Primal Force

## Overview

Primal Mastery is a unique form of magick that has been mastered exclusively by the Union. It is a religious system that holds a significant place among the Beastkin, despite their atheistic beliefs. Practitioners of this form of religion do not worship gods but instead acknowledge the presence of "spirits" that reside within all things, from the tiniest pebble to the tallest tree. This concept bears resemblance to the beliefs found in Shintoism. Followers of primal mastery believe that with dedication and practice, they can manipulate these spirits to their will. Mastery of the primal forces grants the user control over nature itself, as well as the ability to command feral animals and beasts. This practice establishes a stronger connection to elemental bending than what even the Elves can offer. While the Elves excel in conjuration, fully trained primal masters can summon tidal waves and hordes of colossal animals to serve their bidding. They can even communicate directly with animals and nature when properly trained. Grand masters of the primal forces possess the ability to summon "elementals," powerful immortal deities closely tied to one of the six elements. Those who possess a deeper understanding of Primal Force mastery can even merge with nature itself, enveloping themselves in a "symbiotic suit" forged from elements such as stone skin or whips of ivy. Mastery of the Primal Forces allows one to become a literal force of nature.

## Training to Learn Primal Arts

To attain even a basic understanding of primal mastery, individuals must undergo years of intense meditation and study of nature. They must also master certain martial arts-like katas, stances, and forms that enable them to project and control the aspects of nature. Within the Union, there are special ranks and mastery levels associated with these katas, stances, and forms, each denoted by a unique name in the Beastkin tongue. The journey begins with the **Lem rank**, representing the beginner level. As students progress and gain proficiency, they advance to the **Orso rank**, signifying adept status. Those who achieve an expert level are known as **Asl**. Moving beyond that, the **Usu rank** is reserved for those who have reached a master level of skill. Finally, the pinnacle of mastery is embodied by the **Musu'usu** **rank**, denoting a grand master. These ranks and mastery levels serve as milestones on the path to becoming a true primal master.

Katas are not only required but also integral to the generation and manipulation of primal forces. Each elemental mastery encompasses a distinct style of Kata. The term "Kata" originates from an unknown source and translates to "form." It signifies a meticulously choreographed sequence of martial arts movements designed for individual practice. Katas can also be performed collectively in groups, synchronizing training efforts. These intricate arm and foot movements serve a specific purpose: **to regulate and channel the elements that a Primal Artist has harnessed towards a desired target.**

Apart from martial arts-like training, students also delve into the elemental symmetry of the universe, known as "the circle of life" within the Union's teachings. It is crucial for students to grasp the concept that power never arises from nothing; something must always be sacrificed to maintain the balance. The Union's training regimen includes rigorous physical conditioning, honing both the body and mind for the challenges that lie ahead. Through disciplined practice and unwavering dedication, students develop a deep connection with the spirits of nature, allowing them to manipulate and channel the primal forces with precision.

In addition to physical and spiritual training, the Union emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding. Students immerse themselves in the study of nature, learning about the intricacies of the ecosystem and the interconnectedness of all living beings. They also delve into the teachings of their revered mother tree, seeking wisdom and guidance from the ancient entity that embodies the essence of nature itself.

Only after students have achieved a state of complete oneness with the universe and nature can their training as primal masters truly commence. Due to the rigorous nature of this journey, members of the merchant clans among the Beastkin rarely attain such a status, instead choosing to serve their clans in financial matters. Reaching the highest levels of mastery requires unwavering dedication, discipline, and a profound connection with the primal forces that flow through the Beastkin and the world around them.

Not everyone possesses the potential to become a primal master, and achieving the title of grand master demands extreme dedication. As a result, only Beastkin elders who have dedicated most of their lives to practice can attain this prestigious rank and the accompanying powers. Beastkin naturally possess a stronger affinity for the primal forces and nature compared to other races. This inclination may be attributed to the fact that Beastkin are considered the children of the earth, though no concrete evidence supports this claim. While individuals from other races can also become primal masters, it is inherently easier for Beastkin.

## Elemental Mastery Types

**Fi - Mastery of Flame ☲**

Fi is the easiest to master of the Primal Arts. It is a form of pyrokinetic control of the elements in the air, you must concentrate to bring the more explosive elements floating around and concentrate them into one spot to begin smaller fires. From small sparks we move to a flame, and in its casting, must be just as fierce in form. Once summoned, it must strike out upon many targets with ferocity.

**Ku - Mastery of Water ☵**

Ku is the art of shaping the Waters themselves, essential to all life in this world. Like fire, we pull every droplet we do not see from the very air or the lakes and rivers to bend to the will we see fit. To form a ball from a simple bucket of water is the first test and condensing it is larger the second. Its casting form is to be smooth and flow like the river itself as its forth session is to bring forth a splash upon the target. The final task is simple, to fill a bucket fully from the water in the air around them.

**Ul - Mastery of Earth ☷**

Ul is the art of assault and defense from the planet. It is around us and under our very feet, and with it, we can create mountains to protect those we love or chasms to bury those who threaten us. It is the most destructive outside of Zo and No, and not to be taken lightly if mastered. To crack stone by force is how one starts, then to balance the rock is its second phase. Its casting form is to be hard and brash, with palm strike upon strike to break the rock to its most basic form. Once completed, one must be able to mold it into the form they see needed.

**Ji - Mastery of Wind ☴**

Ji is the form of the Winds, blessed to the Merchant Caste to give clear skies and full sails. With it we push boundaries of friend and foe and bring life underground. In the first session, a simple gust of wind is to be created in any direction, followed by the second by focusing it onto a sheet of cloth. Its casting must be sharp and flow in the direction it is forced as the fourth session must push its strength to the limit against a common branch or tree. The final test will see how well they cast to a focused point, able to pull a petal from a flower without damaging the plant itself.

**Zo - Mastery of Darkness ☱**

Zo is the mastery of Shadow. It is one of the hardest to master, and likely will never be mastered by most Beastkin, as it could take a lifetime. It requires a mastery level of primal force, and a level 3 GM Knowledge card of Primal Force. To attempt a class and could likely kill the student. It is extremely dangerous. Zo is to master an art so ancient and powerful that those who go on to accomplish it are feared primal artists who can control shadows and create illusions.

**No - Mastery of Light ☰**

No is the mastery of bending light. Like Zo, it is one of the hardest to master, and will likely never be mastered by most Beastkin, as it could take a lifetime. It requires a mastery level of primal force, and a level 3 GM Knowledge card of Primal Force. Primal Masters of No are able to harness and bend light to their whims, although rare, historical texts reveal that No masters can create beams of light that can vaporize enemy targets.

**FiJi - Mastery of Lightning ☳**

FiJi is the mastery of two elemental primal arts, Fi, and Ji, combined to control lightning. The student will have to attain a mastery rank in these two arts first before attempting. Students practicing lightning will be able to control storms and summon lightning and thunder down on opponents when needed.

**KuJi = Mastery of Ice ☶**

KuJi is the mastery of two elemental primal arts; Ku and Ji, combined to control ice. Mixing the two forms of ley/elements will create rigid forms and freeze opponents in blocks of ice, or even create ramps and other icy paths for a Beastkin to utilize when needed.

## Control and Overgrowth Cascades

The powers associated with primal mastery possess the potential to cause significant shifts in the delicate energy balance of the world. When an excessive concentration of elemental manipulation occurs, such as over using primal arts in an area, it can disrupt the intricate symmetry. If left unchecked, enraged elementals can embark on destructive rampages across the lands, and cascading mutation of the elements attempting to repair the damage itself, resulting in the overgrowth of nature as the earth compensates excessively. n such instances, the elements in the affected area slip into a perpetual state of attempting to correct the elemental shift caused by the excessive use of Primal Arts. This uncontrolled growth eventually leads to the extinction of sentient lifeforms as mother nature reclaims the area, turning anything to stone or plants to fill the gap that was left if elemental rebalance is not attempted after the usage of primal arts. This is the drawback to primal arts. Primal Artists are acutely aware of these cascades of the elements that occur when the Primal Arts are excessively employed to manipulate the ambient elements in a given area. As a result, they train themselves to utilize Primal Arts only when absolutely necessary. These events are referred to as "Overgrowth Cascades" by the Beastkin.

**Primal Force mastery is the Union's unique ability, and requires GM permission to utilize on a large scale for roleplay scenes.**