Rifting

**Rifting** is the process by which individuals have had their persona split apart. Due to efforts against the Nihilex, some have developed a strange sort of 'split personality' phenomena – the mind and soul desperately seek the ability to create and exist despite the Nihilex, and thus, create a conflict or split between the self for some sort of defense.

**Rifted Being:** Term for a “split” individual. Some treat them with wariness, as many tend to have conflicting personas. Also said as: Rifted person, Rifted individual, etc., may even simply be used as "That Rifted guy" or "The Rifted."

The terms **persona** or **fragment** are often used to refer to one "piece" of a Rifted being.

## Common Aspects and Patterns of Rifting

Not all Rifted beings are a single entity. Some have their personas manifest as a separate entity, living off their spirit and energy in some form. Some try to have separate lives, some remain close to one another to work together, and others are outwardly invasive toward their “original.” Rifted beings who remain in one body are referred to as being **internally** rifted, while those who gain seperate forms are called **externally** rifted.

While each person has different aspects of the self, there tends to be a kind of duality based on energy types that occur to

form some sort of balance, with a Centerpoint being forming between them. (Although this is not always the case- It's just the most common form of Rifting.)

**-Aterae** – Personas that have a moody, intense energy. Associated with the “darker” parts of an individual. Often antagonistic to the original, challenging. This can be for good reasons however – reminders of things suppressed that should not be, or due to running from problems. These personas are often direct and sharp, having a very in-your-face attitude about what makes them tick. While they seem to be problematic, they also tend to be rather easy to understand, since they have such clarity to their motives. Tend to crave attention.

**-Luxatae** – Personas that have a calm, gentle energy. Associated with the “light” parts of an individual. Often rather vague or hazy, feeling lofty or distant. They tend to be encouraging or even positive, but they have a very complex composition, and thus are hard to understand at times. When forced to be direct, they tend to snap, becoming harsh and unforgiving. These personas tend to be overbearing when around often, feeling as though they need to manage things to keep things “safe.” Hard to connect to on a personal level.

Rifted beings also have a much higher propensity for shapeshifting, since their energy is in a constant state of flux to begin with, and some personas hardly ever even take human forms; inversely, some may *only* take on human forms.

*Note: There are always deviations from these and there can be menacing Luxatae/gentle Aterae, etc.. This is merely a general overview on some of their habits, and energy is typically decided upon by the original spirit. Also note that both Unbound and Soulbound individuals may be rifted, and despite Soulbound not being able to manipulate matter, they still have shapeshifting tendencies due to this phenomena.*