Power System

From Wikinemia

Power Placement

Power is common or uncommon, depending on the time period and world situation. In every world, the same situation generally appears:

[Historical] In the beginning, power was everywhere, but it took mankind ages to figure it out. It was the natural enemy, and frightening. Then they learned to wield it, and it became the staple of life. Most worlds became adept at using power, and made history with it, although there were a few rare worlds that never learned how, but continued in technical innovations. Generally every world was affected by the drying up of power, and the worlds’ standing power was virtually extinguished. Many migrants were severed from their home worlds, and contact was lost with early colonies. During this time, the ruling bodies that compensated first and fastest, were the ones left standing. Eventually, through technical innovation, power was rediscovered, never to be severed again, because it drew from the planes themselves.

[Present] Much time has past since the power depression. Power is spread over all the worlds (except for a few places where it is forbidden). It is heavily used, but starts at a point high enough so it is not horribly commonplace (like for washing dishes…). Power’s complexity (and the introduction of creatures), creates a ocean of possibilities, each with distinct characteristics, abilities, and attributes. A person who is elite at using power, cannot overthrow a government alone. One person cannot have that much power just by using power. The way to gain status is just like in the real world: strategy and influence, only in the worlds, it is aided by power a little. It is used to “tip the balance” to one’s favor, but never to purely create unbreakable favor.

Power Usage

There are many sub-forms and arch-types of power within the grand system. Generally, all are difficult enough to learn to prevent everyone from doing it, but easy enough for anyone to begin in some form. It’s like a gun, where an inexperienced person might fire randomly, a trained soldier would do far better with the same weapon.

Knowledge comes from [1] Records and books, and [2] New experiments. Experiments are dangerous, because as you explore, you might never know the complete abilities of what you are performing. This way, it is possible for two separate organizations to conduct research on some sub-form of power, but one has discovered more disadvantages or advantages than the other, and thus can overpower them with it.

Strength comes from [1] Innate ability (rare), and [2] Practice. Practice can also be sped up when used with efficiency and [3] creativity.

The power manipulates things in the world around it. It is a kind of sentient force that can be directed with proper instruments. It is another source of power, just as electricity or manpower can manipulate the world. It generally does what you tell it to do.

Creatures are naturally bent to be subservient to masters. They are called up from their natural world, and placed into service by the masters’ commands. Generally they are willing.

There are many catalogued ‘spells’ and components in Archives around the world, and most great users of power keep a secret ‘spell’ they hold dear, and will never release to the public.

[Balance] Machinery and Power can exist perfectly fine in the same place. Machinery and technical innovation can usually reckon with the forces of power, because power does not dominate everything. Sometimes, ‘magicians’ are weak because they do not protect themselves from technical intrusions, but are defended against enemy powers or creatures.

Power is really the glue and fabric of the system, while creatures are the backbone.

Possible Two or Three Main Magic Systems (All with powers, forces, and creatures).