Rift

*The following is the modern understanding of Rift after the Konigsmen appearance on Nora, put forth by arcologists in the book, **Exaltera**.*

The **Rift** (historically also called the *Elemental Rift*) is an immense swath of energy that acts as a separator between the Noran Universe and a more mundane universe (more similar to the reader’s own), the Parth Universe. The Rift’s energy specifically only flows a single direction. The Rift siphons energy from the mundane world towards the Noran Universe. Only inhabitants of Nora can tap into the Rift, while inhabitants of Parth cannot tap into it fully. The Rift and its resulting supernatural powers have had an extremely profound effect on Noran history, culture, and society.

## Origin

The origins of the Rift comes from the very origin of the Noran Universe itself.

## Rift in Society

The Rift is, officially and academically, a well documented phenomenon. At least in the Interior Nations and the Kongismen Realm, the Rift is well understood and accepted as fact. As the Interior Nations rely on the Rift’s power in the form of Arc for most of their civil and military operations, the Rift is widely known by most humans who inhabit these nations. Even beyond the Konigsman Realm, due to the prevalence of these nations, the idea of the Rift is well known if not scientifically understood.

As the Rift is the source of all supernatural military and civilian powers on the planet, it wouldn’t be improbable to say that every living thing on Nora is aware of the Rift, or at least the effects it has on the planet.

### Rift and Worship

The Rift is rarely seen as an object of worship, despite all the power it provides Nora. This is compared with early human religions on Parth who would worship natural processes that simply provided life: sky, sun, rain, greenery. The inhabitants of Nora, even from a younger societal age, worshipped smaller, more specific facets of their universe, deeper than natural processes. There are rare pockets of Rift-worship on Nora today, though they are seen as barbaric, archaic, and outdated.

## Powers Granted by the Rift

The Rift is, directly or indirectly, the source of all superhuman powers on the planet Nora. The rather large collection of these powers are, for the most part, all based in the accepted theory of the **Six Arc Elements** of Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Light, and Dark. These are the six most basic forces to which all Rift energies can be reduced.

The powers granted by the Rift are generally understood as three concentric circles, since appearing as so in the diagram *“circulum triplus”*  in *Exaltera*. Moving inward, the rings are considered more powerful. The thin, outside circle represents **Vision**, the larger, much thicker middle circle represents **Arc**, and the small circle in the center represents **Ray**.

**Visions** are more conceptual enhancements based in the Elements made directly to the body. **Arc** is the power to produce and manipulate one or more of the Six Arc Elements. **Ray** is the power to hardline one of the Six Arc Elements through one’s body, creating a reaction in a league entirely its own.

### Vision

**Vision** is labelled so because it is understood as the knowing of the Rift, and the most basic level of power granted by mere sight of and/or spiritual acknowledgement of the Rift. As such, humans of Nora and Parth alike can use Vision. In addition, metahumans can use Vision as well to increase their other powers. Sometimes users of Vision are referred to as visionary/ies, but more often just Vision users. Visions can, by definition, only affect the users body, and not the surroundings (with one exception). There are six normal Visions, generally accepted by scholars to correspond to the **Six Arc Elements**, and two additional abnormal as well.

Normally, the education of Vision is secondary in konigsmen nations, taught beyond regular Magistry courses as an augmentation of arc powers. However, in places like Ilmaria, the Remmah Kingdom, and the member states of the Alden League, Vision is instructed first, usually as the gateway to learning Rite.

#### Vision and Metahumans

Vision comes almost as second nature to metahumans, as they are already deeply connected to the Rift, and thus are physically and spiritually aware of its existence. The difficulties a metahuman faces in learning visions are learning or mastering those that don’t correspond with arcs they naturally have access to. This isn’t always a deterrent, as with enough meditation and training, even a metahuman who bridges only a single element can master all six visions. Whereas a human needs to use one of two methods to figuratively connect themselves to the Rift, metahumans are already physiologically in link with the Rift, and thus have a much easier time learning the abilities granted by the Visions.

#### Vision and Humans

There are two primary ways in which a human can come to use Visions. These two methods discount the existence of certain prodigies and geniuses who can simply use Visions naturally.

The first method is through internal meditation. While literal knowledge of the Rift isn’t restricted in any way in the world of Nora, it isn’t advertised or taught outright outside of military or academic institutions. As almost every civilian in the Noran world is aware of metahumans and their use of the elements to perform military duties in the world, they are also aware of that power’s source. As such, the first step in *knowing* the existence of the Rift is commonplace for most humans of the world. However, this first step is only half complete in simply *knowing* of the Rift, and is only completely upon *seeing* the Rift or spiritually *feeling* the Rift. Through the use of internal meditation, one seeks to understand the flow of the energy of the Rift, and feel its immense, distant power affecting all things on Nora. One must then focus on a specific element, and truly understand its being and attributes, and how they relate to the more conceptual abilities granted by the visions. For example, one may meditate atop a large stone structure to feel and understand the earth in attempt to glean the Vision of Fortitude. This process of meditation must be repeated for each Vision attempted to learn. As a result of the need for meditation and personal discovery and understanding, the first method is by far a longer process than the second method.

The second method is through external stimulus. This means to forcefully awaken one’s body and mind to the Rift and the Elements through exposure to them. This cannot be accomplished with naturally occurring elements, and must be accomplished with elements produced by Arc, and usually in a controlled environment from a Vision tutor. For example, a person’s use of the Vision of Power can be jump started by bathing in the heat produced by a fire arc produced flame. In this manner, the Rift is essentially brought to the human in question, rather than needing to spiritually seek it out. This second method of external stimuli may happen purposefully, through a Vision tutor, or accidentally, by being present or near areas where much arc use is going on. As a result, the second method of external stimulation is a far shorter process than the first method, albeit potentially dangerous.

#### Six Basic Visions

Of all the possible powers gained through Vision, the so called "Six Basic Visions" are those Visions that correspond with the Six First Degree Elements.

* **Fortitude**: The result of looking upon the Arc element earth, the Vision of Fortitude allows the user to greatly strengthen the rigidity and defensive capabilities of the body. This will invariably slow the body, so using Fortitude for offense isn’t prudent, but rather for grapples, holds, and defense.

* **Power**: The result of looking upon the Arc element fire, the Vision of Power allows the user to greatly strengthen their movements and offensive capabilities. This does strengthen the body part in use as well, but only directly related to movement. Meaning, attacks using Power will be much more effective than blocks. One must alter between Power and Fortitude when fighting to effectively attack and block. Power can be applied to the body in whole or in part, for any physical attack or throw.

* **Movement**: The result of looking upon the Arc element air, the Vision of Movement enhances the body for the express use of heightened speed in movement. This can be done in whole or in part, and primarily used with Flow to dodge, or travel great distances in short periods of time.

* **Flow**: The result of looking upon the Arc element water, the Vision of Flow gives the user heightened awareness, which manifests in many ways. They can sense things their normal senses cannot, whether through obstruction or distance, as well as “feel” small scale events fractions of seconds before they happen, to enhance dodging and evading.

* **Reliance**: The result of looking upon the Arc element darkness, the Vision of Reliance supernaturally enhances things the user comes in contact with while they are in contact. The composition and shape will not change, but they will be supernaturally enhanced to the point of insane structural integrity. For example, clothing will still be soft, but any attempt to tear, cut, or destroy will be futile. In addition, a dull sword will remain dull, but with its reinforced integrity, it can smash through strong defenses.

* **Radiance**: The result of looking upon the Arc Element light, the Vision of Radiance is the embodiment of Vision exception, being that Radiance allows the user to affect the world around them directly. Radiance allows them to radiate their power outwards, usually directed by combat actions. With Radiance in use as well as, say, Power, one can launch the force of a Power punch forward through space towards a target. Each other Vision can be enhanced by Radiance.

#### Basic Applications of Vision

* **Healing**: Healing of oneself comes from a ratio of use of the Visions of Fortitude and Power, to actively increase one’s bodily stability. Healing externally is more tricky. On its most basic level, it is an application of the Vision of Reliance used to empower or enhance the natural fortitude and healing of a target. More advanced, it is an application of the combination of the Visions of Reliance, Fortitude, and Radiance, further adding to Reliant healing the healer’s own ability to heal, reflected outward with Radiance and then back into the target body with Reliance.

#### Advanced Applications of Vision

* **Independence**: Independence is simultaneous use of Radiance and Reliance. Radiance reverses the enhancement capabilities of Reliance, allowing one to overall enhance one’s own body. This is said to be less straining and more powerful than simultaneously using the first four Visions, though this form is rarely achieved. Those who can utilize this technique, metahuman or not, are regarded as “Visionaries.”

* **Breath**: Said to be the result of looking upon the transcendent Arc Element Life, Vision of Breath is a strange vision, as its corresponding Arc element is so powerful and rare, that it has almost never been used by any metahuman in history. The capabilities of Breath allow for the control, subjugation, and altering of one's own body to mimic other sentient life. Because of this, the Vision of Breath is more commonly referred to as the Wild Arc, granting control and channeling of attributes of animals. Academically, the Wild Arc doesn’t exist, as there is no Arc Element Wild, and these capabilities are granted by the Vision of Breath. However, the common metahumans use the term Wild Arc.

* **Abyss**: Said to be the result of looking upon the transcendent Arc Element Death, Vision of Abyss is a strange vision, as its corresponding Arc element is so powerful and rare, that it has almost never been used by any metahuman in history. The power of Abyss comes from the acknowledgement of the abyss, the nothingness that surrounds the world, the certainty of death, and then *defying* it. This awakens in the body a versatile energy known as life force or **spirit**. Spirit is so versatile, and very prevalent in the world, it is controlled through a technique called Rite.
* **Radiant Clones**: Usually used in tandem with Independence or Rite for how much energy it takes, Radiant Clones are glowing clones that can be created by masterful Visionaries by Radiating a person’s entire being.
* **Behind the Curtain**: Behind the Curtain is an application of Rite and the Vision of Movement, Flow, and Fortitude, that allows one to mask themselves from other’s senses.
* **Beneath the River of Time**: BRT is one of the most advanced Rite/Vision techniques, which involves augmenting the Vision of Movement and Flow to such a high point that they can move at superluminal speeds, where the world around them appears still.

### Arc

**Arc** is called so because it is imagined as an arc of power stemming from the Rift, and ending in the user. Arc is exclusively used by the Metahumans of Nora, as the Rift flows one way, and because of the arc quantum particle, variously called the *arc quantum* or the *arcion*. The arcion is the subatomic particle in the cells of metahumans that make them metahumans, allowing them to bridge themselves to the Rift, and channel the elements. Users of arc are physiologically called metahumans, but variously called arcsmen, arcknights, or arcons when they work professionally.

The Arc elements are fire, earth,  water, air, light, and dark. The primary function of arc is understood as “creation and manipulation” (also reproduced as “genesis and subjugation”) of the respective element. Arc is sustained and controlled by will, effort, stamina, and concentration.

#### First Degree Elements

**First Degree Elements** are the most basic connections a metahuman can make with the Rift. The First Degree Elements correspond to the Six Arc Elements: fire, earth,  water, air, light, and dark. Metahumans, by definition, have access to at least a single First Degree Element (with the exception of Lightning). These six are the basic fundamental elements given by the Rift, and are the component pieces of most other facets of a metahumans arsenal.

Within each First Degree Element lies a myriad of ways for the metahuman to use the element within the parameters of *creation and control.* This specific manner in which the element is used is based on a metahuman’s individuality, or perhaps their surroundings and culture, and also their skill. For example, the Kulani Tribe are known for making solid-flame constructs to use as weaponry, while someone like Rae Rotaeus uses fire in a more straightforward manner, launching plumes of flame like a cannon. As arc powers are, by definition, *creation and control*, arc can also be used to control existing sources of the elements.

##### Spells

The term *spell* is used for applications of Light and Dark Arc that seem to have more conceptual origins, and aren’t as straightforward as the creation and control of light or darkness. Within the Light Arc there exist spells for enchantment, charming, and casting. Within the Dark Arc there exist spells for hexing, cursing, and conjuring.

#### Second Degree Elements

**Second Degree Elements** are elements created by the simultaneous use of two First Degree Elements. While Second Degree Elements can be taught with enough skill and training, they may also appear naturally within certain bloodlines, or randomly. For example, the Kleo Family of Nitegra seems to be very proficient in producing users of the Sand Arc. In addition, the Lightning Arc, a Second Degree Element consisting of fire and light, is the most common, naturally occurring Second Degree Element on Nora. Metahumans may have access to the Lightning Arc without previously showing any inclination towards fire or light.

There exists a great variety of Second Degree Elements. With six first degree elements, there exist 15 unique combinations with no repetitions for a total of 15 Second Degree Elements. However, the First Degree Elements can be combined in different *ratios,* leading to much more than 15 possibilities. For example, the combination of Water and Earth usually results in the *Flora* element, an umbrella term. However, with more Water than Earth, a metahuman creates more fluid, green natural constructs. Additionally with more Earth than Water, a metahuman creates more study, wooden natural constructs. This idea of *ratio* carries through most of the Second Degree Elements, allowing for much more than only 15 Second Degree Elements.

#### Third Degree Elements

**Third Degree Elements** are elements created by the simultaneous use of three First Degree Elements, or a Second and First Degree Element. In the Modern Era, Third Degree Elements, more commonly called **triarcs**, are limited within bloodlines. Not only are they limited within bloodlines, but are usually further restricted to a single member per generation. This limitation has had a profound effect on metahuman culture and history, usually elevating those families lucky enough to have a genetic triarc into higher positions of political and military power on Nora.

While with Second Degree Elements the order of combination was negligible (i.e. fire+earth = earth+fire), that is not precisely the case for triarcs. This usually has to do with whether the triarc is considered the combination of three First Degree Elements, or one Second and one First. For example, whereas the triarc Metal is considered the combination of three First Degree Elements (fire, earth, and light), the triarc Blast is considered the combination of a First Degree Element (earth) and a Second Degree Element (lightning). Noting that Lightning is composed of Fire and Light, the triarcs Metal and Blast have the same three original First Degree Elements, though they are combined in different orders.

#### Compound Arcs

**Compound Arc** is an advanced application of triarcs or Second Degree Elements that involves enhancing the triarc or Second Degree Element in question with one of its constituent elements. For example, Josh Gerran can “bring out” the Fire constituent in his Metal triarc, to heat his metal to red hot temperatures, increasing his combat capability. As some misunderstand this concept as adding Fire onto Metal, Compound Arc is sometimes incorrectly thought to be a Fourth Degree Element or a triarc when it is only a triarc or Second Degree Element, respectively.

Another common use of Compound Arcs seems to be users of the Ice or Sand Second Degree Element “bringing out” the Wind Element within their Second Degree Element to increase the speed of their elemental techniques.

#### Arc and Blood

As blood is the most easily attainable organic matter, blood of metahumans is extremely valuable, because it acts as the medium through with the arc elements are used. Therefore, things like arcweapons exists. **Arcweapons** are weapons or object that have been fitted with a vial, that can be filled with blood. When filled with metahuman blood and wielded by a metahuman, this blood can use arc elements on the weapon/object. This is most often used so metahumans can wield weapons that enhance their powers. They do this by filling an arcweapon with their own blood that must be refilled periodically. Though this is the common practice among professional metahumans, there is also a large black-market for metahuman blood to recreate different arc. However, humans cannot use arcweapons, and those who do not have a triarc cannot use a triarc blood-filled arcweapon.

The use of arcweapons seems to have a profound effect on the efficiency of arc use. Meaning, legions of metahumans find it easier to use a Fire arcweapon than to simply create flames on their own that then enshroud their normal weapon.

#### Stigmata

**Stigmata** are similar in concept to arcweapons, however is it almost exclusively the use of *foreign* metahuman blood. Specifically, metahuman blood is used to permanently tattoo a design on a person. In this manner, metahumans can use elements they aren’t preternaturally inclined to do so. However, just like arcweapons, stigmata are unusable by humans.

The metahuman use of stigmata isn’t illegal, but is frowned upon. They are more often used by criminal institutions. Those bearing stigmata are almost always in gangs or the like, and are almost always turned away from professional metahuman work. A notable exception of this is one of Nitegra’s Arcsman Majors, Drav Egon.

#### Arc in Society

In the Interior Nations, and most of the Exterior Nations as well, arc is integral to society. Metahumans, gifted with command over the elements, help nations operate in both a military and civil capacity. Within the Konigsman Realm, a professional metahuman is most often labelled an *arcsman.* Further classification leads to the civil oriented *arcsman civis* or the martial oriented *arscman armis.* Metahumans as arcsman play a large role in most nation’s military and civilian life. This is due in part to the military and government structures intertwining in most nations, but also to the vast power awarded to nations by metahumans. While metahuman powers and their military use are clear to most, there are many civil applications as well. For example, most powerful Interior Nation governments have bureaus dedicated to using arc to keep clean and inspire new creation of food and water. Transportation and communication are other industries usually full with *arcsman civis,* who use their powers to add a layer of convenience in the Modern Era.

In the Exterior Nations highly influenced by the Alden Church, arc may be frowned upon or fully prohibited. In these nations, usually politically and culturally anti-Konigsman as well, arc is viewed as an abomination of nature’s principles. In these anti-arc areas, the powers of Vision and Rite are preferred, encouraged, and required as they are conceptually internal in origin.

##### Magistries

All nations with an arc-based martial culture are home to at least one Magistry. Magistries are prestigious academies where young metahumans learn a myriad of academic fields,  as well as take supplemental courses focusing on using arc and being a socially responsible metahuman. Whether matriculating into the military or a civil service, metahumans *must* learn from a government institution how to use their arc.

### Ray

**Ray** is called so because it is imagined as the power from the Rift traveling directly in a straight line to the user. Also referred to as “*advanced arcs*,” these are powers that are technically limited to the connection of a single First Degree Element, however yield effects beyond the First Degree Element, or can use the First Degree Element in a league of its own. Most Rays are close guarded secrets of certain schools or organizations. However, metahumans can have predispositions to rays. For example, the Donovane Family has a predisposition to the Terroris technique, a Dark Ray. This is considered a genetic line’s deeper connection to a First Degree Element. However, it is important to note that while predisposition to Rays exists, Rays are not--like triarcs--strictly limited by blood.

## Historical Misunderstandings of the Rift

The modern understanding of the Rift and its powers is the result of Konigsmen research and culture. So, before the Konigsman arrival and rise to prominence on Nora, there were a number of different ways in which the great powers of the Rift were “misunderstood” from a Konigsman perspective.

### Ald Ways

The **Ald Ways** is the Konigsman term for the syncretic religion practiced by the Norans upon the Kongisman arrival. Though many different cultures and ethnic groups focused worship on a single deity, they all accepted the existence of the other gods from a collective narrative.

**Ald Things** were amulets and trinkets, rarely weapons, filled with the blood of worshippers. As such, when held by certain worshippers (metahumans) the blood reacted, and elemental effects were produced. This was seen as a blessing by the god/s. If one could control the elements without the need of a Thing, this was seen as further blessing by the gods.

There existed many secret orders of warrior monks, used to carry out the wishes of the Alden Church in secret. These were those who had awakened Visions, or warriors trained in Vision.

With the arrival of the Konigsmen and the writing of *Exaltera,* some nations and groups rejected the Konigsman view, and remained with the Ald Ways. Some hybridized, creating Ald Things as weapons (arcweapons) to keep up with the increasingly violent world.

### Emetho

**Emetho** is the local term for the power used by the Baeli, an ethnic group/race that exists separate from humanity, but bears many resemblances to them. The Baeli civilization reached its peak before the Norans.

The Baeli are a pre-arc civilization, with a religion revolving around animal worship. Animals were closest to divinity, and their society revolved around returning to the divinity after being born human. They worshipped the goddess Emetha, and her blessings were called *emetho*. Emetho is the Baeli culture’s understanding of the Vision of Breath, as their societal coming of age ceremony involved bathing in animal blood, and irreparably transforming into an animal skinned being with superhuman capabilities. After this “apotheriosis,” if “arc” develops, this was understood as the divine influence of the taken form. If “arc” develops before apotheriosis, this is seen as one already having an animalistic, divine soul, and its effects are emerging sooner than most.