World Compendium: A Treatise on Power
An excerpt from THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF AETHELOS
The world of Veridia is sustained by three fundamental pillars of power: Mana, the external energy of the arcane; Qi, the internal energy of the self; and Anima, the primal energy of the wild. Understanding these paths is to understand the very nature of our existence.
I. The Path of Mana: The Way of the Magi
Mana is the ambient energy that flows through the world, a river of arcane power that can be channeled by those with an innate affinity. Mages draw this power into their minds, shaping it through will and intellect.
Ranks of Power:
* Rank 1: Initiate
* Rank 2: Acolyte
* Rank 3: Mage
* Rank 4: Warlock
* Rank 5: Archmage
* Rank 6: Sage
* Rank 7: Sovereign
* Rank 8: Ascendant
* Rank 9: Divine
* Rank 10: Genesis
* Sub-Levels: Each rank is divided into Early Stage, Mid Stage, and Late Stage.
* Magic Spells: Spells are formulas to shape mana. Their power is measured in Grades 1 through 10. A Grade 1 spell is a simple cantrip, while a Grade 10 spell is a legendary piece of magic. Each spell, whether on a scroll or in a tome, is also classified by its quality: Low-Tier, Mid-Tier, or High-Tier.
II. The Path of Qi: The Way of the Cultivator
Qi is the internal energy found within all living beings. Cultivators nurture and strengthen this energy, using it to temper their bodies and spirits to achieve superhuman feats.
Ranks of Power:
* Rank 1: Novice
* Rank 2: Warrior
* Rank 3: Master
* Rank 4: Grandmaster
* Rank 5: King
* Rank 6: Saint
* Rank 7: Emperor
* Rank 8: Monarch
* Rank 9: Celestial
* Rank 10: Immortal
* Sub-Levels: Each rank is divided into Early Stage, Mid Stage, and Peak Stage.
* Cultivation Techniques: The method used to cultivate qi is paramount. Techniques are classified into six distinct tiers, which determine the user's potential and the purity of their qi.
Iron Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Bronze Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Silver Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Gold Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Spirit Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Heavenly Tier (Low, Mid, High)
III. The Path of Anima: The Way of Magical Beasts
Magical Beasts do not cultivate qi or wield mana in the same way as humans. They harness a primal energy called Anima, the raw life force of the world. Their power is instinctual and grows as they mature and battle.
Ranks of Power: Their ranks mirror the danger they present.
Rank 1: Lesser Beast
Rank 2: Common Beast
Rank 3: Greater Beast
Rank 4: Alpha Beast
Rank 5: Beast Lord
Rank 6: Beast Overlord
Rank 7: Behemoth
Rank 8: Monarch
Rank 9: Titan
Rank 10: Apocalypse
* Core Crystal: Upon death, a Magical Beast leaves behind a Core Crystal, a concentration of its Anima. These cores are invaluable materials for alchemy, arrays, and weapon forging.
IV. Auxiliary Paths & Professions
Beyond combat, power takes many forms. These professions are vital to any empire, and their masters are as respected as any powerful warrior. All professions are graded from Grade 1 (Apprentice) to Grade 10 (Grandmaster).
* Alchemist: Concocts pills and potions from herbs and beast cores. These can heal wounds, temporarily boost power, or be potent poisons.
* Array Master: Scribes complex diagrams that channel the energy of the world to create effects like defenses, traps, or teleportation circles.
* Formation Master: A military specialist who arranges teams of warriors or mages into specific formations, allowing them to synchronize their power for devastating effect.
* Rune Master: Inscribes ancient runes onto weapons and armor to grant them magical properties.
* Weapon Master: A smith who forges mundane weapons of exceptional quality. When combined with a Rune Master, they can create true treasures.
V. Grading of Items & Weapons
The quality of one's tools can mean the difference between life and death.
Item Quality: All crafted items, such as alchemical pills, scrolls, and arrays, are divided into three quality levels: Low-grade, Middle-grade, and High-grade. A high-grade pill is far more potent and has fewer impurities than a low-grade one of the same type.
VI. Legendary Armaments
Beyond the reach of common craftsmen lie weapons of immense power.
1. Soul Weapons:
Weapons bound to a user's soul, which grow in power alongside them. They are classified into five tiers, each with three sub-levels.
Earth-Forged Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Sky-Forged Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Star-Forged Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Soul-Forged Tier (Low, Mid, High)
Heaven-Forged Tier (Low, Mid, High)
2. Divine Weapons:
Mythical artifacts that are forces of nature unto themselves. They cannot be crafted, only found. They exist in three tiers of power.
Relic Tier
Artifact Tier
Divine Tier