Stratum

The Stratum are an indication of an entity's mystical power and significance. It serves to delineate those who have ascended so far beyond the mundane as to place them in an entirely new scale of existence and to better represent their powers and influence, how their decisions shape the world and the impact of their actions. Furthermore, it also serves to help define the tone of type of adventures these characters would embark in. Confining the group to lower stratum allows for grittier campaigns, classic adventures or tales of men in places that they were never meant to reach. Higher Stratum, meanwhile, thrive in heroism and power-fantasy, on tragedy, and a hopeful facet of eldritch horror. It is recommended to start at the Mortal Stratum to get a full experience. Remember to talk it trough your group first should you prefer to restrict your campaign to certain stratum. The various Stratum, from lowest to highest, are presented in the table below.

 **Exalted** | I

There are a few more Stratum above these, such as that of God,but these are very difficult to work into a story as anything other than an overarching, distant antagonist, or as a force of nature. These Stratum are still represented in the system but, in the interest of utility, they will be collective called 'Outer Deities' - those who transcended reality - until they are detailed in their own section. A player character ascending to this Stratum is best considered as a form of retirement.

There are a few more Stratum above these, such as that of God,but these are very difficult to work into a story as anything other than an overarching, distant antagonist, or as a force of nature. These Stratum are still represented in the system but, in the interest of utility, they will be collective called 'Outer Deities' - those who transcended reality - until they are detailed in their own section. A player character ascending to this Stratum is best considered as a form of retirement.

## **Mortal**

The Mortal Stratum is the starting point for most creatures in Amurel. As it name implies, it encompasses all things within the boundary of normalcy. It signifies the mundane and those who live at the whims of forces beyond their control. Everything from a rock, plants, animals and normal people belong to this Stratum. As the basis of everything, belonging to this Stratum grants no additional abilities, and the only condition to achieve it is to be born into this world. Mortals are very susceptible to the horrors of the world, facing danger even in civilized settings.

## **Exalted**

The Hero Stratum represents an inicial evolution of the individual to a state above the mundane. Although not possessing 'divinity', the soul of a Hero is infused with the essence of the cosmos, granting them a degree of mystical power. Whilst clearly being elevated beyond the common man, a Hero is still within the realm of reason. They are still vulnerable to injury and disease, essentially being just more fascinating and influential than their Mortal kin. Those of the Hero Stratum typically constitute the elite force of an organization, though they may also be found leading small local forces.

### **Abilities**

As the first step of the path of Ascension, a Hero will gain an **Ace Ultima** upon achieving this Stratum. Additionally, they will have advantage on checks and contests against those of Mortal Stratum, as well as in checks to resist natural Exhaustion.

## **Demi-God**

The Demi-God Stratum constitutes a qualitative transformation. The vital energy of an individual suffers a complete transformation, touching upon the realm of 'divinity'. A Demi-God is more god-like than mortal, but still clearly retains their human essence, and while their lifespan is greatly increased, they still can die of old age. A Demi-God typically constitute the elite of a world-spanning organizations, or the backing of regional powers. They are uncommon, hard to come by, and command great power and influence, leading to most organizations treating them similarly to weapons of mass destruction. It is likely for a Demi-God to have a small cult dedicated to them or to be canonized in a particular religion, usually becoming subordinates or integrating with the higher echelons of their institutions.

### **Abilities**

Upon their ascension, Demi-Gods may choose an additional **Ace Ultima**. They also gain the following abilities:

* ***Increased Lifespan.*** A Demi-God's natural lifespan is extended, becoming 10 times longer than it originally was.
* ***Immunity against Mortals.*** Attacks and spells of those at the Mortal Stratum will fail to affect a Demi-God.
* ***Honorable Names.*** A Demi-God Can construct Honorable Names based on the Arcana Domains of their Ace Ultimas.
* ***Prayer Awareness.*** A Demi-God is aware of prayers directed at them and can respond, treating the praying individual as being within melee range for any action they decide to take. This ability lasts for the duration of the prayer, and for up to a minute after it has concluded. To count as a prayer, a minimum of five lines must be spoken, each alluding to or directly including one or more their Honorable Names.

## **Empyrean**

The Empyrean Stratum is the pinnacle of divinity that can be held within the material world, before migration to the Astral Realm becomes necessary for sustenance and further ascension. The ascension of an Empyrean results in the unification of their soul and body, transforming them into true mystical entities. They are immune to the ravages of age, disease, and cannot be harmed by mundane means. These are the rulers of the material world, deciding the fate of nations as one would decide that of a chess piece. Some operate covertly, posing as kings or mysterious backers, whilst others found their own dynasties and theocracies, being worshiped as local deities. Regardless, the threat of other Empyreans and the hungry Gods promotes a delicate balances, so they only make direct moves on the world when absolutely necessary, such as a time of apocalypse, or when they attempt Apotheosis.

### **Abilities**

Upon their ascension, Empyreans may choose an additional **Ace Ultima**, or to recreate them. They also gain the following abilities:

* ***An Empyrean doesn't need to eat, sleep or drink.***
* ***They are immune to the affects of aging.***
* ***A prayer only requires four lines to be heard by them.***
* ***Immunity to mundane damage.***
* ***Subtle Flesh.*** The body of an Empyrean is irrevocably altered by divinity. They retain their previous appearance, but also gain a new form based on the Domains of their **Ace Ultima** Arcanas. They may change into or back from this form at-will. Whilst in this form, Empyrean can retrieve an **Ace Ultima** from their Exhaust Pile as a free-action by spending , and may turn invisible to those of lower Stratum at-will. Additionally, those below the Demi-God Stratum who look at an Empyrean's Subtle Form are stunned and take 4C direct psyche damage, increased by an additional 1C for each turn this state is maintained, at the beginning of every turn for as longs as they within their line of sight.
* ***Divine Sense.*** An Empyrean gains True-Sight up to 6 meters. They may Concentrate on their Divine Sense to send it in a particular direction or location as if they were Divinating it.