most straightforward but are also often the most powerful in terms of what damage can be done.
Rituals: As the name suggests, some cryptids/hybrids have an inherent talent for performing rituals. They can form contracts with either themselves or others to grant certain physical advantages or to cover weaknesses laced within an innate ability. In some cases Cryptids/Hybrids lack a traditional innate ability and instead rely on rituals, much like the baby-doll cryptid.
Universal: As time progressed the definition of a cryptid has expanded. Global phenomena such as inexplicable memory loss, sleep paralysis, and Deja Vu are included in this. These "Cryptids" are conceptual, acting more like forces of nature than creatures with will. As of this time, Hybrids are not considered capable of falling into this category.