Physique

Physiques (*also constitutions, god physiques and connate mutations*) are broadly classified into four groupings; Mortal, Earthly, True and Heavenly. The names are less to do with power, and more the mechanics around them and how they *direct* the development of the person in possession of them. All of them have their weak and strong points. *Spiritual Physiques* are a thing that the Martial Axial Region dreamed up that covers what they decided were the less optimal aspects of mortal and earthly physiques. *Peerless Physiques* sit somewhere between earthly, true and heavenly and are again largely an invention of the Martial Axial Region.

Almost any class of physique can shift to another given right (or wrong) circumstances. A mortal physique will change to another type if it passes on to a descendant or is stolen away. An earthly physique might become a true physique if exposed to a natural treasure like a phoenix feather. A true physique born into a child with an exceptional spirit root might become a heavenly physique. A heavenly physique that is improperly compromised might devolve back to an earthly physique, or if born in someone who is incompatible become a nigh unshiftable curse rather than a blessing.

## Mortal Physiques:

Cannot be inherited, passed on or acquired by birth. It is most common for them to develop out of other physique categories but they can also emerge through spontaneously through some event or fortunate encounter. '*Teaching*' others how to acquire them, while possible is a grey area fraught with many difficulties and usually more trouble than it is worth. The nature of the physiques can be almost anything, although absolute concepts or abstract things are uncommon and difficult to acquire as mortal physiques.

  Pros: Phenomenal growth potential, very dangerous to subvert, nigh impossible to steal, *rapid* advancement,

  Cons: Cannot be inherited or easily taught, *exceptional* mortality rate.

## Earthly Physiques:

The broadest category of physiques. They range from basic things concerning elements or transformations in the natural world all the way up to surprisingly profound concepts like harmony and predestination. Their defining features are their malleability and a tendency to relate to fundamentals rather than complexities. They are the most common base from which other physiques develop.

  Pros: Good growth, malleability, very few things are limited, can be passed on, inborn and taught.

  Cons: Poorly defined capabilities, strength can be *very* variable, malleability may be an issue, can be stolen/subverted (special cases may apply)

## True Physiques (also peerless):

Second broadest category of physiques. They differ from earthly ones in that their nature is usually well constrained. They can be inborn and are most commonly associated with those who have the bloodlines of qi beasts or mythical creatures (Phoenix, Dragon, Qilin, Luan etc).

  Pros: Excellent strength, clearly defined capabilities, decent growth potential (in the right circumstances), easy to pass on to others

  Cons: Stagnation common, can be stolen without much risk of devolution or subversion (exceptions apply)

## Heavenly Physiques (also supreme):

The smallest physique category, they tend to be held up as the apex. They can be inborn or taught and tend to relate to absolute or fundamental concepts that have reached the zenith (in power, perfection etc...). Their defining attribute is their absolute nature. They will rarely if ever devolve or change form once they settle as a heavenly physique.

  Pros: Can be inborn, taught, inherited, very powerful, hard to subvert, very clearly defined capabilities.

  Cons: Huge risk of stagnation, very poor growth, can be stolen by force, very clearly defined capabilities.