Qi

***Qi*** (SHEE) (also known as **chi, mana, chakra, energy''**) is the vital force within every living organism that flow through the ***axial channel***. Qi, although not directly tied to the ***cardinal elements***, takes on the properties of one of the cardinal elements when used by ***manipulators***, or individuals who have learned to manipulate their qi. When utilizing qi, the abilities that are performed through its' use are referred to as ***manipulations***. Individuals often learn to control and manipulate their qi to perform healing, combative and sensory manipulations. Humans are also able to perform ***Qifangsong*,** a technique involving qigong. Meditation is traditionally used to gather and master qi, although in order to increase qi output in battle individuals often use ***mantra*** and ***mudra***.

## Etymology

Qi is based on the traditional Chinese concept of Qi.

## Origin

Individuals who practice qi manipulation have existed for millennium, with many traditional practices existing to the modern era. Xin are known for their higher capacity for qi manipulation when compared to humans.

## Axial Channel

There are six major chakras along the axial channel, with a seventh "Crown" chakra. Individuals who begin to learn to manipulate their Qi start by meditating and unlocking their lower chakras first. Many sealing manipulations target the chakras in an attempt to suppress or prevent qi manipulation. Although Xin are known for their enhanced qi manipulation abilities, they are unable to perform qifangsong concurrent with xinchu due to both techniques utilizing the same axial pathways.

### Sahasrara

Also known as the Crown, Sahasrara represents pure consciousness and is the highest spiritual center. Although technically not a chakra, it is said the crown can be achieved through use of the Merkaba.

### Anja (Third Eye)

Also known as as the Command, Anja is said to be the highest chakra unlockable by mortals.

### Vishuddha (Throat)

Also known as the Purity. The highest level of xinchu is said to correlate to this chakra.

### Anahata (Heart)

Also known as the Unstruck. This is the highest level achievable by humans through qifangsong.

### Manipura (Navel)

Also known as the Jewel. Xinchu is said to correlate to this chakra.

### Muladhara (Sacrum)

Also known as the Root. This chakra correlates to the first level of qifangsong. Xin are said to be born with the ability to manipulate qi through their Muladhara chakra, with this chakra stated to be the origin of their innate techniques. Likewise, individuals who utilize yantra manipulate most of their qi through this chakra.

## Elements

Every individual's qi naturally takes on the properties of one of the 4 **cardinal elements.** The cardinal elements are air, water, earth, fire. The properties of an individual's qi manifest at birth, and are said to be tied to the stars. The ability to manipulate an element itself is extremely difficult due to the immense amounts of qi nature manipulations require, with air being the easiest to manipulate, and fire being the most difficult. Certain yantra exist that allow their Damnati to manipulate the elements.

### Air

Qi that emulates the properties of air is known to expel, and favors manipulations that involve movement. Air nature manipulations are the easiest to perform, albeit the most rare.

### Water

Qi that emulates the properties of water is known to flow, and favors manipulations that involve healing and the senses. Water nature manipulations have little combative use.

### Earth

Qi that emulates the properties of earth is known to crumble, and favors manipulations that involve defense. Earth manipulations are the most common.

### Fire

Qi that emulates the properties of fire is known to consume, and favors manipulations that involve offense. Fire nature manipulations are the most difficult to perform, and few have ever successfully learned to fully manipulate fire.

## Manipulations

Manipulations refer to the techniques fueled by qi. All manipulations are ranked according the Knight's ranking system. The amount of manipulations possible is extremely high due to the various applications of qi, and unique, personal variations of manipulations may exist.

See list of manipulations.

## Mantra

**Mantra** (also referred to as **Hexes**) are sacred utterances used to enhance an individuals qi reserves. The more advanced or powerful the qi manipulation, the more necessary it becomes to perform mantra in order to successfully perform the manipulation. More advanced manipulators or individuals with higher qi reserves, such as Xin, may forgo mantra in order to perform quicker, albeit less powerful manipulations.

## Mudra

**Mudra** (also referred to as **Seals**) are symbolic and ritual gestures performed with either the hands, fingers, or entire body. Mudra, similar to mantra, allow individuals to more effectively perform qi manipulations. Skilled manipulators may forgo mudra in order to perform quicker, albeit less powerful manipulations.

## Sacred Geometry

***Sacred Geometry*** involves the use of geometric patterns and shapes to manipulate qi to a much higher degree.

See Sacred Geometry.

## Qifangsong

***Qifangsong** (lit. "Relax")* (also referred to as ***Chi Release***) is a technique derived from qigong that allows the user to open their chakra channel, temporarily enhancing their strength, agility and ability to manipulate qi. Many practitioners of qigong learn how to utilize qifangsong in order to compete against Xin. Qifangsong is traditionally broken into four **stages:**

1. First Stage: The existence
2. Second Stage: The origin
3. Third Stage: The termination
4. Fourth Stage: The path

The first stage, existence, correlates to Muladhara. The second stage, origin, correlates to Svadhishthana. The third stage, termination, correlates to Manipura. The last stage, path, correlates to Anahata, and is the last known stage achievable by mortals. A fifth and more final stage, Samadhi, is said to exist, although no human has ever achieved it.

### Manipulations

Although qifangsong enhances basic fighting, several qi manipulations are possible only through the use of qifangsong.

#### Notable Users

* Malia Mele
* Jeshua Chance
* Chan Nah
* Houston Koa
* Scion Marduk
* Ahanu Warner
* Jet Sai
* Sodom Enki