Chương 187: GLOSSARY: TERMS AND NOMENCLATURE

Cosmology & Metaphysics: Fundamental Concepts: Aether – The vast outer expanse that surrounds and contains all planes of existence. Earth, Ideworld, Domains, Splinters, and countless other realms are suspended within Aether like islands in an endless metaphysical sea. Aether is largely inhospitable to mortal life and serves as the origin of many incomprehensible entities collectively known as Eldritch beings. Authority – The fundamental force through which a soul exerts its will upon reality.

If the soul is a mind, then Authority is its muscle. A mage uses Authority to influence the Universe in ways permitted by the subject of their Dominion. The greater the feat attempted, the greater the strain placed upon the soul. By pushing their Authority beyond its comfort zone and risking failure, a mage generates larger quantities of Essence and accelerates their growth. Any being, object, event, or idea exerts Authority upon the universe, regardless of whether it is magical in nature.

The strength of that Authority increases significantly when it falls within a relevant Domain of Power, or when it is reinforced by a greater number of subjects that embody, believe in, or are influenced by it. Overuse of Authority can result in severe spiritual exhaustion, leaving a being unable to function properly until they recover. Authority may also be shared, provided the nature of the Domain allows it. A mage can invest Authority into living beings, objects, places, or concepts.

Unbound Authority remains connected to its owner. The mage may withdraw it at will, severing the connection and reclaiming their power. Bound Authority becomes permanently embedded within its target. Once invested, it can no longer be reclaimed by its creator and develops into an independent metaphysical force. Backlash – An expression of Reality's Authority that suppresses and disrupts magical activity when it perceives a threat to the dominant collective belief that magic does not exist.

When triggered, Backlash forcibly severs a mage's connection to their Domain for a limited period of time, effectively disabling their access to magical Authority. The severity and duration of the effect vary depending on the perceived scale of the violation and the mage's level of influence. Essence – A metaphysical substance generated whenever Authority is exercised. Essence accumulates within a mage and can be transferred to their Soul Core.

When sufficient Essence is gathered, it strengthens the mage, nourishes the Soul Core, and allows the Domain itself to evolve. Essence can also be acquired from external sources, including slain beings that possess Authority, shattered Soul Cores, powerful metaphysical phenomena, and other rare means. The existence of Essence within a creature often suggests that it possesses some form of Authority or supernatural power of its own.

Ideworld – A metaphysical realm believed to have emerged from the collective Authority of souls and their ability to influence the Universe through ideas, dreams, beliefs, nightmares, memories, and will. Where Earth represents reality as it is, Ideworld represents reality as it could be. It is a world shaped primarily by meaning rather than matter, governed by metaphysical laws that often supersede physical ones.

Within it reside the Shadows cast by Earth—reflections of people, places, objects, events, stories, concepts, and beliefs. Because Ideworld is shaped by perception and significance, locations within it do not always correspond directly to physical geography. Places may expand, contract, merge, or transform according to the ideas they embody and the importance attributed to them by conscious beings.

Ideworld is the source of Splinters, which form when a memory, concept, belief, dream, or narrative accumulates enough metaphysical weight to exceed the limits of the space that originally contained it. Such concepts separate into self-contained realities with their own inhabitants, rules, and identities. It is also the foundation upon which Domains are established.

Though Domains are distinct metaphysical territories shaped by individual mages, they remain connected to Ideworld through the mage's personal conception of home, identity, and belonging. As a result, Ideworld serves as the central nexus between Earth, Splinters, Domains, and countless other metaphysical phenomena. Most scholars consider it the primary intermediary through which souls exert lasting influence upon the structure of the Universe itself. Reality – A governing metaphysical force associated with Earth.

Reality continuously observes the world through the perceptions of conscious beings and acts to preserve consensus. When mages violate natural laws too dramatically, Reality responds with a Backlash, temporarily stripping them of power and limiting their ability to use Authority. Reality also alters the memories of Sleepers, suppressing awareness of supernatural phenomena and maintaining the illusion of a mundane world. Resonance – Every Domain possesses a unique spiritual melody.

When beings, objects, memories, concepts, or phenomena aligned with that melody are brought into the Domain, they gradually harmonize with it. As harmony increases, so does the strength of the Domain. The effects of Resonance are reflected in the potency, duration, versatility, and reach of a mage's powers. Highly resonant Domains are more stable, more influential, and capable of supporting greater manifestations of Authority.

Shadowlight – A metaphysical energy that serves as the medium through which Authority travels. Although it resembles light, it possesses unique properties and does not obey conventional physical laws. Shadowlight may exist as an invisible connection between a mage and something linked to their Authority, or as visible radiance carrying Authority through space. Skilled mages can manipulate Shadowlight directly, using it to reinforce their bodies, empower weapons and tools, or transmit Authority more efficiently.

Souls & Spiritual Structure: Anima – The unconscious aspect of a mage's soul. An Anima is formed from the lingering intelligence of a Shadow whose soul has become part of a Soul Core or transformed into one. Although not fully conscious in the traditional sense, it acts as an internal guide that helps a mage instinctively understand their powers.

Through the Anima, a mage gains an intuitive sense of what their Authority can accomplish, how to apply it, and how close they are to achieving the next stage of Domain growth. Many mages describe its influence as an internal certainty or instinct rather than a distinct voice. Aura – The soul's sensory field, extending outward in all directions from its owner. For ordinary beings, Aura functions primarily as a spiritual sense. For mages, it also defines the area within which they can directly apply Authority.

Within their Aura, a mage may influence targets at range as though they were physically present. Beyond it, they can only vaguely sense the direction of objects, beings, or locations linked to their Authority. Soul – An individualized fragment of the Universe expressed through consciousness. A soul can interact with reality in conceptual, authoritative (by imposing its will), or sensual ways (by using the senses to comprehend greater truths).

Souls are composed of smaller units called Spenes, which transmit aspects of these traits to the offspring of a soul's physical vessel. For example, the children of mages have a greater chance of becoming mages themselves. Souls also contribute to the collective memory of existence. Once a person learns that snakes can bite and deliver venom, traces of that knowledge become subconsciously accessible to others.

Likewise, when an artist, thinker, or culture names or conceptualizes something, a metaphysical blueprint of that concept is imprinted into the Universal Memory. From that point onward, the Universe recognizes both the concept and its name. Soulmark – A metaphysical imprint attached to significant events, objects, beings, places, or concepts within Ideworld. Soulmarks embody how their subject is perceived, remembered, or understood.

A mage with an available Soul Core slot may claim and absorb a Soulmark, permanently altering or expanding their control over the subject of their magic. Different Soulmarks grant different effects and affinities. Once integrated into a Soul Core, a Soulmark may continue to evolve, developing new properties or increasing in potency over time. Spene – A spiritual equivalent of a gene.

Spenes are the fundamental components of the soul and carry spiritual traits, affinities, and potential from one generation to the next. Worlds & Realms: Concrete Jungle – A universal Splinter found throughout the world, accessible through numerous entrances and local manifestations. The Concrete Jungle appears as an immense subterranean wilderness composed entirely of concrete and steel reinforcement bars. Despite its artificial composition, it functions ecologically as a living jungle.

The Splinter was created by humanity's shared belief that cities are as wild, dangerous, and unpredictable as any natural wilderness. As a result, it embodies many symbolic aspects associated with urban life, including ambition, danger, opportunity, anonymity, and survival. Following the rise of the internet, the Concrete Jungle became home to numerous species of Shadowspawn born from modern culture and digital communication. Domain – The manifestation of a mage's dominion over their chosen subject.

A Domain exists as a physical location within Ideworld, usually anchored to what its creator considers "home." In many ways, a Domain resembles a Splinter, though it is shaped by the will and Authority of a mage rather than collective belief. As a mage grows in power, their Domain expands alongside them. Legends claim that the greatest Archmages possess Domains as vast as entire worlds.

Within a Domain, both physical and metaphysical laws are influenced by the Sourcerer and, to a lesser extent, by those connected to the Domain through inheritance or membership. At the center of every Domain lies a Soul Core, a crystallized structure formed from the mage's Shadow. The Soul Core houses the Shadow's soul and the Soulmarks bound to it. It serves as both the foundation of the Domain and the focus through which a mage channels their power.

The Soul Core constantly influences its owner, reinforcing aspects of their nature and shaping their development. Nexus – A rare and dangerous type of Splinter formed when a mage dies within one and their Domain is drawn into its core through spiritual gravitation. The resulting collision between Domain and Splinter creates an increasingly complex metaphysical ecosystem in which reality is shaped by both forces. The laws governing a Nexus are often unstable, contradictory, or distorted.

Despite their dangers, Nexuses are highly sought after for the artifacts, soulmarks, essence, and other valuable phenomena they contain. Mirrored City – A massive Splinter located above the Ideworld reflection of Manhattan. The Mirrored City appears as an inverted version of New York City suspended upside down in the sky. Streets, buildings, and infrastructure hang overhead like reflections trapped upon the underside of reality itself.

The city remains connected to the world below through enormous skyscrapers known as Building Bridges. These structures distort gravity around themselves, allowing travelers to walk safely along their surfaces regardless of orientation. Each Building Bridge functions as a Splinter in its own right, possessing unique environments, inhabitants, and metaphysical laws. As a result, traveling between the Mirrored City and the world below often involves crossing multiple overlapping realities.

Pangea – A hidden Splinter created by ancient elven mages following the destruction of their civilization on prehistoric Earth. Pangea was fashioned as a metaphysical recreation of the elves' original world and severed from both Earth and Ideworld. As a result, it possesses no known physical entrance from either realm. Very little reliable information exists concerning Pangea.

Nearly everything known has been gathered from the rare elves encountered outside its boundaries, though few are willing to discuss their homeland in detail. Splinter – A region of Ideworld that has been transformed by the accumulated influence of myths, ideas, dreams, emotions, or collective will. Such a region becomes metaphysically larger and more significant than the physical space it originally occupied. Splinters typically possess their own rules, inhabitants, and internal logic.

Some Splinters endlessly repeat a particular event or memory, reliving it ad infinitum. Others exist as pure extrapolations of a concept, belief, or story. Splinters can be entered through Ideworld itself, though there is often no clear boundary indicating when one has crossed from Ideworld into a Splinter. Certain Splinters have become completely detached from Ideworld, and reaching them requires special means, as no direct metaphysical connection remains.

Travel & Connections: Ideworld Gate – An artificial and stable connection between Earth and Ideworld. Unlike natural Openings, Ideworld Gates are intentionally created through magical, technological, or artificing methods. The exact process varies depending on the creator, the Authority employed, and the intended purpose of the gate. Organizations such as the United States Guild have developed reliable procedures for constructing Ideworld Gates and maintain networks of them throughout their territories.

Opening – A naturally occurring passage between Earth and Ideworld. Openings appear when the metaphysical boundary separating the two realms becomes unusually thin. On Earth, an Opening manifests as a translucent sphere filled with fractures in reality that seem to consume light itself. In Ideworld, these same fractures draw in shadows rather than light. Most Openings remain stable for approximately one day before collapsing.

Those leading directly into Splinters are often less stable and frequently lack a corresponding exit back to Earth. Resonant Gaze – A technique that allows two consenting mages to temporarily establish a shared Soulspace. To initiate a Resonant Gaze, both participants must make eye contact and spiritually agree to the connection. The resulting Soulspace exists as a bridge between their souls.

Within this space, mages can observe the other's Resonance as a column of Shadowlight whose appearance reflects aspects of their Domain and spiritual state. Brief conversations are possible while the connection persists. Although time appears to pass normally within the Soulspace, only moments elapse in the physical world. Magic & Mage System: Magic User Types: Einherjar – A group of Nordic mages whose souls were divided during a ritual marking the end of their Ragnarök.

The resulting spiritual fragmentation granted them unique abilities and altered their relationship with Domains, Authority, and the soul itself. Legacy Mage – A mage who has been accepted into an existing Domain rather than creating one of their own. To be accepted, a candidate's nature, beliefs, and potential must align with the Domain's rules and character.

Acceptance is determined through a trial administered by the Domain's Guardian, a being formed from the collective will of the souls residing within the Soul Core. If the candidate succeeds, their Shadow's soul becomes part of the Soul Core and remains connected to it thereafter. Legacy Mages gain access to the Domain's power while also becoming subject to its influence. Mage – An individual capable of drawing power from a Domain.

A mage may either create their own Domain as a Sourcerer or gain access to an existing one as a Legacy Mage.

Stages of Domain Growth Level Name Soulmark Slots Available Maximum Soulmark Distribution 1 Awakening 2 Two Level 1 Soulmarks 2 Focus 2 One Level 2 Soulmark, One Level 1 Soulmark 3 Expansion 3 One Level 2 Soulmark, Two Level 1 Soulmarks 4 Harmonization 3 Two Level 2 Soulmarks, One Level 1 Soulmark 5 (This level marks becoming a High Mage) Refinement 4 One Level 3 Soulmark, Two Level 2 Soulmarks, One Level 1 Soulmark 6 Fusion 4 Two Level 3 Soulmarks, Two Level 2 Soulmarks 7 (This level marks becoming an Archmage) Ascendance 5 Three Level 3 Soulmarks, One Level 2 Soulmark, One level 1 Soulmark 8 Transcendence 5 One Level 4 Soulmark, Two Level 3 Soulmarks, Two Level 2 Soulmarks 9 Command 6 Two Level 4 Soulmarks, Three Level 3 Soulmarks, One Level 2 Soulmark 10 Apex 6 Six Level 4 Soulmarks Seer – An individual born with the innate ability to project their consciousness into Ideworld during sleep.

Upon entering Ideworld, a Seer's Shadow manifests as an astral body typically resembling a miniature version of themselves, usually no larger than a child's forearm and commonly appearing in silver, gold, or white hues. Seers possess exceptionally powerful Authority over perception and understanding. They can observe the spiritual structure of reality, interpret magical phenomena, and perceive metaphysical laws invisible to others.

These abilities are greatly enhanced while in astral form but remain partially accessible in their physical bodies on Earth. Master Seers are rumored to be capable of manifesting their astral forms directly upon Earth. Such individuals rarely discuss the methods required to achieve this feat. The most advanced Seers can transform their astral forms into pure light, becoming nearly invisible save for a fleeting shimmer. Sourcerer / Sourceress – A mage who created and serves as the origin of a Domain.

Through will, effort, passion, and Authority, they establish and sustain their Domain within Ideworld. Every Domain traces its existence back to a single Sourcerer or Sourceress. Warlock – A being bound to another through a Pledge of Souls. A warlock may be a person, animal, object, place, or even a significant event. The entity granting the pledge is known as the Patron, while the recipient becomes the Warlock.

Through this bond, the Patron shares a portion of their power, granting the Warlock abilities unique to their relationship. In return, the Warlock becomes metaphysically subordinate to their Patron. While they retain free will, they cannot fully oppose or betray the Patron's fundamental interests. The strength of this restriction depends upon the nature of the pledge itself. Common Mage Techniques: Domain Projection – An advanced technique that becomes possible when a Domain achieves sufficient Resonance.

Through Domain Projection, a mage extends a portion of their Domain into their Aura, temporarily imposing aspects of its laws and nature upon their immediate surroundings. This creates a localized foothold where the Domain's influence supersedes ordinary metaphysical rules. Resonant Gaze – A technique that allows two consenting mages to temporarily establish a shared Soulspace. To initiate a Resonant Gaze, both participants must make eye contact and spiritually agree to the connection.

The resulting Soulspace exists as a bridge between their souls. Within this space, mages can observe the other's Resonance as a column of Shadowlight whose appearance reflects aspects of their Domain and spiritual state. Brief conversations are possible while the connection persists. Although time appears to pass normally within the Soulspace, only moments elapse in the physical world. Shadowlight Coating – An advanced technique involving the direct manipulation of Shadowlight to enhance physical capabilities.

While all use of Authority naturally strengthens aspects of the body such as strength, durability, perception, and agility, experienced mages can further amplify these traits by coating themselves in concentrated Shadowlight. The technique requires a profound understanding that identity is shaped by choice and that self-transformation falls within the soul's Authority. Once this realization is achieved, a mage may consciously reinforce their body through Shadowlight.

More advanced practitioners extend this principle to weapons, tools, armor, and other possessions, coating them in Shadowlight to improve their performance and durability. Social Status / Conditions: Awakened – Individuals who, through a significant event or revelation, have become immune to Reality's memory-altering effects. Awakened people retain knowledge of supernatural events and can perceive aspects of the hidden world inaccessible to Sleepers.

Drifter – A Shadow unaware of Earth's existence or the greater cosmology beyond Ideworld. Most Shadows are Drifters. Lucid – A Shadow who possesses awareness of Earth and understands that another realm exists beyond Ideworld. Lucid Shadows are the Ideworld equivalent of the Awakened. Shadow – Ideworld's manifestation and representation of an object, event, memory, being, myth, or idea originating from Earth.

Although the term technically applies to all such manifestations, most mages use "Shadow" specifically when referring to the humanoid counterparts of humans from Earth. Sleeper – A person unaware of the existence of magic and the supernatural. Sleepers cannot perceive Shadowlight and are heavily influenced by Reality. Most supernatural events witnessed by a Sleeper are either forgotten, rationalized, or erased from memory altogether. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road.

Support the author by reading it there. Shadows & Shadow-Related Beings: Shadow & Shadow-Related Categories: Artifact – A general term for any object that contains significant amounts of Authority. Artifacts arise from a variety of sources. Some are natural manifestations of powerful Earth concepts reflected into Ideworld. Others are deliberately crafted by mages, artificers, or supernatural beings.

The rarest are Reclaimed Artifacts, created when the Shadow of an object undergoes sufficient Change to merge with its Earthly counterpart. Because of their concentrated Authority, Artifacts often possess abilities, properties, or effects that exceed ordinary magical creations. Caster – An individual from Earth whose thoughts, memories, imagination, or actions result in the creation or manifestation of a corresponding Shadow within Ideworld. The relationship between a Caster and their Shadow may vary considerably.

A Shadow often reflects aspects of its Caster, though it may develop independently over time. Changed – A Shadow that has diverged so far from its original human counterpart that its physical, metaphysical, or both physical and metaphysical properties have been drastically altered. Drifter – A Shadow unaware of Earth's existence or the greater cosmology beyond Ideworld. Most Shadows are Drifters. Drift – The Shadow equivalent of sleep.

During a Drift, a Shadow enters a passive state in which it continues performing simple actions while possessing little or no awareness of its surroundings. Lucid – A Shadow who possesses awareness of Earth and understands that another realm exists beyond Ideworld. Lucid Shadows are the Ideworld equivalent of the Awakened. Reclaimer – A Shadow that has undergone a significant Change and subsequently absorbed the Earth-born individual responsible for casting it.

The process merges the Shadow and its Caster into a single being, blending their memories, identities, and metaphysical traits. The resulting entity is neither entirely Shadow nor entirely human, but a synthesis of both. Shadow – Ideworld's manifestation and representation of an object, event, memory, being, myth, or idea originating from Earth. Although the term technically applies to all such manifestations, most mages use "Shadow" specifically when referring to the humanoid counterparts of humans from Earth.

Shadowspawn – A being that never existed on Earth but emerged as an extension of a Splinter's memory, imagination, or interpretation of what should inhabit its boundaries. Specialized Shadow and Shadowspawn Lineages: The Shattered – A category of beings created through a forced form of Reclamation. A person's Shadow is deliberately Changed according to the influence of the Solitary Twin before being fused with its Caster, creating an entirely new existence.

Though outwardly human, the Shattered are composed internally of liquid glass that can be reshaped according to their will. They possess limited Authority over glass and share the Unreflected's ability to move through reflective surfaces. Their most distinctive feature is their eyes, which appear fractured and constantly leak faint streams of translucent Shadowlight. These eyes perceive through illusions and can reveal memories preserved within reflective surfaces.

Unreflected – A species of Shadowspawn descended from the being known as the Solitary Twin. Born from feelings of alienation, rejection, and the pain of being unseen, Unreflected possess Authority over mirrors and reflective surfaces. They can move through reflections, emerge from them, and influence those who gaze into them for too long, often inducing a mesmerized state. Their purpose is twofold: to protect the Solitary Twin and to seek out individuals whose outer lives fail to reflect their inner selves.

Unreflected appear as tall, slender, and seemingly genderless humanoids. Their faces lack all features except a mouth filled with jagged, glass-like teeth. Their limbs are unnaturally elongated, ending in sharp claws capable of cutting flesh and glass alike. Vampire – A specialized form of Reclaimer dependent upon blood for survival. A vampire must maintain foreign blood within its body. If exposed to the sunlight of the Unreflected while deprived of such sustenance, it will perish.

Vampires possess numerous supernatural traits. They do not appear in reflective surfaces, nor can they be accurately captured through ordinary photography or video recording. Their bodies possess immense strength, rapid regeneration, and the ability to transform into a smoke-like form. A vampire's eyes carry powerful mesmerizing Authority capable of compelling obedience and imposing verbal geas upon victims.

Their regenerative abilities make them exceptionally difficult to kill, with complete destruction of the heart being the most reliable method. Ancient vampires develop far greater powers. The oldest among them gain Authority over light itself, including Shadowlight. Such individuals become formidable anti-mages capable of suppressing magical effects by disrupting the Shadowlight that carries Authority.

Domain Ecology: Domain Lifeforms: Domainspawn – A living being created by a Domain as an expression of its fundamental nature, symbolism, and Authority. Domainspawn emerge from the collective influence of the souls contained within a Domain's Soul Core, manifesting concepts, desires, instincts, memories, or themes central to the Domain itself. Their appearance, behavior, and abilities reflect the nature of the Domain that gave rise to them.

Although initially created through metaphysical means, Domainspawn become genuine inhabitants of their Domain. Once formed, they are subject to the natural laws, ecosystems, and evolutionary pressures that exist within that Domain's universe. They reproduce, compete, adapt, and change over time rather than being continuously sustained by their creator's will.

As a result, mature Domains often develop complex ecosystems populated by countless species of Domainspawn, many of which may differ significantly from the forms originally created by the Domain. The oldest Domains are known to contain entire civilizations, food chains, and evolutionary lineages descended from their earliest Domainspawn.

Artistic Creation Domainspawn: Builder Spiders (also known as Tree Minions) – Paper-like arachnid Domainspawn created directly by the Weaver's Tree rather than by Alexandra May herself. At first glance, Builder Spiders resemble the origami spiders commonly used by Alexandra and her Personas. However, they are larger, sturdier, and possess a more natural appearance despite their paper-like composition.

Their bodies are formed from layers of folded parchment, crystallized silk, and fragments of memory woven together by the Authority of the Weaver's Tree. Unlike Alexandra's minions, Builder Spiders are not directly controlled by any individual. Instead, they operate according to the collective will of the souls residing within the Domain's Soul Core. Though generally peaceful, they will defend the Weaver's Tree and other vital Domain locations with surprising determination when threatened.

Most inhabitants view them as caretakers and custodians of the Domain, and their presence is often considered a sign that the Domain itself is paying attention. Looneybunny – Mischievous lagomorph Domainspawn associated with imagination, absurdity, and impossible spaces. Looneybunnies resemble a cross between rabbits and hares. They possess elongated bodies, unusually long limbs, and front paws resembling human hands more than animal forelegs.

Their paws and ears are often entirely black, appearing as though painted with ink. These creatures are capable of manifesting flat black holes similar to those frequently depicted in Alexandra May's artwork and possessing similar characteristics of being a localized painted emptiness. Those disappear naturally overtime. Despite their playful nature, Looneybunnies are notorious pranksters and are responsible for many of the Domain's more surreal phenomena.

Paintfly – Small butterfly-like Domainspawn composed entirely of living paint. Paintflies emerge from mobile grubs resembling crawling masses of wet oil paint. During their larval stage they slowly absorb colors, textures, and artistic influences from their surroundings before undergoing metamorphosis. As adults, Paintflies possess vividly colored wings formed from constantly shifting layers of paint. At night they emit a gentle fluorescent glow.

Their trails occasionally leave behind harmless streaks of pigment that fade over time. Songbird – Majestic avian Domainspawn embodying performance, beauty, and artistic expression. Songbirds possess luminous plumage capable of producing soft bioluminescent displays. During courtship, communication, or artistic performances, they spread their wings and fan their tails to reveal their most distinctive feature: numerous blinking eyes embedded within the tail feathers.

These eyes blink independently and rhythmically, creating mesmerizing visual patterns synchronized with the creature's songs. Their melodies can influence emotions, inspire creativity, evoke memories, or encourage artistic breakthroughs in nearby listeners. Often regarded as living muses. Spainter – Small arthropod Domainspawn representing the union of craftsmanship and creativity. A Spainter is roughly the size of a rat and resembles a white-bodied spider with the proportions of a black widow.

Their abdomens are rounded and smooth, while their long legs end in delicate brush-like structures. Spainters are capable of both weaving intricate webs and creating detailed paintings. Using specialized forelegs, they apply pigments with remarkable precision, producing works ranging from simple illustrations to elaborate murals. Species & Creatures: Dragons & Dragonkin: Dragon – The original beings responsible for inspiring many myths and legends concerning dragons.

Unlike Drakes, Dragons are not products of belief. They are the result of an ancient elven genetic engineering project intended to create beings powerful enough to approach divinity. Though only a handful remain outside Pangea, their influence upon history and mythology has been immense. Dragons resemble feathered reptiles with elongated bodies. From a distance, they are often mistaken for immense winged serpents.

Every Dragon possesses innate magical talent and is typically a mage associated with a particular Domain. One of their most unusual abilities is shapeshifting. In humanoid form, Dragons resemble elves but lack feathers, instead displaying pronounced cranial ridges and elaborate horns. Most intentionally maintain this distinction as a matter of pride, refusing to be mistaken for ordinary elves. The collective belief invested in the original project elevated Dragons to extraordinary levels of power.

As a result, they possess numerous abilities unavailable to other species, including the ability to enter another mage's Domain directly through proximity alone, bypassing conventional entrances. Drake – A creature born from humanity's collective image of the classical European dragon. Drakes are enormous winged reptiles possessing powerful Authority over fire, which they can expel from their mouths as devastating blasts or streams.

Their bodies are protected by exceptionally thick scales, while their horned heads and powerful jaws make them formidable predators even without their supernatural abilities. Drakes inhabit remote Splinters far from major centers of civilization and rarely enter Ideworld except to hunt or gather treasure. Their behavior is primarily driven by hunger and greed, leading them to accumulate vast hoards of valuable objects. Unfortunate Shadows that cross their paths often become prey.

Though feared and respected, Drakes are not the original source of dragon mythology, but rather manifestations of humanity's belief in what dragons ought to be. Other Intelligent Species Lóng – A species of dragon originating from Chinese myths and legends manifested within Ideworld. Lóng are creatures of memory, and their lives revolve around the bonds they form. In the wild, a Lóng typically bonds with another of its kind, creating a lifelong partnership often associated with the symbolism of yin and yang.

In captivity, however, a Lóng may instead form an eternal bond with a human. Through such a connection, the dragon gradually adopts aspects of its partner's nature, personality, and Authority. Most wild Lóng rarely exceed the length of a human arm. Under rare circumstances, however, they may cast off these limitations and grow into colossal, legendary beings whose power rivals that of the greatest entities in Ideworld.

Other Intelligent Species: Elf – A sapient species descended from dinosaurs that evolved upon Earth in the distant past. Long before humanity, the elves built a vast and advanced civilization supported by powerful magic. Their civilization was ultimately destroyed by a catastrophic meteor impact. Anticipating their extinction, powerful elven mages created a metaphysical replica of their world and cast it into a hidden Splinter beyond the reach of both Earth and Ideworld.

Modern elves are humanoid reptiles roughly comparable to humans in size. Their bodies are covered in colorful feathers, while their faces remain relatively flat and birdlike, marked by distinctive cranial ridges. Their voices are naturally melodic, and their languages often resemble birdsong to unfamiliar listeners. Most surviving elves now reside within Pangea, isolated from the rest of creation. Eldritch & Extraplanar: Demon – A being originating from one of the outer planes of Aether.

Unlike most entities, demons accumulate Authority through agreements, bargains, and fulfilled contracts. Whenever a pact is honored, the belief, trust, fear, or expectation invested in that agreement contributes to the demon's power. Over time, these fulfilled promises create sufficient metaphysical weight for the Universe to acknowledge the demon's Authority. Demons are master illusionists regardless of their overall power level and commonly adopt human appearances when interacting with mortals.

Eldritch – An entity originating from Aether that exists beyond conventional logic, understanding, or categorization. Eldritch beings move freely between realms, appearing in Earth, Ideworld, Domains, Splinters, and other planes. Their mere presence exerts overwhelming spiritual pressure upon nearby souls, often experienced as an unnatural and penetrating cold. Most Eldritch entities are associated with a singular concept upon which they feed.

They consume manifestations, memories, beliefs, or expressions of that concept until it is exhausted before seeking new sources elsewhere. Voidling – A small eldritch-like entity composed primarily of void. Within their bodies shine points of distant light connected to the Pure Spiritual Realm, which they emit as thin beams that pierce both physical and metaphysical space.

Voidlings drift through Ideworld and its Splinters in seemingly random flocking patterns, gathering wherever concepts of absence, loss, emptiness, or negation are present. Rather than creating these concepts, they strengthen and reinforce them, subtly altering the metaphysical landscape around them. A Voidling resembles a small black specter with a horned head and an indistinct, ghostlike body. Individually they are harmless, but large gatherings can exert profound spiritual influence upon their surroundings.

Those exposed to a Voidling flock often experience heightened awareness of what is missing rather than what is present. Forgotten memories, abandoned ambitions, broken relationships, lost identities, and unrealized possibilities may become impossible to ignore. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure can trigger significant spiritual or philosophical transformations. One notable encounter involved Alexandra May, whose soul was affected by a Voidling horde that took particular interest in her.

Their influence amplified her awareness of the absence of a fixed identity and deepened her understanding of Śūnyatā, the principle that no permanent, independent self truly exists. As a result of this experience, Alexandra's Soulmark of Identity evolved into the more advanced Soulmark of Trueform, fundamentally altering her relationship with selfhood, transformation, and personal expression.

Though not considered inherently hostile, Voidlings are widely regarded as dangerous due to the unpredictable and often irreversible nature of the revelations they inspire. Shadowspawn Species: Admin Giant – A Shadowspawn born from the internet's collective perception of social media administrators and moderators. Admin Giants are grotesque caricatures of authority figures tasked with maintaining online spaces.

They are typically depicted as unkempt and physically neglected, with enormous beards capable of moving like tentacles. Their signature weapon is the Banhammer, an oversized hammer imbued with Authority over exclusion and punishment. Rather than striking opponents directly, an Admin Giant often slams its Banhammer into the ground beneath them, unleashing waves of suppressive Authority that leave targets stunned, silenced, or otherwise incapacitated.

They are natural predators of Internet Trolls and frequently hunt them throughout the Concrete Jungle. Frostarachnids – Shadowspawn born from the corruption of winter imagery through collective resentment toward cold, snow, and hardship. A Frostarachnid resembles a monstrous spider constructed from three snowball-like spheres. Wooden branches protrude from its body as spindly legs, while jagged pieces of coal form its maw. A twisted carrot serves as its nose.

Some specimens drag oversized broom-like appendages behind them, using them as additional limbs or sweeping weapons. Despite their appearance, Frostarachnids are aggressive predators capable of surviving in environments far beyond natural winter conditions. Internet Troll – A species of Shadowspawn native to the Concrete Jungle. Internet Trolls resemble humanoids whose skin is composed of countless screens displaying hateful comments, arguments, posts, and messages in real time.

Individually they are relatively weak, but they become dangerous in large groups. When destroyed, an Internet Troll can regenerate by returning to a Hateful Tree, a parasitic growth that feeds upon hostility generated through digital communication. Connected to such a tree, the Troll replenishes itself by channeling hatred, outrage, and conflict from online spaces. Pigeyeon – An Ideworld manifestation of the common pigeon.

Pigeyeons are covered in a dark, oily substance and carry the overwhelming stench and filth commonly associated with urban pigeons in popular perception. While individual Pigeyeons possess notable navigational Authority, entire flocks share Authority over refuse, litter, and discarded objects. Their most distinctive feature is a third eye located on the forehead, through which they perceive routes, destinations, and paths invisible to most beings.

Twitterbird – A small blue avian Shadowspawn distinguished by an X-shaped pattern across its chest. When approached, a Twitterbird emits an unsettling song composed of arguments, outrage, and hostile discourse. The creatures are irresistibly drawn to controversy, conflict, and behavior perceived as offensive or inflammatory. Individually, Twitterbirds are largely harmless.

In large flocks, however, their combined Authority can amplify anger, encourage impulsive behavior, and transform minor disagreements into major conflicts. Willowshade – Arboreal Umbral entities born from children's fears of moving branches and shifting shadows beyond bedroom windows at night. Willowshades resemble willow trees composed of slimy darkness, with leaves formed entirely from smoke. They drift through darkness and feed upon courage, gradually stripping away confidence until only fear remains.

In addition to their terror-inducing abilities, Willowshades possess powerful rooting Authority capable of immobilizing prey and anchoring themselves to both physical and metaphysical locations. Organizations & Society: Organizations: USG (United States Guild) – The largest and most influential mage organization operating within the United States. The USG regulates magical activity, trains mages, maintains relations with supernatural communities, and enforces magical law across its jurisdiction.

Institutions & Programs: Mageblood – An insurance and support program provided by the USG to registered mages. Coverage typically includes compensation for magical accidents, recovery assistance, and benefits related to supernatural activities. Events & Gatherings: Bohema – Traditional gatherings of mages, supernatural beings, and occult societies originating in France. Bohemas serve as centers of trade, diplomacy, knowledge exchange, and cultural expression within the magical world.

Occupations: Artificer – A specialist who uses crystals, gemstones, optical fibers, Soul Core fragments, and similar materials to channel Shadowlight and Authority into practical applications. Artificing combines magical understanding with precise engineering principles. Factors such as a crystal's composition, color, shape, internal structure, and surface geometry all influence the effects it can produce.

Because of its strategic importance, artificing knowledge is highly guarded and rarely shared outside trusted circles. Hexblade – Elite law-enforcement agents employed by the USG. Hexblades specialize in combating rogue mages, supernatural threats, and violations of magical law. Alexandra May: Alexandra May's Unique Spiritual Creations: Persona – A being created through Alexandra May's Authority over identity and the animation of artistic creations.

Each Persona is a physical manifestation of one or more aspects of Alexandra's personality, experiences, talents, emotions, or magical abilities. Although Personas possess their own minds, perspectives, and personalities, they are not truly separate individuals. Each is an extension of Alexandra herself, functioning much like a limb functions as an extension of a body. A person does not consciously direct every movement of their arm, hand, or leg; such actions occur naturally as expressions of the self.

Personas operate according to a similar principle, though on a far more complex level. They can think, act, make decisions, and interact with the world independently, expressing different facets of Alexandra's character without requiring her constant attention. Despite this apparent autonomy, all Personas remain components of the same greater being. Alexandra may choose to focus on a particular Persona at any time, exerting increasingly precise control over its actions, thoughts, or abilities.

The degree of independence a Persona displays often depends on how much of Alexandra's attention is directed elsewhere. To interact with a Persona is, in a sense, to interact with Alexandra herself, though filtered through a specific aspect of her identity. Alexandra May's Artifacts & Equipment: Armor: Usagear – A multifunctional combat armor initially created by Akira Shiroi with assistance from Alexandra May. It was later repaired and enhanced by a team of cloth artisans recruited by Sophie DeLonge.

The armor is composed of a flexible, high-tensile material designed to resemble futuristic power armor with hybrid animalistic inspiration drawn from rabbits and spiders. It enhances the wearer's strength, speed, durability, and perception, incorporating sensory augmentations symbolized by rabbit ears (hearing), a bear-like olfactory system (smell), and spider-like ocular perception derived from the eyes of the Shattered placed around the hood.

It contains painted nuclear reactors and integrated laser systems on the arms and fingers and palm-mounted rotors capable of rapid movement and stabilization. Weapons: Equinox / Noxy – A transformational firearm created by Alexandra May from a pistol originally discovered in Ideworld. The weapon later underwent Reclaimer-like evolution, reinforcing its dual nature as an instrument of both destruction and creation.

Initially functioning as a railgun system accelerating projectiles via magnetic force, Equinox has since evolved into a complex artifact with a crystalline, spider-like structure at the top of its barrel and a nebulous ocular component replacing the traditional iron sight. Its behavior shifts based on environmental conditions: Night State: The ocular component closes, allowing Equinox to absorb darkness and fire condensed shadow-infused projectiles.

Day State: The eye opens, enabling it to replicate observed artwork. These images are then "printed" onto reality upon firing, manifesting at the point of impact via a connecting trail of paint-like Authority. Ella – A multifunctional umbrella artifact capable of transforming between utility and weapon forms. In its closed form, Ella resembles a baton. When opened, it becomes a defensive shield reinforced with four rotor-like structures that enhance stability and mobility.

The tip can be electrically charged when infused with Alexandra May's Authority. The original version of Ella was lost during a confrontation with Eveline de Marco and later reconstructed by Alexandra May. Ghostflame – A blade originally discovered within one of the Building Bridges and later repurposed by Alexandra May. Ghostflame is a knife imbued with volatile spectral fire.

Alexandra initially repainted it to resemble deep ocean currents, symbolically containing its destructive nature and allowing controlled activation. It was later repainted again into a more spectral form, enhancing its effectiveness against incorporeal and spiritual entities. Playing Cards – A collection of ordinary playing cards transformed through Alexandra May's Authority.

The reverse side of each card is painted to resemble polished metal, allowing them to function as durable throwing weapons capable of slicing through targets. The face of each card determines its secondary function. Known variants include: Eye Cards – Allow remote observation of an area. Contains also a painted ear allowing Alexandra to listen in. Later on also a mouth—permitting speech through the card. Light Cards – Emit illumination. Rotor Cards – Generate powerful currents of air.

Fire Cards – Ignite whatever they strike. Sound Cards – Produce sounds and recorded audio. Music Cards – Support Bluetooth connectivity and can play music selected from connected devices. Explosive Cards – Detonate upon impact. New card variants are periodically added as Alexandra develops new applications for her Authority. Sword of the Roses – A finely crafted longsword with floral motifs along its hilt and guard.

Beyond its conventional combat utility, the Sword of the Roses can be animated and directed as an autonomous weapon. This capability stems from Alexandra May's understanding of identity, animation, and mythological inspiration drawn from Xianxia traditions. Utility Artifacts: Ella – A multifunctional umbrella artifact capable of transforming between utility and weapon forms. In its closed form, Ella resembles a baton.

When opened, it becomes a defensive shield reinforced with four rotor-like structures that enhance stability and mobility. The tip can be electrically charged when infused with Alexandra May's Authority. The original version of Ella was lost during a confrontation with Eveline de Marco and later reconstructed by Alexandra May. Lifeline talisman – A personal artifact created by Alexandra May. The talisman is a locket containing a miniature painting of her Domain and the Spellbook.

It functions as an emergency anchor, allowing the wearer to safely return to the Domain of Artistic Creation or summon the Spellbook. Playing Cards – A collection of ordinary playing cards transformed through Alexandra May's Authority. The reverse side of each card is painted to resemble polished metal, allowing them to function as durable throwing weapons capable of slicing through targets. The face of each card determines its secondary function.

Known variants include: Eye Cards – Allow remote observation of an area. Contains also a painted ear allowing Alexandra to listen in. Later on also a mouth—permitting speech through the card. Light Cards – Emit illumination. Rotor Cards – Generate powerful currents of air. Fire Cards – Ignite whatever they strike. Sound Cards – Produce sounds and recorded audio. Music Cards – Support Bluetooth connectivity and can play music selected from connected devices. Explosive Cards – Detonate upon impact.

New card variants are periodically added as Alexandra develops new applications for her Authority. Travel Grimoire / Spellbook – A personal artifact originally created by Alexandra May as part of an art project. Designed to resemble an ancient spellbook, it was initially used to store paintings of locations that served as anchors for her Soulmark of Connection, allowing her to teleport to them. As Alexandra's mastery of Connection grew, the book's purpose expanded.

It now contains paintings of objects, creations, and constructs imbued with her Authority, allowing her to teleport to them, summon them to herself, or otherwise interact with them through the bond established by her art. This evolution led to the artifact's current designation as a spellbook rather than a travel journal. The tome is leather-bound and secured with a zipper to protect its contents.

Its cover bears a painted rabbit's face in the upper-right corner and a spider's web in the lower-left, alongside the title Spellbook. A chain permanently connects it to a utility belt, allowing it to be summoned directly to Alexandra's waist. The belt also contains pouches for spray paint, cards, and other tools of her craft. Alexandra May's Named Spells & Techniques: Blink – A short-range teleportation technique that allows Alexandra May to instantly move to a nearby artistic creation within her Aura.

Domain Tattoo – A tattoo present on Alexandra May and each of her Personas. The design depicts the Domain of Artistic Creation, Liora, the Spellbook, and other important items. The tattoo functions as a permanent teleportation anchor, allowing Alexandra and her Personas to instantly summon connected artifacts or return them to storage within the Domain.

The one on her original body possess additional ability to open an Opening directly to her Domain through which the power of said Domain can be channele strengthening her Authority. Such use leaves Alxandra drained and unable to properly fuction after the effect ends. Song spells – Song Spells are a category of abilities created through Alexandra's Authority over identity, art, and interpretation.

By changing the identity of a song to reflect its melody, lyrics, rhythm, emotional tone, and cultural associations, she can manifest effects inspired by the song itself. Slow-Time Bubble Song – Based on the Interstellar Main Theme. Creates an area in which time flows more slowly than in the surrounding environment. External Slow-Time Song – Based on Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. Slows the flow of time outside a designated area while leaving those within unaffected.

Fire Song – Based on We Didn't Start the Fire. Generates and manipulates fire. Weightless Song – Based on an ambient composition associated with weightlessness and drifting. Reduces or removes the effects of gravity within an area. Attention Gathering Song – Based on Call Me Maybe. Draws attention toward the target, making them difficult to ignore. Thunder Summoning Song – Based on Thunderstruck. Calls forth lightning and thunderous electrical discharges. Machine-Gun Symphony – Based on Snowblind.

Generates a spherical barrage of rapid projectile-like attacks. Afterimage Song – Based on Around the World. Produces numerous afterimages and visual duplicates of the user. Usagear sendoff – A utility spell that instantly dismisses the Usagear or Kumosagi Armor, returning it to the Domain of Artistic Creation for storage or maintenance. Alexandra May's Minions: Spider Variants: Art. Crafters – Origami spiders originally created in pairs, with one carrying paint while the other applied it.

Later versions were upgraded so that each leg carries a different color of paint, allowing the creatures to create artwork independently. Art. Crafters serve as the primary painters, decorators, and maintenance workers of the Domain. Spider-mines – Origami spiders painted with explosive Authority upon their abdomens. They crawl into position before detonating on command or upon contact. Sp-eye-ders – Tattoo-spiders bearing Eyes of the Shattered on their backs.

These creatures are tattooed onto Alexandra May and her Personas, allowing them to move freely across the skin and provide additional fields of vision. Spy-ders – Origami spiders created specifically for reconnaissance. Each bears an Eye of the Shattered painted onto its back, allowing Alexandra to observe through it remotely. Web-slingers – Origami spiders designed for construction and mobility.

Enlarged silk glands painted onto their bodies grant them the ability to produce and manipulate silk much like living spiders. Other Minions: Birds – A diverse collection of origami birds and other avian constructs equipped with painted eyes. They function as aerial scouts, messengers, and surveillance units. Wasps – Origami wasps equipped with Authority-enhanced stingers carrying potent neurotoxins. They are primarily used for defense and battlefield harassment.

Domain of Artistic Creation Locations: Core Locations: Art Palace – Alexandra May's private residence, workshop, and creative headquarters. The Art Palace serves as both Alexandra's home and the center of her creative endeavors. It contains her personal quarters as well as specialized workspaces dedicated to painting, artificing, tailoring, makeup artistry, material crafting, and other artistic pursuits. Many of Alexandra's inventions, artifacts, and Domainspawn designs originated within its walls.

Black Lake – The metaphysical center of the Domain of Artistic Creation. The Black Lake appears as an expanse of perfectly still, impossibly dark water whose depths cannot be perceived. Despite its appearance, the surface behaves as solid ground unless Alexandra wills otherwise. Through an act of Authority, Alexandra may cause objects placed upon the lake to sink beneath its surface. The ultimate destination of these objects remains unknown, even to many inhabitants of the Domain.

Because of its central position and symbolic significance, many consider the Black Lake to be the spiritual heart of the Domain. The Hearth – A communal gathering place created to foster discussion, reflection, and connection. The Nest – The primary guest residence of the Domain and a place of comfort for visitors. From the outside, The Nest resembles a white Greco-Roman temple adorned with artistic motifs. Its interior, however, is far warmer and more welcoming, resembling a cozy hotel or retreat.

The structure contains numerous private rooms, both single and double occupancy, and its transparent ceiling offers an unobstructed view of the Domain's sky. The walls are decorated with a rotating collection of Alexandra May's paintings, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of her artistic journey. Weaver's tree – The crystallized manifestation of the Domain's Soul Core. The Weaver's Tree resembles a colossal oak composed of crystal and Shadowlight.

Its branches spread across a vast area, refracting countless colors through their translucent structure. Instead of leaves, immense strands of crystalline spider silk connect the branches into a complex web-like canopy. These threads serve as conduits for memory, resonance, and Authority throughout the Domain. As the physical expression of the Soul Core, the Weaver's Tree is among the most important and heavily protected locations within the Domain.

Infrastructure: Armory – A weapons repository created and maintained by Gertrude Monkey. The Armory contains a vast assortment of firearms, experimental weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment. It serves as the primary storage location for Gertrude's creations and military-oriented projects. Warehouse – A preservation facility created by Gertrude Monkey. Maintained at permanently freezing temperatures, the Warehouse stores trophies, harvested materials, and biological remains recovered from defeated creatures.

Many of the resources kept here are later repurposed for artificing, research, or artistic projects. Zero-G storage – A specialized storage facility existing in a state of controlled weightlessness. Used to house artifacts, equipment, supplies, and dormant minion swarms, Zero-G Storage allows its contents to float freely rather than requiring conventional shelving or organization. The facility possesses no conventional doors, windows, or exterior access points.

Entry and retrieval are accomplished exclusively through Alexandra's Spellbook, Authority, or connected tattoos.