Formancy, as a power based on Plato's theory of Forms, is not a simple inherited trait like a genetic mutation or a random gift.
Instead, it is passed down through intricate means, whether through bloodlines, prophecies, or even spiritual alignment.
The way a Formancy is inherited depends on a combination of genetics, metaphysical connections, and sometimes celestial or divine influences.
Below are a few concepts on how this inheritance could work:
1. Bloodline and Lineage InheritanceGenerational Awakening
In some families or bloodlines, certain Forms may be "awakened" through generations.
The power to access and manipulate a specific Form is passed down genetically, but only under specific circumstances, such as a moment of personal realization, a near-death experience, or the manifestation of a significant life event.
The Formancy could awaken when the individual has reached an age of maturity, or it could skip generations, waiting for the right moment to "awaken."
Example: A family that has historically controlled the Form of Wisdom (Mentalism) might only pass down the ability to harness it when a member reaches a specific intellectual threshold or passes a test of moral clarity. The magic lies dormant until the heir is deemed worthy.
Inherited by: Birthright, family tradition, genetic predisposition.
Power Bonding in the Womb
A rare and mysterious phenomenon where the Formancy is inherited during the early stages of life before birth.
This could be due to an ancestral tie to an ancient power, a cosmic alignment, or an act of fate.
Perhaps a mother or a parent with strong ties to a specific Form unknowingly passes this power onto the unborn child through a metaphysical bond.
This process could be triggered by an ancient ritual or celestial event (e.g., a lunar eclipse or an astral conjunction).
Example: The child of a high-ranking Form of Life (Vitalism) healer might be born with a connection to Form of Life, gaining an innate healing ability, even though the child's parent has never formally trained in this art. The power was passed down through metaphysical ties that linked the parent and child at birth.
Inherited by: Birth, celestial alignment, metaphysical resonance.
2. Prophecy and Fate InheritanceDestined by Prophecy
Some forms of Formancy are passed down through prophecy, where certain individuals are chosen by fate to inherit the power of a specific Form.
These individuals may not be born with the ability but are instead chosen by some divine or metaphysical force at a certain point in their life.
Prophecies could foretell the awakening of the Form based on the individual's actions, trials, or decisions.
Example: A prophecy declares that a child born under the "Form of Fate" will be the one to reshape history by altering the path of destiny. This child may not show any ability initially but is marked by the prophecy and will inevitably gain the power when the time is right, often after overcoming a series of trials or challenges.
Inherited by: Prophecy, divine will, or spiritual alignment.
Chosen by the Forms
A unique individual, who may not come from any prestigious bloodline, is chosen by the idealized Forms themselves.
The connection to the power is granted when the individual reaches an ideal state of being, an enlightened mindset or an undeniable, fateful calling.
This could occur in response to the world's needs or as part of a grand cosmic design.
The Forms themselves "select" someone to wield a specific power based on their alignment with the greater good or an imminent threat.
3. Elemental or Metaphysical ResonanceSoul-Form Resonance
A powerful idea where individuals are born with a soul that resonates with a specific Form.
This resonance may be connected to their past lives, their soul's journey, or their metaphysical alignment. It could be seen as a soul's affinity for a particular ideal.
These individuals may have a natural ability to tap into their corresponding Form, even if they are unaware of it.
Over time, the individual may need to align their physical and spiritual growth to unlock this power.
Example: An individual may feel an innate pull toward Form of Time (Chronomancy) and, over the course of their life, gradually discovers they can manipulate time when faced with extreme stress or a life-changing event. Their soul might have been a time-binder in a past life, and the resonance manifests in their present life.
Inherited by: Soul alignment, past lives, metaphysical connections.
5. Ancestral Spirits or Cosmic BondsGuardian Spirit Bonding
This concept involves the inherited connection to an ancestral or guardian spirit who is tied to a specific Form. The spirit may have been an ancient figure who once wielded a powerful Form, and their legacy is passed down through bloodlines. Upon reaching a certain age, or after completing a significant spiritual event (such as an encounter with the spirit world), the spirit passes its power to the heir. The heir must prove their worthiness, and upon passing the test, they are granted the full inheritance.
Example: The heir of a royal family whose ancestor was a great ruler who wielded the Form of Justice (Law-Binding) may experience a spiritual awakening when they come of age. Their ancestor's spirit could appear in a vision, offering them the power to uphold justice and rule justly.
Inherited by: Spiritual bonding, ancestral legacy, cosmic connection.