This power system is inspired by the structure of Shadow Slave, adapted for the world of Shadow of the Immortal. It focuses on soul cores, essence, and Aspects, but functions independently of any external "Spell" or system interface.
1. The Soul Core & Essence
The foundation of power is the Soul Core. It acts as a container for Soul Essence, the fuel for all supernatural abilities.
Soul Core Ranks (Human/Divine Progression)
Humans and Divines progress by saturating their core with essence and "ascending" to the next rank.
Dormant: A regular mortal with a dormant soul. No active essence control.
Awakened: The first stage of power. The core is active, and the individual gains an Aspect.
Ascended (Masters): A significant jump in power and essence capacity.
Transcendent (Saints): Individuals who have transformed their physical existence.
Supreme (Sovereigns): Beings capable of influencing the world around them.
Sacred: Nearing the peak of mortal-divine existence.
Divine: The rank of true Gods.
Core Saturation (Classes)
Classes refer to the number of soul cores a being possesses, determining the raw volume of their power.
Single Core: Standard.
Multiple Cores: Beings like Renzoku (Shadow Aspect) may have the potential to form multiple cores (Shadow Cores).
1 Core: Beast
2 Cores: Monster
3 Cores: Demon
4 Cores: Devil
5 Cores: Tyrant
6 Cores: Terror
7 Cores: Titan
2. Creature Classification (Abominations & Corrupted)
Creatures are classified by two factors: Rank (the quality of their soul/essence) and Class (the number of soul cores they possess).
Creature Ranks (Essence Quality)
The Rank determines the raw power and potency of the creature's abilities.
Dormant: Basic animals or low-level threats.
Awakened: Creatures that have touched essence.
Fallen: Equivalent to Ascended.
Corrupted: Equivalent to Transcendent.
Vile: Equivalent to Supreme.
Dread: Equivalent to Sacred.
Unholy: Equivalent to Divine.
Creature Classes (Complexity & Raw Volume)
The Class determines the complexity, intelligence, and number of cores the creature has.
Beast: One Core. Simple, instinctual, and mindless.
Monster: Two Cores. Stronger, minor supernatural traits, driven by hunger.
Demon: Three Cores. Possesses a cruel, emerging intelligence and complex abilities.
Devil: Four Cores. High, malevolent intelligence; capable of complex strategy.
Tyrant: Five Cores. Controls a territory or "minions"; possesses a dominating will.
Terror: Six Cores. Devastates entire regions; possesses mental or area-of-effect attacks and profound cunning.
Titan: Seven Cores. Massive, god-like entities that can change the landscape with a mere thought.
Example: A Fallen Tyrant is much more dangerous than a Fallen Beast, despite being the same Rank.
3. Aspects and Flaws
Upon Awakening, every individual receives an Aspect. This is the fundamental nature of their power.
Aspect Rank: Aspects themselves have ranks (Dormant to Divine). Renzoku possesses a Divine Rank Aspect.
Aspect Abilities: Specific powers granted by the Aspect (e.g., Shadow Manipulation, Shadow Collection).
The Flaw: Every power comes with a price. Every Awakened has a fundamental Flaw—a spiritual or physical weakness that cannot be overcome.
4. Divine Lineages
The world was once governed by Seven Gods, each representing a fundamental pillar of reality. Though the Gods are dead, their blood and essence linger in the world through Lineages.
A Lineage is a divine blessing or bloodline passed down from a God to a mortal or a clan. It is far rarer than an Aspect and grants unique, game-changing powers.
The Seven Gods:
God of Shadows: (Successor: Renzoku) Grants mastery over darkness and the echoes of the dead.
God of the Sun: (Successor: Eirene) Grants solar essence and purification.
[Unknown]: To be discovered.
[Unknown]: To be discovered.
[Unknown]: To be discovered.
[Unknown]: To be discovered.
[Unknown]: To be discovered.
The Properties of a Lineage:
Unique Attributes: Each Lineage grants specific physical or spiritual enhancements.
Lineage Progression:
Unlike Aspects which are fixed at Awakening, a Lineage can often be "nourished" or "awakened" in stages, revealing deeper layers of the God's power as the host's rank increases. Those who carry a Lineage are referred to as Divines or Successors.
5. The Void Corruption
Corruption: Exposure to Void can corrupt the soul. While low-class beings (Beasts/Monsters) become mindless consumers, higher-class abominations develop a twisted, cold intelligence dedicated to the destruction of existence.