It's mentioned on the Kraizen/Vani Toyhouse that the Kraizen can have gills, but that they don't function the same as regular gills, so, how do they work?
Also, are their gills just an internal feature (as in they're just connected to the lungs, and nothing that's open to the outside of the body), or do they have slits that allows water to pass through, like most fish? (Or something along those lines, idk much fish anatomy gdfgdfg)
Oh!! I must've forgotten to dive deeper on gills in the profile! lemme see if i can explain it here
SO. Their gills aren't a respiratory thing just like how their lungs aren't, and aren't actually related to fish gills at all in function OR in origin. they're an entirely different thing that evolved in the seafaring Kraizenian folk to allow them to exist underwater. because no Kraizen can drown, you may wonder what the problem is, and why the aquatic folk need these gills.
This is due to a sort of unintended consequence with their digestive tract. trading acidic digestion for.... uh... oven? digestion...? ...lead to a VERY high internal body temperature. the sudden shock of the transition from sucked-in cold water to HOT water inside of them after swallowing it will lead to rapid evaporation, and the kwaiz will now be full of RAPIDLY INCREASING AMOUNTS OF STEAM. they intake WAY more than they can cough back out, and this leads to the ultimate consequence of filling up with water:
Literally exploding.
So despite non-seafaring kwaiz not drowning, they'll still suffer the repercussion of trying to stay underwater for too long. "Why can't they just keep their mouth closed, then, and prevent water intake?" They'll have to eat and drink SOMEday.
This is where the gills come in! Gills for kwaiz (who have them) don't process oxygen, but rather, act as an outlet for water when swimming, and also eating underwater. The gills will have the water diverted out through them, while they go about the rest of their day like normal without any worry.
However, if one were to be KNOCKED OUT underwater, those gills might not work right. Usually it'll still function right by way of background non-conscious processing. but if knocked out hard enough, even a gill-haver can watersplode.
Don't go deep diving, kids. Or you'll turn into one of those spiked sea mines you always see in movies....
All life with a cognitive brain in the universe is able to utilize psionic powers to some extent. This is because all magic is "cast" via mental manipulation of the universe around you. Magic is split into three different distinct types; these are called Elemental or Semblic magic, "Passive" magic, and "Active" magic. While the other two are important, the magic you'll most find spoken about and used... is Semblic magic.
A Sembla can be considered an "Element." However, unlike the classic fire-water-earth-wind-etc system you'll see in other worlds... here, each "element" is instead control over a certain universal aspect, in the sense of a scale. So, instead of an Acid element, you'll actually find the Corrosion element, which allows you to manipulate acids, bases, and cast magic relating to the pH scale in general. You'll control, cause, and manipulate the scale of dissolving!
There are, in total, 40 known Sembla. Some are more common and researched than others- such as Fire, Cold, or Rock- while others are more under-researched and rare, such as Silicon, Thread, or Wax. And the Sembla do not work like a rock-paper-scissors system, either; you may think all fire will destroy all plants, but in reality, fire only destroys SOME plants. Some plants are hardy, and with the right manipulation, could even utilize fire to their advantage! In this way, all cases of Sembla-versus-Sembla are unique, and "advantage matchups" are on a case-by-case basis.
Before I talk about the 40 in depth, I must share a warning. The usage of psionic magic is extraordinarily dangerous if used too much all at once. The brain will overload, and- depending on the severity- lead to different detrimental effects. Effects range from seizures, to a coma of varying lengths, to loss of body parts, and- finally- being, for lack of better terms, mindblown. As funny as this may seem at a glance, it is quite literal.
Your brain will literally explode if you are too careless and forceful with psionics. Needless to say, this is instant death.
One last note- there is not really mana in the traditional sense. Instead, magic intensity and such is determined by a value we call, willpower. The higher your willpower, the more powerful your magic can be, and the more you can use it before hitting dangerous levels. No one is exempt from the risk, however.
And, now... The Semblas themselves.
(We'll be going clockwise, starting with Hex. The elements will be given a name, a pronunciation guide for their Kraizenian name, a research level, and some details about what it does.)
The Elemental Wheel. Each Sembla has its own symbol, name, common color association, and name in Kraizenian (the Kraizen language, the founders of the magic system. These names can be considered the true name of the Sembla.).
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HEX
TAZHA - (TAW-zhuh) "zh" is like the g in mirage
Very, Very Poorly Understood
A recently officially added Sembla. Little is known about Hex other than it is used to manipulate luck and probabilities. Think of curses a la the occult; someone can use a hex to increase the chance someone else is, say, hit by a car. The odd thing here, is that this doesn't always seem to happen despite the caster's will. It's a seemingly unreliable Sembla...
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FIRE
GALGA - (GAL-guh) gal like the word gal
Primary Sembla (Means it's best understood)
Fire is exactly what it sounds like. Control over heat, flames, fire, you know the drill. However, what is commonly thought of as a destructive element is actually seen as a very protective and caring element here. Control over heat and warmth can help with many commonplace things, and not just the heat of battle. If you ever think of fire as a killer, just remember; without fire, the forest cannot be reborn. Fire is to be respected equally for the power it holds as well as the potential it has for the world around it, as should its users.
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ALARM
TIO - (TEE-oh)
Greatly Understood
Sound is split into two Semblas: Music and Alarm. While music is harmony and order, Alarm on the other hand is the sheer chaotic and blaring cacophony of pure sound. Screaming, shouting, roaring, screeching; alarms, scraping, creaking, crackling. It's all the manipulation of pure dissonant noise. There is nary a chord or melody in sight when the alarm magic blares. This one is extremely useful in battle as one might guess, however, it isn't without the occasional practical application. Need to alert everyone that something is happening? Need to transmit a message over to the other mountain summit? Shatter glass? Alarm can do so much, but unfortunately, it can get a bad rap- especially when compared to its symphonic sister.
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FLESH
NALZUA - (NAWL-zoo-uh) or (NAWL-zwuh)
Decently Understood
There is one word I can use to describe this Sembla: meat. Flesh is the control over, well, carbon-based animal biological matter. Muscle, fat, bones, blood, all that delicious stuff. A rather unfortunate element when it comes to others' reactions upon seeing it casted. No one wants to see meat randomly grow on the walls, do they? This is unfortunate, as Flesh magic is the most helpful and beloved magic type for doctors and surgeons. Imagine someone being able to immediately cure that horrible laceration you just got, or immediately mending that arm you broke last week? Don't judge books by their cover; as you could be saying "ew" at magic that could save your life. Doesn't mean all Flesh users are benevolent, however...
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VISCOUS
LOGUO - (LOW-goo-OH) or (LOW-gwoh)
Okayishly Understood
Simply put, it's the control of the viscosity of things. This Sembla was once known as "Magma", though it was eventually learned that magma mages were sometimes controlling the rocks themselves, but sometimes, others controlled merely the thickness and viscosity of the rocks rather than the rock itself. Easy to see how this took a while to realize! Turns out, Viscous mages can turn water into solid shapes without freezing it, or can even melt things like wood or fabric by giving it a liquid-like viscosity. Turning stone to magma is useful for battle, but what about practicality? Well- the same thing! It's wonderful for forges and agriculture, when it comes to mud, at least. As examples , at least.
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WAX
OBRO - (OH-bro)
Poorly Understood
Another recently accepted Sembla. This one is among the poorer understood. It seems to be the control over waxes and other waxlike substances. There also seems to be a strange property that Wax mages can do; they can press wax into figures, and these figures can be commanded. The only other element known to summon or create "minions" is Slime. Perhaps these elements are related?
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ROCK
BEOBA - (BAY-yo-buh) or (BOW-buh)
Primary Sembla
Rocks. Rocks are materials that are made of multiple crystals, creating a conglomerate mass. These masses make up the worlds beneath our feet, giving structure to the very world we live on. It's portions of these masses that Rock magic manipulates. It doesn't edit the structure of the rocks nor does it made new rocks, but it sure can bend and break and throw chunks of the ground itself at you. And there's a lot of rocks. Everywhere. Rock users are often as strong and sturdy as the rocks themselves. But, don't take them for granted, or take them all for simple guardians; should you misstep, you could find yourself swallowed up in a canyon crevice!
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DUST
JAKAO - (JACK-cow) or (jah-KAH-oh)
Decently Understood
Dust is the manipulation of groups of small, solid particulates and such. Sand, powder, collections of tiny rocks or twigs, swarms of bugs, dust itself, wood shavings, et cetera. Sometimes, users can even make things scatter. Anything having to do with a collection of thousands upon thousands of tiny bits, all the same material or type of material. Seems underwhelming at first... until you're pelted with a blast of powdered chlorine!
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METAL
REYOKRA - (ray-YO-craw)
Greatly Understood
We should be grateful that material-based magics are unable to form their respective materials out of thin air; if they could, Metal users could summon endless gold, silver, and platinum, and they'd all be rich! Instead, all metal users have... are copious upon copious amounts of iron and steel surrounding them at every turn. Metal is extremely plentiful, and also a very peculiar material. Metal users, however, may not be as typically self-strong or guardian-like as Rock is, but they sure are crafty and know when to armor themselves. There's not much too special about Metal when it comes to most creatures. The Kraizen, however...
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THREAD
MARSEYO - (mar-SAY-yo)
Okay-ishly Understood
This is the manipulation of strings and tendrils. Easiest way to put it, is fabrics. Imagine having magical control over the threads inside of clothes, and being able to command them to dance in the air to your will and weave a brand-new scarf without lifting a single finger! That is Thread. A rather peculiar trait is how those strings can wrap around your opponent, and you can make them dance like a puppet... Safe to say, Thread is one of those Semblas that gives others the heebie jeebies.
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ELECTRICITY
RULEI - (ROO-lay)
Primary Sembla
It is without a doubt in anyone's mind that all Semblas can be powerful in their own rights, and that it's really not possible to single any of them out as "the most powerful." But Electricity sure does come damn close to claiming that as a title. It is an extraordinarily powerful, versatile, and applicable element, one that we cannot imagine existing without. It's one of the building blocks of life and cognition; think about it! Without electricity, our brains would not work. And it takes just the tiniest zaps to power our bodies. Imagine the sheer power being a massive, wild, storm-born bolt of lightning. Such power is incomprehensible, even as a force of nature- much less casted by a mortal being.
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FORCE
KENA - (KEH-nuh)
Decently Understood
Force is sheer, raw, perfect telekinesis. It's the ability to remotely lift, toss, and pull objects towards you. The heavier the object, the harder it is to move relatively, but besides that... anything is fair game to be tossed your way! This ability of all of them is surprisingly rare, with cases being few and far between. Despite that, it is making huge leaps in understanding, and we are constantly learning more about it.
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PLANT
ZESHU - (ZEH-shoo)
Primary Sembla
Plants are all around us, growing and living silently as they provide the very nature we live in. As the simplest of the "flesh" Sembla, it is extraordinarily common to see used. While combat is possible with this Sembla, it is most definitely- by FAR- used for positive purposes, like gardens, agriculture and good, healing, and so much more. Abilities may include such things as creating vines and snapping floral jaws, to flooding a room with fruit juice, to growing thorns along every surface. It's very straightforward, this manipulation over plants, and it's also very easy to command. Just don't feed your plants any blood when they ask...
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SLIME
VEKUO - (VEH-koo-wo) or (VEH-kwoh)
Sometimes Understood, Often Not; Notably Peculiar
One of the most, if not the most, peculiar element of them all. At first glance, it's merely the control over slimes and slime-like substances. But then, there is another, very interesting facet to this Sembla that makes it really stand out... With Slime, you are able to create (albeit soulless and almost mindless) Slimes, creatures that can listen to your commands and walk beside you as a minion of sorts. And unlike all other Semblas, this one can be inherently mixed with others to create "elementals", which... are still the Slimes. However, don't mix more than 3 elements in a Slime. If they do this, you'll have a rampaging Slimera!
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WONDER
FEYWA - (FAY-wa)
Very, Very Poorly Understood
The least understood of the researched elements if just for its nature. It's simple; if you want something to be done, Wonder WILL get it done... somehow. And it will use a method that is absolutely illogical, random, chaotic, and borderline comical. But don't laugh at the "randomness" yet; we all rely on reliability and patterns, and what happens when you encounter sheer, true chaos that negates all known patterns of logic? You feel nothing but dread.
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CORROSION
RAVEO - (RAW-vay-oh)
Greatly Understood
In short, this Sembla controls substances along the the pH scale, as well as dissolving, rusting, and the like. Control over everything from acids to bases is possible for you, as a user. Sometimes, however, Semblas can be simple and straightforward- and this one can be as simple as spraying pure, super-concentrated sulfuric acid on your foes. Surprisingly, this element can be good for things as mundane as cleaning your house or yard. Just... make sure not to get any of it on your plants.
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RADIOACTIVE
SHIKUO - (SHEE-koo-oh) or (SHEE-kwoh)
Decently Understood
Did you know that everything is radioactive to some degree, and that the "banana scale" is used as the anchor by which we measure the radioactivity of everything else? Of course you did. With this Sembla you can control and manipulate the radioactivity of things, including lowering it for safety if you need. This one can be rather difficult to control, of course; once you change radioactivity levels of things, you need to make sure you have the safety measures in place to protect yourself from your own powers. With all its risks, what help could it possibly be? A source of energy, of course; though you're likely to see this one in combat more than not.
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PLASMA
RUZIA - (ROO-zee-uh)
Poorly Understood
There are four common states of matter; solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. And plasma is actually the most common of these in the universe! The Sembla gives you control and manipulation over this peculiar state of matter. Due to how abundant it is out there, many have come to associate Plasma with the stars, and the manipulation of the stuff they're made out of. However, it's not like you can merely summon a star or something. Stars are powerful, and summoning one might cause a brain explosion! Isn't summoning raw plasma bursts from your palms powerful enough?
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SALT
ZOKOKO - (zoh-CO-co) or (ZOH-co-co)
Okayishly Understood
This one is a doozy of a Sembla to learn about. At first, it's simple; the manipulation of salt, sodium, salt crystals, all of those. But then, you learn about the fact that this- yes, Salt- is also the element of explosions. What happens when you mix water and pure sodium? Why, you get an explosive, of course! While many Salt users like to use the ability to make some culinary enhancements, it would also be wise not to anger them... lest they sprinkle some pure sodium in that beverage they served you.
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COLD
VIKRA - (VEE-cruh)
Primary Sembla
Cold is the polar opposite of Fire. Rather than heat and fire, Cold is all about the sapping of energy and freezing of temperatures. However, this element is not called "Ice" because ice is merely a part of Cold; temperatures can reach far below that of water's freezing point, and reach territories of cold unimaginable. Some of Cold's abilities can even relate to things freezing without the need for moisture! Users of cold can often have the same demeanor of the cold itself; standoffish, lonely, quiet, not to mention cold.
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WATER
LASUO - (LAW-soo-oh) or (LAW-swoh)
Primary Sembla
Another Sembla with a slightly misleading name. There is much that you can accomplish with water itself, be it violent or healing or merely decorative. But Water magic can also manipulate many other liquids and fluids, such as oil, juices, and even blood. And also, due to this manipulation of water, many users can also help enhance their abilities to breathe underwater should they possess only lungs! Will you dive into the sea and create massive waves of saltwater to batter your enemies away? Or, will you intricately design a fountain of lacy water patterns to weave through the air?
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GRAVITY
IGOWA - (ee-GOH-wuh)
Poorly Understood
Gravity is a recent offshoot of Glass of all elements. Gravity seems to be able to do two things; manipulate the gravity in an area, and also, accelerate time. Time travel is wholly impossible on all levels of logic, but the acceleration of aging, speed, decomposition, loading... all of this can be done with Gravity. The slowing of processes is also possible. An odd element to be the "time" element, surely?
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SILICON
NALKRO - (NAWL-crow)
Very Poorly Understood
This Sembla seems to be very similar to Flesh, but it also has some properties of Crystal... Not much is currently known about it, but it seems to give the user the ability to manipulate the element of silicon at the very least. It also seems to be related to some tech, as well as- possibly- silicon-based life forms' flesh. This is admittedly extremely hard to research as carbon-based life forms.
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PLUME
LASEI - (law-SAY)
Greatly Understood
If Force tosses solids, Water controls liquids, and Plasma commands, well, plasma... then Plume controls gasses, smokes, and plumes of this fourth state of matter. Everything from clouds and mist, to smog and smoke, to clouds of poisonous and painful gasses, such as white phosphorus. Anything of the gaseous state of matter is under the control of the Plume mages. It was even originally known as the Gas element, but unfortunately, childlike minds made researchers change the name so that we could actually talk about it in peace. Despite jokes, this element is definitely most commonly used in battle as a war weapon, but- when not introduced for violence- is used for weather and magic tricks.
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CRYSTAL
JABEO - (JAW-bay-oh)
Very Greatly Understood
This Sembla gives one control over crystals, which are the building blocks of the earth below us. How is this different from Rock, you may ask? Well, it is crystals that make up rocks, and Rock cannot make new rocks with its abilities. Crystal, on the other hand, CAN grow new pure crystals! Users can grow crystals out from the walls, the floors, the ceiling, whatever they can. But don't think you're gonna be growing a farm of perfect diamonds and making a fortune. Unless you do your research, practice, and focusing, you'll only be making basic and common structures grow from the walls.
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INK
LALO - (LAW-low)
Okayishly Understood
Of the two illusionary elements, this one is more on the physical side. Ink is the element of the artists, the painters, the inkers, all of those. With Ink, one can paint illusions into the physical world, creating mirages and images that can trick the mind. Along with painting things into reality, Ink can allow one to change the colors of different things, from objects to animals to even yourself! Becoming "invisible" is a solely Ink related power, and even then, it is merely an illusion. You'd go blind if you became TRULY invisible!
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SPIRIT
JALU - (JAW-loo)
Primary Sembla (albeit the most confusing)
Ghosts. They're a thing. But can they really be controlled...? Perhaps, they... cannot. But- this does not stop you from putting on a phantasm or mirage of sorts and act like them! Control your opponents' or audience's emotions and fears with a grand display of phantoms and apparitions; drum up the paranoia, or tell them the grim fate written on the cards they pulled. Make your foes confused by the prospects you perform. Is anything that you attack with real? Well, you know... but your adversary doesn't!
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TOXIN
VEVEO - (veh-VAY-oh)
Okayishly Understood
This one is entirely, and purely, all about poisons, toxins, venoms, anything you can think of that is toxic. There are many debates as to if this is an offshoot of Flesh, or merely another flesh element in general, but it's still up in the air. Or, perhaps, it is part of Disease, and not identified as such. It's an element with an identity crisis, but still not one without its fans and devoted users. Many associate it with the snakes and spiders and poison-dart frogs, but... what else could be considered toxic? Perhaps that aspect is something to be discovered by you, should you learn it.
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FUNGUS
MALUO - (MAW-loo-oh)
Greatly Understood
The oddest of the flesh elements is Fungus- control and manipulation over flesh of the fungal type. Fungi are decomposers who seem like plants at first, but, in reality... are eerily closer to animals in an evolutionary sense. It's even been discovered that they can communicate with each other, in a way akin to language! Fungi are known to expand through dark areas, and fill the air with spores that can cause various effects... choke you, put you to sleep, poison you, and- in some cases- body control you. Fungus magic isn't all the singular species of Cordyceps, however. Don't forget about toadstools or lichen, or any one if the fascinating-looking fungi out there in the universe!
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GLASS
IKAUYA - (ee-COW-yuh)
Decently Understood
Glass is a curious substance. It's not a crystal yet it acts like one, and it's not a rock, and it's not even the sand it was originally made from. This Sembla controls a substance almost entirely thought of to be one merely reserved for arts and décor, but what abilities it does have outside of that can get... interesting. Glass-affiliated abilities have been known to have such effects as shattering someone's perception of something, such as the area around them, and even shatter their perception of time. It's a very curious fact that Gravity split off of Glass as its own magic class, but... with the context of time distortion, it can make more sense than initially expected.
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SUGAR
ZOLUO - (ZOH-loo-oh) or (ZOHL-wo)
Okayishly Understood
There are three types of nutrients that your body needs to energize itself. These three are proteins, lipids (fats), and carbohydrates. Another name for carbohydrates... is sugars! Sugar is what helps energize you and give you the power to stay awake and alive, and as such it is required for life. However... what tastes sweet to you tastes sweet to everything. And that sweetness gives sugars an expiration date. Be wary of malicious sugars that aim to rot you to your core, luring you in with sweetness and allowing the allure to trap you in a cycle of rot, eating you from the inside out... Or you could just bake the most delicious cake with Sugar powers. Up to you!
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MUSIC
AMU - (AW-moo)
Greatly Understood; Some consider it to be Primary
The other of the two Sound elements. Unlike Alarm, Music is all about hypnotic melodies, harmony, and rhythm. It doesn't want to destroy and deafen, like its sister. Music is, instead, more subtle; it aims to cast effects over the listener, be it negative or positive. Different melodies may have different effects on the listener, giving them new strengths, but the melodies may also disarm you and force you to subtly submit to your enemy in a hypnotic trance. Did you find yourself wooed by her singing, and drawn in despite not knowing her? You may have just had a Music spell cast upon you.
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DREAM
SAYO - (SAW-yo)
Very, Very Poorly Understood
Another newly accepted, poorly understood element. This one seems to relate to a "Dream World" of sorts in some way. What we know so far is that it can manipulate the subconscious and lull others to sleep. Perhaps it can allow the user to go beyond lucid dreaming... maybe even enter and change the dreams of others?
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LIGHT
HALUO - (HAW-loo-oh) or (HALL-wo)
Primary Sembla
Ah, Light. The element wholly thought of as holy and all-knowingly good. The light that shines down upon our world, the light that blankets the world in brightness, the light... that can scorch out your eyes should you disobey its rules. This element is one of dominion and control. The light will reveal you, humiliate you, illuminate you to all the wrong crowds should you insult its absolute dominion. It will trap your eyes in its searing brightness, making you know who is the leader around here. The creatures of shadow fear the light, not because the light is always right... but merely because the light is powerful. This does not mean the light is always evil or malicious... Perhaps it's as misunderstood as the shadows, just, in different ways.
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WIND
HEBAI - (heh-BAI) or (heh-bah-EE)
Primary Sembla
The control and manipulation of Wind is mostly all about the movement and speed of the, well, winds themselves. It cannot create the storms, the clouds, the air itself... but it can most definitely move it. And another important word here, is carry- the winds can carry things across them as well, and not just physical things. Signals and messages are among the things the winds can carry on their backs. Never underestimate the power that messages can carry if they spread at speeds faster than you can keep track of! Just as you should never underestimate how lucky we are that technology has reached a point that outpaces the winds. We should be glad that the winds themselves cannot get jealous... Or, can they?
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PLASTIC
SEILA - (SAY-law)
Decently Understood
Plastics are a type of material that are most often artificially created and manufactured, often from specific chemical compounds trying to achieve certain specific outcomes. The search to manufacture the "best" plastic is on, and Plastic users are no exception. Everyone's takes on what constitutes a "good plastic" is different. Are they the best when flexible? Sturdy? Opaque? Clear? Most usages of plastic will often result in a material not yet seen before... and with that, comes the risk of a new, toxic material to be wary of. It is an element to be feared and respected simultaneously.
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VOID
GULA - (GOO-law)
Decently Understood
Void is the manipulation of... nothing. Nothing? How can you control nothing? Isn't that just the lack of something? Well, exactly- Void is the control of the lack of something. You can void an apple, and... what apple? There was never an apple. Or perhaps you're sick and tired of that apple. Why don't you send that apple to a pocket dimension, out in the middle of the great nothingness? This power is one of pure negation and the un-somethinging of somethings. After all, nothing can be something, but can something be nothing? You decide.
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DISEASE
AZHTA - (AZH-taw) zh = g in mirage
Greatly Understood
The single most disliked and feared Sembla, and for good reason. Disease is exactly what the name suggests; plagues, viruses, illnesses, infection, parasites, everything that you can conjure on the scale of the gross to the horrifying. And it's not even restricted to the viral and visceral; Disease can even be used on a mental level, causing dark ideas to become viral and spread as a social plague. Besides research or population control, there's really no practical, non-malicious usage of these powers. If any of the Sembla are intended to be murderous and evil, it's this one. ...Weeeeell, even then... worms' gotta eat too.
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SHADOW
ZHAMUO - (ZHAW-moo-oh) zh = g in mirage
Primary Sembla
First and foremost, Shadow is among the most stigmatized and mistrusted of the Semblas, at least for humans. The shadows have a bad rap of being the opposite of the light, but in reality, think about it. The shadows ensure safety, they protect and defend, and they can soothe you should you need time alone to rest. We sleep in the safety of the shadows, and yet, we claim to fear them? Shadow users are actually the same. Protective and soothing, they are people who cast the shade not to misguide anyone, but to protect them and allow them a moment of rest. Considering this almost parental role the shadows have over most monsters, you can believe how dangerous it can be to enrage a Shadow mage...
can kraizen be individual paradigms or are they passed down through families/countries or are they LITERALLY they just beliefs/moral codes they adhere themselves to at will? + Can kraizen be.. like.. paradigmless?
they're more like literal "preferred mindsets". it'll definitely be explained REALLY good in the book, but in short, they're "what you believe in the most/what you value most of all" mindsets.
they CAN be passed down by family or by local district, but every type of school teaches about every paradigm. so it comes down to the individual and what they ultimately wanna value most
there CAN be paradigmless Kraizen, but they're looked down upon and treated more like animals or wild beasts in some cases because of what the paradigms are.
Ekorians most value the individuality and joys of the self, Krianians most value the importance of creation and innovation, Devarians most value freedom, autonomy, and the ability to be strong in both body and mind, and Beltasians most value bonds and relationships (of all kinds) and the importance of the ones you love and hold dear.
You can value all of them, but we all inherently WILL choose one over the others, and that's not inherently a bad thing. however, being "paradigmless" essentially tells others that you don't want to fight for individuality, innovation, freedom, OR loved ones. so you get kinda Looked Down Upon. that's why the """"default"""" one, if someone chooses not to verbally pick because they grew up in the middle of fuckass nowhere, is Ekorian.
(That doesn't mean there's WAYYYYY MORE EKORIANS than everyone else though. it's still pretty even)
There are hundreds upon hundreds of known life-bearing planets in our universe, of which said universe is also called the Forever Ocean. Specifically, these are planets with life on them that can house souls and minds- beings capable of thought and magic. Bacteria-like organisms may exist on several thousand times more celestial bodies, but the ones of obvious interest to us are the ones with creatures.
And while there are hundreds of those life-bearing worlds, we'll only be going over a small selection of them for now. The Forever Ocean is massive, after all...
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Keratasa
(CARE-ruh-TAW-suh)
Keratasa is a large rocky world, with a moderately sized atmosphere, an intricate system of plate tectonics, and extremely variable weather systems. It is known for its lavender skies, periwinkle oceans, and forests of all sorts of colors. Oh- and also its most obvious feature, as well. It is a rocky planet with massive rings!
Its continents can be broken up into four supercontinents and a small straggler continent. There is the western hemisphere's Shibeilai, consisting of the northern, tropical-and-grassy Beilai and the southern, taiga-like Shilai. Connected to Shilai is the nearly entirely frozen tundra-and-mountainous supercontinent, Essel, and the much smaller (and not frozen but still chilly) Ouvru, both of which encompass the southern hemisphere.
To the far north is the icy yet volcanic Vilaak, and nearby, the tropical jungle continent of Javra, resting to the north of the eastern hemisphere. The largest supercontinent is called Peraraksa, consisting of the southern forest realm of Peraa and the northern realm of Raksa- a massive, harrowing desert of grey sands and perpetually clouded skies. This desert is also known as the Echo Vault. This supercontinent nearly entirely encompasses the eastern hemisphere.
Along with several non-continental islands, there is a single, small, lone continent called Gangaal, consisting of a series of massive mountains surrounding a main, gargantuan mountain. This mountain realm rests in the center of the central ocean.
Keratasa has two moons, nicknamed the Steelwild and the Dreamwild. The Steelwild has visible, artificial lights on it, so it can be assumed there are some sort of civilizations on it. The Dreamwild, however, is entirely mysterious, despite being physically closer.
Due to how many wormhole portals (called Links) are built upon this world, leading to other life-bearing worlds... some tend to refer to Keratasa as a sort of "crossroads" world.
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Frukkua
(froo-KOO-wuh)
Frukkua is an interesting planet of pink waters and sugar-based lifeforms. Imagine a real-like Candyland, with landscapes of candies and sugars and chocolate and sugary fluffs... but, within those landscapes, lives a nature just as vicious as any other. Endlessly, creatures of Frukkua will battle and hunt each other for the life-sustaining substance that is pure sugar.
But not everything is sickly sweet. A relatively large moon, nicknamed the Saltwild, orbits Frukkua in a tidally locked fashion. Killer geysers of magma and salts jettison out, directly towards Frukkua; these jets are so massive that they can cause odd salt rains upon the sugary surface.
It's said, however... that the Saltwild may even have inhabitants on it. Inhabitants who originated on Frukkua's sweet surface. Being devoid of its sugary essence may even warp the new inhabitants...
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The Wanderwild
A mysterious and chilly planet with many names, about two thirds of the side of Keratasa. Some of these names include the Wanderwild, the Snowball, Terrokasa, and Earth. Despite only having one sapient civilization, it is a world with an identity crisis, infested with pollution and storms and beasts of a seemingly archaic mindset of basal natural instincts. Most odd of all, that single civilization- they endlessly chase materials and a sign that they are not alone. What is wrong with them; were they always destructive like this?
And do they not have a portal to the other worlds? Is it truly that isolated? Just a lonely little planet, constantly freezing and melting... Wanting to be a beacon trapped in the past.
Some call it Keratasa's abandoned, plastic twin.
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Nanobey
(NAH-no-bay)
The smallest known rocky life-world, at only between an eighth or seventh the size of Keratasa. It has only underground oceans, as its crust is nearly entirely covered in grey dust, rocks, and crystals. The largest animal on the planet is less than three feet long, nose to tail. The main lifeforms of this seemingly desolate planet are extremely intelligent microorganisms, who can work together in colonies to equal the intelligence of a sapient being as a singularity.
These six-foot-tall cities work to drill for water and underground plants, and have for millions of years. The two-foot-long animals are like kaiju to these tiny cities, hunting to eat the intelligent microorganisms like an anteater.
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The Scorchwild
Probably the life-world that exists under the most peculiar circumstances. It is a desert-like world, scorched by its blazing hot-white moon. Its days are marked by the rising and setting of its moon, while its nights are cast in shadows by its distant, cool, dim red star.
Creatures come out to bask under the cool of the sun, and hide in the caves and tunnels during the night. It's unknown why the moon is the way it is; it isn't a star, but contains the heat and light of one.
Could someone even set foot on that moon?
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Seseri
(SESS-suh-ree)
A yellowish planet with long, thin continents, and an unbelievably massive atmosphere. Every creature on this unique planet evolved to be able to seemingly levitate, and can seem to swim around the massive atmosphere as if it were an ocean. There is ground to land on as well as clear waters devoid of any color. Life exists in every biome, but it is the sky that flourishes. There are even natural floating islands, of which creatures live on.
As for if alien life could float if they arrived here, that is currently unknown. The current theory is that they may be far too heavy. The native creatures all seem to be made of drapes and lightweight tendrils, and seem to act like jellyfish...
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Kezelvi
(KEH-zuhl-vee)
A planet about the same size as Keratasa, comprised of multiple and incomplete vertical layers of crust, each accessible from the other either going up or down. The true surface is entirely aquatic, with a deep ocean spanning a couple miles. The multiple layers of land crust arc out of the ocean and are supported by massive pillars, and each rest about half a mile above the other. There is a total of five crystalline layers, each one thinner than the one below.
The crystal supports crystal-based flora, fungi, and- of course- fauna. This world also supports a small ring, made entirely of extremely fine crystals. It often snows crystals on the surface, as well; not rain, snow!
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Kraizenia
(cry-ZEN-nee-uh)
Probably the most ancient of all life-bearing worlds... and currently, the most mysterious.
Do brands hurt? Like, since they're the weak spots do they ache or feel tender in comparison to the rest of a vani's body or do they not notice it until it's struck with something?
they're sorta like scars, but if scar tissue didn't also harm the nerves. so say, take a burn wound, and act as if the nerves were never burned too and can still react as normal- but through damaged flesh. it's weird to imagine
i sort of think of brands as feeling like... ok yknow when your leg or arm falls asleep and feels all tingly in an uncomfortable way? it's like that when they're touched like normal, and REALLY STING like an electric shock when wounded- more than normal
but when not being touched/hurt, they feel no different from everything else (even if walked on, should the brand be on the paw or foot)
yeah! but you may wanna think about their anatomy depending on what you're trying to accomplish
I.E. if you want a mouth tail, you gotta consider if it's just a claw/grasper that LOOKS like a mouth, or an ACTUAL throat and mouth. if it's the former, that's just an aesthetic thing. but if it's a MOUTH mouth, you gotta consider the fact it has a throat and stuff IN the tail, same with any mouths elsewhere on the body
so basically, you can have as many aesthetic mouths as you want, but the Mouth Mouths need to be considered anatomically!! in the end i cant control that level of minute anatomical consideration but it definitely helps add to their believability as an individual animal
For clarification on term usage: I will be using Kraizen to refer to their species as per usual, and NOT Branded. For their Branded selves, I will use Vani. This rule will be applied strictly.
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The Kraizen may look and even act like animals, like you or I. But they have many differences, some easy to comprehend, others potentially mind boggling. These traits are there to help keep them unified on a basic biological function level. They may have organs that seem similar to ours, but may server a slightly or even greatly different purpose. As so, I will call these organs, "the analogous (body part.)"
After their explanations, I will talk about what the Brandshock took or changed.
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Above is a basic diagram of major organs.
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ORGANS
BRAIN - This is basically the only organ that isn't disputable as to what it is or does. It's the mind, the organ that allows control over the body, and it contains all of their memories and personality. Some of the brain can stretch into the body like with our spinal cord, but for the Vani, a structure like this has developed FAR past ours, and became the Tanja.
BONE CORE / TANJA - This is the combo skeleton-and-secondary-brain structure within their body. It gives them structure, and also allows their neurons to act and message each other at speeds faster than with us. And it's all more coordinated than even with octopuses. The outer layer of the core is as hard as bone, but can become extremely flexible if the secondary brain inside of it wills it to. The color of the Tanja is often, if not always, very bright, and every Kraizen has a different color. (EX. A Kraizen may have a bright red Tanja, and another may have a bright green Tanja.)
EYES - Kraizen have very unique eyes. Round pupils, with eight ringed irises and black sclera. These eight "iris rings" can contract and expand greatly; they can be contracted to mere millimeters from the pupil, or expanded to only having one or two rings visible from others. The rings are of two alternating colors, one of the colors matching their Tanja's color exactly and the other color appearing random. They are never the same color. An interesting trait is that these colors can actually "cycle", and alternate the colors of the rings, when they are stressed. Their eyes can also naturally glow with bioluminescence. Every Kraizen has at least one eye; it's been discovered that Kraizen born without eyes are born dead. This is due to the fact that one of the structures inside of their eyes is also simultaneously intrinsic to the development of the primary brain, and without them, the brain never forms.
HEART AND BLOOD - They do indeed have a heart and cardiovascular system. However, their blood is an iridescent black color, and shimmers with the color of their Tanja in certain lights (the Tanja sounds rather important to themselves, don't they?). This blood has the same viscosity as our blood; however, it does not dry out, and only slowly hardens as a thick liquid, like amber, over the span of years. Their heart is most often central and symmetrical in their bodies rather than offset, and their heartbeat speed varies with body size.
VOCAL ORGAN - Kraizen have two ways of vocalizing; with their mouth and throat, or, with their vocal organ. Due to the wide variety of appearances Kraizen can have, it's bound that their mouth shapes would be too varied for all of them to be able to physically vocalize the same language. They usually reserve their vocal cords and calling structures for roars, in this case. Their vocal ORGAN, however, is a roughly spherical organ within their chest, and it is much more unified in structure. This organ has many criss-crossed and stringlike passages and structures inside of itself, allowing them to constrict and contract it to mimic vowels and consonants. They use this organ to all speak a unified language. It can vary enough to lend to many accents, speaking quirks like clicking and hisses at the end of words, or a strange natural echo.
INCINERATOR / "STOMACH" / INTESTINES - Kraizen do not digest materials via hydrochloric acid breakdown. Instead, they use water and heat- like a machine of sorts- to burn and break down materials for digestion. The partially broken down materials are then processed and sorted within the intestines, of which there are multiple. These intestines do not lead to an anus; nearly all material is absorbed. However, any waste is promptly taken back to a smaller incinerator, turned to ash and soot, and is later exhaled through the nostrils. This trait helps with them being called "star dragons." They breathe ash like a dragon! All water is also used up in the burning process, and so, they neither need to defecate nor urinate. They are an extremely clean creature.
"LUNGS" - There used to be a time where the Kraizen had to respire. After millions upon millions of years, they actually managed to bypass this need. The nostrils used to also connect to these lungs to aid in respiration, but after all those years, they are only a vocalization and ash cleaning part. As for the lungs themselves, they are still there, but their state depends on the individual. Most only use them as air-holding chambers, to help them push air out for roars or other vocalization. Others have managed to modify the lungs into "gills", and- although they are called gills- do not at all function the same. This will be explained later.
(Scientific terminology, NSFW warning anyway)
REPRODUCTIVE - The Kraizen, uniquely, have "three sexes", and all are born with all three "parts." Due to this, the concept of gender never developed within their culture. For ease, the three sexes are referred to as female, stable male, and unstable male. For simplicity's sake, let's call them F, S, and Un. F is the easiest one to grasp; it's the egg, and resides within a womb as the end of a transport channel. S is also easy; it's the sperm of the giver, of which is implanted via internal intercourse. Where Un comes in is via four extremely thin, bulb-tipped structures, which may (or may not) deposit a secondary sperm cell type. The Un-type sperm actually contains genes that are NOT a copy of the giver, and are randomized. The purpose of Un genes are to cause extreme mutation, and it's because of this tertiary sex component that the Kraizen can look so different on an individual generation basis. Physically, all three parts of the reproductive resemble a flower- with the F part being the base and petals, the S part resembling the carpel, and the Un parts resembling stamen and anthers.
(End of reproductive discussion)
BIOWEAPONRY - Although Kraizen have the ability to manipulate psionic magic, they can also have biological weaponry that they can use without any need for magic. Think of things such as snake or spider venom within their teeth, the secretion of toxic, poisonous mucus or slime from their bodies like frogs, the ability to spit water or acid like some fish or bugs, or so on. Anything that appears in nature can appear in the Kraizen in this regard. This can also apply to things such as non-magic fire breathing, organs that allow them to stay underwater safely*, or allow them to levitate without power flying.
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DIFFERENCES IN VANI + MISC NOTES
The Kraizen underwent many changes when they were Branded.
The Vani can no longer reproduce (nor do they seem to even have the organs anymore), cannot intake energy or nutrients from eating (though they mysteriously do not lose any muscle mass, only fat), do not need to sleep (can stay awake endlessly without repercussions), and do not age, essentially becoming immortal in a morbid way.
Kraizen originally needed to eat to stay alive, being omnivorous (and preferring a specific other species as their sole source of meat.). They also only had a lifespan of about 12,000 to 15,000 years- though, that's still a rather boggling lifespan to us. They also needed to sleep occasionally, though, not as often as with us Earth life.
*Being underwater: While Kraizen cannot drown from lack of oxygen, there is still a danger to being fully submerged under too much liquid. Being flooded with liquid too fast and with too much at once can cause them to have all of that liquid trapped inside of them. Paired with the extreme internal heat of the incinerator, this can cause a chain effect of them literally exploding, as their equivalent to "drowning"- this does indeed kill them gruesomely. Some Kraizen combat this by having "gills", which can much more easily filter out water before allowing a grim, waterballooning death to take them.
...Also, for some reason, just about every single Kraizen out there has at least one tail. It's unknown if this trait is truly one that is required for them to have, or if it just so happens to be possessed by every single known individual.
A mysterious realm was discovered many, many years before the Brandshock. This realm was absolutely massive, stretching as far as the eye can see. It was made up of a structure far larger than any planet, star, or... anything else they could find. And upon further research and studying, after multiple generations...
...They discovered that this realm took up the entirety of the outer edge of the known universe. This structure/realm would later be called the Kraizenlain (and that -lain suffix will come up again eventually). And, in English, called the "Vaniwo"- short for The Vanishing World.
How does a realm at the edge of the known universe work?
Image is of an extremely simplified diagram of the Kraizenlain. It is not actually colored like this, the colors are merely to indicate zones.
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The Kraizenlain (the KL for short) has several layers and uniquely-formed structures in it. Due to not being shaped by orbiting around another celestial body, it instead seems to have tons of fractals and fractal-like shapes and repeating patterns. Mind-bogglingly large structures like spires and space bridges that are larger than rocky planets also stretch across this realm. There even are trapped planets floating freely through the space nearby, and mysteriously aren't pulled in by gravity.
There are massive bridges which connect planet to planet, planet to shell, or shell to a floating chunk of broken shell. The Shell, in fact, is the main realm- a single, massive, continuous, impenetrable "land mass" that entirely surrounds the known universe. Above it is the Fracture, made up of the largest planets and broken pieces that go on for lightyears. At the end of the Fracture and its Bridges is the Shatter, where the broken pieces and free-floating celestial bodies thin out, and eventually, open up into the empty universe as we know it.
But it is not all dark and shadowy here in the KL. There are giant sources of light, trapped within cages of sorts, which allow the light to come out and illuminate the planets and fractal fields of the main Shell and every layer else. Those who live in the KL live around these safely trapped suns, or at least, on the planets closest to them.
And, an important note- any denizens of the KL do not live on the outside of this shell. They live on the inside. Think of an egg, if the universe were one; let's say the yolk is the hypothetical center of the universe and the whites were the rest of the universe. The shell of the egg is the KL. Kraizen do indeed live on this shell, but only on the inside, touched by egg white. Nothing lives on the dry outside of the shell.
A not-to-scale visual of how the KL relates to the universe.
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The spaces between each landmass of the KL aren't colorless. In fact, it all looks as colorful as we imagine nebulas to be. Zones and sections, of sizes spanning from a single solar system to an entire galaxy's worth, are painted in their own beautiful and dreamlike hues, making you forget that the outer space we know is a single, simple shade of lonely dark blue.
Some paintings depicting the KL. The first is in the Fracture, the second is closer to the Shell.
A darker, more "normal-space-like" section of the KL.
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It is now called the Vanishing World, at least, as it is after the Brandshock. It's been found that this realm seems to be falling apart, and floating away from itself in chunks.
And one day... its Shell may no longer be impenetrable.
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Pronunciation guide
Kraizenlain - (CRY-zen-line) line as in the word line
