Essence

> *"A property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is." Definition in philosophy*
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**Essences** are a type of energy or substance of unknown appearance and form that give the **heir** of the essence a set of abilities, powers, memories, knowledge, personalities, and sometimes even appearance, all from the original heir, however they may also be from a mythical creature, monster of fiction, legendary being, cryptid, or religious figure. Though everyone technically has an essence already, abnormal essences in which end up being in another person's hold are more significantly notable.

In most cases, due to gods and goddesses rarely ever choosing to appear in the overworld (Earth) and the possible chaos that would ensue if a high number of Earth's population retained an abnormal essence, essences are a rarity. Not only this, but the existence of abnormal essences and their heirs are not public knowledge.

When an heir holds the essence of another individual, they still possess some of their own identity. Depending on how corrupt or powerful it is, they may be able to lose who they once were or gain a voice not theirs within their consciousness.

Essence is similar to genetics and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in the sense that DNA carries genetic information about the organism. This genetic information can be carried on over to another individual, specifically an offspring whether it'd be from sexual or asexual reproduction. However, remember that nobody's essence is the same as someone else's and cannot be passed on through biological means, or even be created. If an individual holds three or more essences (including their own), their physicality will be torn apart and attempts to even recognize themself will be hopeless. In any other words, an identity crisis will happen and the person will not be able to hold a proper mental state.

When a person dies or their soul leaves their body, their essence come with them, but essences that were not originally theirs will disappear.

Theons (Parasites) have been shown to block out essences. There is no real origin to essences, it is likely that they can only be taken with magic.

## **Categories**

There are a few types of essences, some are more rare than others, while others are exclusive to specific individuals.

### **Common Essence**

These common essences can be found in every single creature that lives, ever lived, ever will live, and never lived. A common essence can be ripped from the original heir with simple magic, and if that happens, they will lose everything that made them the person they were.

### **Bestowed Essence**

A bestowed essence is the essence of any godly, holy, or otherwise virtuous religious figure. In most cases, these essences are passed onto an heir intentionally by the original heir. If not, the essence may have come to the individual naturally. Never in any situation will this type of essence actually be taken from the original heir, if so than it is not a bestowed essence.

Those who hold the bestowed essences can be considered demigod/demigoddess if their essence was bestowed by a god/goddess, and sometimes even mistaken for the original heir. Essences from a powerful being are able to take control of the heir's body, but bestowed essences will most likely responsibly share the body.

### **Cursed Essence**

Almost similar to a bestowed essence, a cursed essence is the essence of a demonic, unholy, or otherwise evil religious figure. These essences are passed onto an heir or have come naturally, it is impossible for this cursed essence to have been taken forcefully.

If the new heir of the cursed essence is not already evil, then their will be a struggle between who claims the heir's body. It is more likely that the demonic essence will gain main control, but those who are pure of heart will likely continue to struggle with this demonic essence for the rest of their life until they eventually give up their freewill.

### **Thieved Essence**

Thieved essences are essences that have been taken from an individual, this can only be done via magic. It is more likely that the heir will have most control of the essence, that isn't to say the individual won't lose their humanity. Taking the essence from an animal, monster, or other creature will likely remove whatever humanity you have left in you.

### **Artificial Essence**

An artificial essence can be created through dark magic, or witchcraft. Though attempts at creating an artificial essence is similar to creating life, and results only ended up turning an individual into a homonculus-like abomination.

## **Known Essences & Heirs**

The following are those who have donned essences that aren't originally their's so far, certain ones are unique essences that are described to be outside of any category, such as the Skullgirl's essence:

 Nayea / Spikius
 Double / Sister Agatha
 Ashley