The Aura of Life

The Aura of Life is a Euloric Art created by an ancient member of the Zhan village named Takemura. By using Ethir to change his connection to the world, he was capable of many things via his breath, like enhancing his physical condition or creating things from the Ethir around him. The Aura Of Life was created after Takemura delved into understanding the sun and moon, using his natural breath to connect to these two forces of nature. Learning how to master breath control, and using it to give himself power. He shared this power with his people, and new styles formed from it.

## **Basics of the Aura of Life**

To attune to the Aura of Life one must have a pure focus on the oxygen throughout their body. By understanding it, and understanding what the Aura of Life is. That person can use what is called “breathing arts,” the Aura of Life requires the user to take breaths before casting any of its abilities. These types of breaths may vary, for a smaller effect such as a minor movement it’d take a slight inhale. Though for a larger effect such as traveling a distance it’d take a deep breath. The Aura of Life runs on carefully inhaled and distributed oxygen, which in turn is powered by Ethir. If breathing forms are overused, the user will collapse due to a lack of oxygen.

**One must be taught The Aura of Life, they cannot just pick it up like other Euloric Arts or the Common Arts.**

## **Effects of the Aura of Life**

The Aura of Life was meant to be paired with medium-sized weaponry, such as swords or staves. Larger weapons don’t work as well, and as such the larger the size of the weapon used, the less effective the Art will be. The Aura of Life creates abilities attached to these weapons based on the style that’s used. An example of this would be an Air Art user being able to create a blade of air from their sword. Or a Water Art user being capable of creating a wave of water with their staff. The more control one has over their breath, the stronger they’ll be. However, constantly using forms will drain the vitality from the user. Causing collapse or strokes if not paced properly. Also causes what is known as “Spellcasting fatigue” which only drags the user further down.  The abilities of breathing control take tolls on the body when disrupted- and armor disrupts easily, setting weight on the shoulders. This leads most current users to wearing simple tunics or other derivatives of robes. The Aura of Life takes time to *master*, however using it in general once learning the basics can come naturally to talented minds.

## **Ranks Of the Aura of Life**

Although the Aura of Life is a Euloric Art, due to their estranged nature and different culture, they were shown to have a different array of levels. All of which are listed below. [\*] Means single mod approval [!] means staff approval. These are subject to change in the future.

**Dilet:** A Dilet is a beginner user of the Aura of Life, having just been attuned to the magic, at this stage, Dilets learn exclusively how to use the Breathing part itself. Understanding how to pace out their breathing and apply Ethir. They are not capable of using a Breathing Art or any form.

**Tyro:** A Tyro has learned how to pace their breathing, at this point they’re capable of using it to minorly increase the amount of oxygen and blood that flows throughout their bodies. Giving them a boost in strength, albeit this boost is minimal and provides no real gain, at this point a Tyro can begin to study the Breathing Art they wish to learn.

**Adept:** An Adept has mastered basic breathing, and can perform the first form of their Breathing Art of choice. However, the effects of their breathing are not capable of their full strength yet, as an Adept is still too inexperienced and lacks the amount of control over their Ethir to learn anything else. This is the last rank before that of the more advanced breathing levels, and although Adepts are skilled; they pale in comparison.

**Specialist [\*]:** A breathing Specialist is capable of using the second to third forms of their Breathing Art, but must meet the requirements of the form itself, as inexperience can kill a specialist even if they can perform the breathing form. They have far more control over their breath and Ethir, and the know-how to pace themselves out. Those who reach this level can also use what’s called ***Recovery Breathing*** and by using this technique, they can allow themselves to spring back into action. It is best applied during situations where the user is knocked down, or moments away from being struck while vulnerable.

**Pillar [!]:** At this point, the user is capable of using all forms of their Breathing Art, not only this but they can create new forms for it as well. Though, if a Pillar chooses to instead derive from the path of their chosen Breathing Art, they can make a new one using their old as the base. However, if they choose to create a new Breathing Art, they cannot use or influence their old one any longer. Pillars have complete breath control, and ethir control as well. It’s extremely rare for them to fail a form or disrupt their breathing.

**Minamoto [!]:** A level of the Aura of life unheard of since Takemura himself, a Minamoto is capable of wielding two Breathing Arts to their fullest potential. They have mastery over what is known as “End Concentration” which allows them to feel every ounce of oxygen and Ethir flowing through their body. Always knowing exactly how to breathe next to not only cast a form but cast it to perfection. Meaning even improving its effects, a Minamoto is a legend and a target considered to be untouchable.

## **All Breathing Arts**

### **Fire Breathing**

Fire breathing takes from the oxygen and ignites it upon cast. Allowing a fire-breather to cast flames from their weapon of choice. There are only four preset forms of firebreathing. Fire breathing itself is sporadic and hard to control, but if one can master it, they can master the power of heat and flames on their tool of choice.

First Form, Scorching Touch: Scorching touch allows the user to ignite their hands and weapon in flames. These flames increase the speed and strength of the weapon. Along with the weapon being superheated without melting. The weapon’s effectiveness will increase as the levels of the user get higher. Note that, a breathing arts user of Adept level may be able to heat their tool or hands, but it is not that high of a temperature. At best it’s as hot as fire itself.

Second Form, Burning Heart: This form allows the user to project their flames from their weapon. Allowing them to send waves of fire, or create a barrier of fire in front of themselves for that of a few moments. These projectile flames of this form increase in effectiveness as the user’s mastery and level increase as well.

Third Form, Blazing Rush: The third form of firebreathing allows its user to ignite their bodies and propel themselves forward. Thus allowing for a dash that brings them a few meters further. The force of this rush can also be used to time a strike. The strikes powered by the third form allow the user to do a singular powerful attack at the cost of stamina. The strength of this form is great even for lower levels, however, it takes mastery and skill to use. Otherwise attempting it will not only drain the user but also damage their body.

Fourth Form, Flaming World: The fourth form of fire breathing creates a sea of flames around the user. Whatever enters this sea of flames can be detected by the user, and also suffers potent burns. This form requires a large amount of focus and control to use and cannot be used by lower levels. The sea itself stands to be about 2 meters around the user.

### **Water Breathing**

Water breathing takes the ethir and breath of the user to pull together the moisture around them. Allowing them to bring forth water from their breath. Water breathers are known for their common and fluid nature, being able to adapt themselves to most situations. There are 4 base forms of water breathing. All of these may be difficult to learn at first, however, with a clear mind and a fluid understanding of them, using them becomes easier for the user.

First Form, Guided Wave: Guided wave allows the user to envelop their weapon in razor-sharp pressurized water. This gives them the ability to increase their slashing power and provides water breathers with a deadly advantage in weapon-on-weapon combat. The largest drawback to this form is that it requires deep concentration and a quiet mind. Also unlike the other base forms of the Aura of Life, Guided Wave requires a constant stream of breaths to keep going. The strength of the water increases as the user increases in knowledge and level.

Second Form, Lost Tide: The second form of water breathing allows its user to gather large amounts of water via one large, empowered breath. Using this they can pressurize the water and use it however they choose. The most common usage of it is to fire a deadly shot of water or flood an area. Though it takes time for one to gather the water and take the needed breath before using this form.

Third Form, Calm Seas: Calm seas enhances the user, allowing them to feel all of the liquid around them, they do this via sensing the oxygen inside of other liquids. Using this they can even sense the blood flowing inside of others, or sense when it’ll rain. They can also use this tactic within the water, allowing them to feel whatever enters it with them. The range of this ability increases with level and understanding.

Fourth Form, Rising Typhoon: The fourth form of water breathing allows its user to create a vortex of water, the water can be pressurized or not. As that is the choice of the user. Whatever enters this vortex can be manipulated by the water breather, relentlessly attacked, thrown around, or other. There are many possibilities for this breathing form, however, it takes a large amount of Ethir control and a constant stream of focused breath. This means it cannot be truly utilized by lower levels.

### **Air Breathing**

As it stands Air Breathing is one of the most easily understood breathing arts. For quite obvious reasons, the oxygen that an air breather inhales can easily be brought out with Ethir. Requiring far less effort than the other Breathing Arts. However, its simplicity ends there, as Air Breathing has the most difficult forms to master. A seemingly common occurrence for Air Breathers is their ability to quickly stop bleeding and clot their wounds, along with this they’re capable of taking severe damage and pain due to the training that it takes to master Air Breathing. However, they are not immune to pain, they just have an extremely high tolerance. Their forms can still cause them great pain as well, as the force and power increases with the user. So does the pain caused by them.

First Form, Living Wind: Normally the first form of a Breathing Art enhances the tool of the breather’s choice. However, with Air Breathing, it enhances the user; increasing their strength, speed, stamina, and mobility. Though this form is highly risky to use if the user’s breath changes in any way their body will get ripped into by the very air they’re using. The damage won’t be too severe, but it will affect the air breather. In a negative manner.

Second Form, Torn Heaven: The second form of Air Breathing allows the user to weaponize the air around them. Causing the air around the area to turn in their favor, making it harder for their target to breathe or process oxygen properly. Along with increasing their abilities, however, this form requires a deep and steady concentration. If broken for even that of a moment, the user could very well get blown back by their own air. Disrupting this form can ruin the user’s constant breathing completely, sending the user flying back.

Third Form, Forsaken Gale: This is the most powerful form of Air-Breathing that currently exists. This form allows the user to create a perfect focus on the air itself. The very environment becomes a tool of the user. Examples of what this entails are the following: The ability to boost the user forward with the air around them, the ability to create formations of compressed wind such as blades or bashes. Meaning that the user can create a small tornado that serrates flesh or blows back anyone who gets close to it. Or allowing them to pull the air around themselves in a defensive manner. This varies with level, as a Specialist, they cannot use it to its fullest potential without proper training and mental preparation. Lastly, Forsaken Gale takes from the oxygen of the user’s body, and thus requires an iron will to remain in use. The pain caused by this form is great, and should not be underestimated by those who wish to learn it.

### **Storm Breathing**

Storm Breathing is one of the only arts to not have a reliance on weapons due to its nature. Many beginners and intermediates begin with weapons due to the inability to muster enough Ethir to use it without weapons properly. Though having only two forms, the breathing art has an emphasis on strengthening the body and mastering speed and dexterity. It is one of the most difficult styles to learn and because of that. To use Storm Breathing the user must bring out their oxygen to control the process of precipitation throughout the air. A very difficult but worthwhile practice.

First Form, Sundering Rain: As it says, the user’s breath becomes a storm cloud, as the user is guided towards their target in a dash-like motion. Flowing effortlessly through what may hinder them. The final effect of this form creates electric shocks as the weapon impacts and causes the target to be electrocuted as they’re finally hit from this elaborate form. Or fists, depending on what the user prefers.

Second Form, Tri-bolt: This form of Storm breathing is the only other publicly known. It allows the user to attain concentration over the lightning aspect of a storm, and through pure concentration and one deep inhale. The user can do three movements that create three devastatingly powerful lightning bolts, created from a cloud that is formed with the three movements. These movements are often three strikes forward from their weapon or hands. Once they make contact with other materials, a minor explosion and knockback take place. If this breath is disrupted, the user instead suffers the electrical effects. A failed attempt at using the tri-bolt form leads to the user being knocked out.

### **Stone Breathing**

Stone breathing is an extremely difficult form to master, it carries similar aspects to both the self-enhancing forms of Air and Storm Breathing, whilst also the weapon enhancement of Fire and Water breathers. Providing for a perfect balance of heavy hits and sanctioned strikes, this form of breathing takes the breath of the user and connects it to the ground below. Allowing the user to draw on the power of the stone and dirt to empower themselves and their tool of choice. Lastly, due to the broader nature of Stone Breathing, the users of it are capable of using larger weapons. Such as Axes or Glaives.

First Form, Almighty Boulder: This form allows the user to amplify the power of their weapon and self, making the force both equally balanced and great. In doing this the user must also slow themselves down, they may hit like an enraged bull, but they are as slow as one too. Their speed may increase with level and training, however. Even though this is true, Stone Breathers remain to be the slowest of all the Aura of Life.

Second Form, Crying World: This form allows the dirt and stone below the user to comply with their will. This means that Stone Breathers can use the ground to push themselves forward, or bring themselves back. Doing so by the ground itself rooting around the user’s body. This form was created to compensate for the lack of speed, but since its creation, it has become a useful tool in travel and scouting.

### **Solus Breathing**

**Event+**

Solus Breathing is one of the first two forms of breathing ever created by Takemura. This form of breathing has been mostly lost and is beyond difficult to understand. Without any clear information or any remaining Solus Breathers, using this form has become nigh impossible. However, if one can find the secrets of Solus Breathing, they can unlock the only form of it currently known.

First Form, Solum Illuminus: The only form that is currently known as sun Breathing, those who endure the journey to unlock this art, are awarded this form. Solum Illuminus allows the user to concentrate the pure power of daylight into their tool. This allows them to change Night to Day, create beams of solar energy that burn through even steel. Along with the ability to take out powerful Blighted Creatures such as vampires out in a single blow.

### **Lunan Breathing**

**Staff Only**

Lunan breathing was the second, the only other Breathing Art to have come into being besides Solus. Knowledge on Lunan Breathing is lost, no one in the known world has it or can use it. This form is also highly mysterious but has been rumored to use the breath of the breather to control the very night and darkness itself. Only Takemura truly knew the secrets of Lunan breathing, and as he is lost, so is Lunan breathing and its many mysteries.