Power System OverviewAt first glance, the power system of this world appears purely elemental, but it is far deeper than that. As the story progresses, more layers will be revealed.
For now, understand this:
The world is divided into elemental empires, each defined by a dominant element and its strength.
Those who wield elements are known as Ascendants.
AwakeningTo awaken, a person must first connect with an Elemental Rune.
Each rune is tied to a specific emotion, and this is the key to forming a connection.
For example:
Metal → Resolve
The individual must embody and channel that emotion strongly enough for the rune to respond. Once successful:
The rune settles within their mindscape
The Ascendant begins to comprehend it
From that point onward, growth comes from deeper understanding of the rune.
Core ConceptTo use an element, an Ascendant must:
Use their comprehended rune
Connect to the WorldPulse
Communicate with it to shape their element
What is the WorldPulse?The WorldPulse is the unified energy of the world itself.
Connecting to it is essentially connecting to the world.
The better your connection, the more effectively you can draw out and shape power.
Growth StructureThe system is divided into Ranks and Marks.
Ranks (Major Levels)Touched
Anointed
Vessel
Herald
Dominion
Each rank contains 7 Marks (minor stages of progression).
Simple AnalogyTo better understand progression:
Rune → The full passage (the element itself)
Rank → Paragraphs within that passage
Mark → Sentences within each paragraph
Each mark reveals a deeper meaning of the element within that rank.
Power ScalingThe strength, scale, and control of an element depend entirely on how well the rune is comprehended.
Greater understanding = greater authority over the element.
Talent FactorsAn Ascendant's growth depends on three core factors:
1. ResonanceThis is the natural alignment one is born with.
High Resonance → Faster, smoother connection to the WorldPulse
Low Resonance → Slower connection, weaker and less stable output
2. ComprehensionThis is tied to intelligence and perception.
It determines how quickly one can:
Understand their rune
Advance through ranks and marks
3. EmotionEach element is tied to a specific emotion.
Strong, stable emotion → Greater power and control
Unstable emotion → Erratic or weakened output
Ranks Explained (So Far)Touched RankAllows influence of the element within the body and a short range outside it
Anointed RankGrants the ability to manipulate the element freely outside the body.
Vessel RankAllows full manifestation of the element into reality
(This is the current level of the main character.)