Prana

Prana is a mystical energy wielded by the Tenkyoshin (God Species), allowing them to exert control over various elements and forces in the universe. Prana is a supernatural anomaly that defies scientific understanding, affecting both living beings and the natural environment. It is important to note that the concepts can and do function without the influence of Prana. The Prana simply allows the Tenkyoshin to manipulate these for themselves.

### Forms of Prana

Prana exists in four 'tiers' of descending strength. The energy originates in its most powerful form from a singular being known as the Custodian, whereupon it decomposes into weaker forms. Each tier grants the wielder the ability to manipulate various concepts and elements.

#### Type 0: Universal

This Prana is wielded exclusively by the Custodian and grants nigh-omnipotence. The wielder has complete dominion over entropy, spacetime, the elements and spirituality.

#### Type I: Entropic

Entropic Prana is the second-most powerful type, and grants control over chaos within a system. There are two subtypes: Chaotic and Peaceful. These two energies are considered essential for the creation of structures and systems throughout the universe. Chaotic prana is used to spark bursts of randomness and volatility, while Peaceful prana serves to tame this. Entropic Prana is controlled by the High Tenkyoshin, whom are rare and powerful enough to rule over entire galaxies.

#### Type II-A: Dimensional

Dimensional Prana is the third-most powerful type, with each of the four types corresponding to space, time, energy and matter. Elder Prana is the first type of Prana that can be created by means of Ascension: i.e. lesser Pranas can be combined to produce Elder Prana. As such, lesser Elder Deities that exist alongside the main Quartet can be found throughout the galactic clusters, though the main Quartet will instinctively attempt to hunt them down to eliminate any threats to their dominion. Dimensional Prana and the deities that control it are widely feared within galaxies. Deities of this rank are powerful enough to build and collapse entire solar systems on a whim.

#### Type II-B: Soul

On par with Dimensional prana in terms of strength is Soul prana, granting control over mortality. There are two energies: life and death. The balance of these two energies influences whether creatures live or die, with each promoting their respective 'state'.

#### Type III: Elemental Prana

Elemental Prana affords control over the elements: Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Each solar system is governed by one or more Elemental Pantheons, consisting of the single most powerful deity of each element in the region. Elemental Deities, much like Elder Deities, will typically hunt down other deities of the same species to eliminate their competition. Elemental Deities are known to travel between planets to cultivate worshippers, thereby expanding their sources of energy. Although pacifistic Elemental Deities do exist, the majority of them are driven by the desire to Ascend, which requires tremendous amounts of energy. One particle of Elemental Prana can be decomposed into approximately one thousand particles of Primitive Prana.

Elemental Prana is the first Prana that grants its wielder immunity to ordinary sickness, ageing and other ailments. Furthermore, it drastically augments most physical, mental and spiritual attributes, including strength, speed, durability, stamina, magic capacity and magic strength.

When the first human subjects were gifted with Elemental Prana, the energy was too powerful and destructive for their bodies to handle in the initial dose. This resulted in an overwhelming 99.999% mortality rate. Later subjects would be dosed with minuscule amounts of this energy, which when assimilated by the human body turned into an impure form which later became known as Type 3.5. This would grant drastically inferior versions of the powers held by the deities that imbued them. Type 3.5 prana triggered significant mutations in the human body which allowed humanity to control elements to a moderate extent, as well as adapt to the physical demands of their element. After this event, humanity and its future generations all possessed drastically increased physical capabilities. However, they did not possess the spiritual powers of the gods such as immortality and telepathy.

Only humans that have proven themselves to be capable of withstanding the strain of Type 3 Prana are given the chance to wield it. The most notable examples of these are the Senshuken (Champions), of whom there are one for each element. The Type-3 Prana in their bodies drastically alters their physical appearance to somewhat resemble their deity, and grants a unique spiritual link to them that can be called on for strength in times of need, at the cost of their humanity. These humans are immune to ageing and tremendously powerful. Type 3 Prana is highly regulated on Earth as it is known to be capable of mass destruction, and is granted only to those deemed responsible enough to handle it properly. Despite this, it is greatly coveted for obvious reasons, by those wishing to become immortal or seize power.

#### Type IV: Lesser/Primitive Prana

Lesser Prana is the fundamental energy of the Tenkyoshin, which differentiates them from other species and grants them basic superhuman traits.

Deities, also known as God-kin, are born as animalistic beings driven only by their impulse to gain energy. As they consume energy, they become more intelligent and powerful, but their constitution remains the same, and they remain as "Primitive Deities". This changes when they Ascend into the next stage of godhood, whereupon they develop Type-III Prana and gain elemental powers. Lesser Prana possesses no supernatural powers other than the ability to mutate and evolve. However, Primitive Deities are still tremendously powerful beings, owing to the innate physiology of the Divine Species.