Lighthouse

A lighthouse is a structure consisting of a tower and an elevated light source intended to aid in naval navigation and channel energy. Lighthouses are generally situated near the sea; while they can exist on other bodies of water such as lakes, this severely reduces the structure's abilities, and such lighthouses can only exist as fifth tier. Lighthouses are entrusted to a lighthouse keeper, an individual who must ensure its effectiveness and maintenance. The light of a lighthouse can be generated through many means, and both the light and the physical structure can take many forms, shapes, and colors.

## Lighthouse Tiers

Lighthouses exist in five tiers. Which tier a lighthouse occupies is determined by the height of the tower, the source of the light, the power of the light, the placement of the structure, the physical materials used, and the frequency and strength of rituals performed, among other factors. The proficiency of the lighthouse keeper can also drastically alter the effectiveness of a lighthouse.

Fourth and fifth tier lighthouses are the most commonly found, due to the cost involved in the creation of the higher tiers. First tier lighthouses are extremely rare and only a handful exist in the world.

### Fifth Tier

Fifth tier lighthouses are the simplest to construct, as their construction is no different than any other conventional structure. Their lights are produced by some physical means, such as a large fire or oil lantern. Although they channel no further energy and burn the dimmest, they are still useful as a guide to ships, especially in areas that experience generally calm conditions.

### Fourth Tier

Fourth tier lighthouses are the lowest tier that operate using some metaphysical means. These lighthouses are generally short and boxy, and contain no special materials. Their lights burn via a low dedication ritual, performed at the founding of the lighthouse; they do not require regular ritual performance to occur. A keeper of a fourth tier lighthouse needs know only the basics of the metaphysical system powering the light, besides the general maintenance knowledge.

### Third Tier

Third tier lighthouses are the first tier to either require some regular ritual to power or the presence of some special material; however, as the power level is not very high, rituals may only need to be performed every ten years or so, and the material present does not need to be especially plentiful or pure. These lighthouses are generally taller than those of the fourth tier, and are generally conical in shape, with some visual appeal. A keeper of a third tier lighthouse must undergo some training in its system in order to properly run the structure.

### Second Tier

Second tier lighthouses are powerful, bright structures that require both regular ritual performance and the presence of special materials. The rituals are performed at least yearly, and are usually rather involved; the founding ritual generally calls for a significant sacrifice. Materials present in the lighthouse must be extremely pure, and depending on the conductivity of the material, in large quantity. Visually, second tier lighthouses are striking; very tall and perfectly cylindrical, these structures are designed to be vertical and sleek. Their keepers must be highly trained individuals with extraordinary commitment to their duties; any distraction from their tasks could be devastating.

### First Tier

First tier lighthouses are rare, expensive, and supernaturally powerful. Only a few exist in the world, and these are inaccessible to the general public; in fact, getting too close to these structures is often mentally and physically devastating, if not lethal, to the unsuspecting civilian. First tier lighthouses can only be created through a major sacrifice, and their upkeep requires frequent, high dedication rituals. Additionally, first tier lighthouses must be entirely constructed out of only the purest special materials, and must be situated only in the must conductive locations with access to the highest amounts of potential energy. Visually, the structure is pure light; although extremely tall, the strength and brightness of their light completely overcomes any physical structure below. These lighthouses' keepers are individuals who were born in ritual and who have never left the walls of the structure; any interaction with the outside world would cause immediate failure.