Ideworld Chronicles: The Art Mage

GLOSSARY: TERMS AND NOMENCLATURE

Soul –

SpoilerAn individualized fragment of the Universe expressed through consciousness. A soul can interact with reality in conceptual, authoritative (by imposing its will), or sensual ways (by using the senses to comprehend greater truths). Souls are composed of smaller units called Spenes, which transmit aspects of these traits to the offspring of a soul's physical vessel. For example, the children of mages have a greater chance of becoming mages themselves.

Souls also contribute to the collective memory of existence. Once a person learns that snakes can bite and deliver venom, traces of that knowledge become subconsciously accessible to others. Likewise, when an artist, thinker, or culture names or conceptualizes something, a metaphysical blueprint of that concept is imprinted into the Universal Memory. From that point onward, the Universe recognizes both the concept and its name.

Spene –

SpoilerA spiritual equivalent of a gene. Spenes are the fundamental components of the soul and carry spiritual traits, affinities, and potential from one generation to the next.

Shadow –

SpoilerIdeworld's manifestation and representation of an object, event, memory, being, myth, or idea originating from Earth. Although the term technically applies to all such manifestations, most mages use "Shadow" specifically when referring to the humanoid counterparts of humans from Earth.

Shadowspawn –

SpoilerA being that never existed on Earth but emerged as an extension of a Splinter's memory, imagination, or interpretation of what should inhabit its boundaries.

Changed –

SpoilerA Shadow that has diverged so far from its original human counterpart that its physical, metaphysical, or both physical and metaphysical properties have been drastically altered.

Splinter –

SpoilerA region of Ideworld that has been transformed by the accumulated influence of myths, ideas, dreams, emotions, or collective will. Such a region becomes metaphysically larger and more significant than the physical space it originally occupied. Splinters typically possess their own rules, inhabitants, and internal logic.

Some Splinters endlessly repeat a particular event or memory, reliving it ad infinitum. Others exist as pure extrapolations of a concept, belief, or story. Splinters can be entered through Ideworld itself, though there is often no clear boundary indicating when one has crossed from Ideworld into a Splinter. Certain Splinters have become completely detached from Ideworld, and reaching them requires special means, as no direct metaphysical connection remains.

Nexus –

SpoilerA rare and dangerous type of Splinter formed when a mage dies within one and their Domain is drawn into its core through spiritual gravitation. The resulting collision between Domain and Splinter creates an increasingly complex metaphysical ecosystem in which reality is shaped by both forces. The laws governing a Nexus are often unstable, contradictory, or distorted. Despite their dangers, Nexuses are highly sought after for the artifacts, soulmarks, essence, and other valuable phenomena they contain.

Domain –

SpoilerThe manifestation of a mage's dominion over their chosen subject. A Domain exists as a physical location within Ideworld, usually anchored to what its creator considers "home." In many ways, a Domain resembles a Splinter, though it is shaped by the will and Authority of a mage rather than collective belief.

As a mage grows in power, their Domain expands alongside them. Legends claim that the greatest Archmages possess Domains as vast as entire worlds. Within a Domain, both physical and metaphysical laws are influenced by the Sourcerer and, to a lesser extent, by those connected to the Domain through inheritance or membership.

At the center of every Domain lies a Soul Core, a crystallized structure formed from the mage's Shadow. The Soul Core houses the Shadow's soul and the Soulmarks bound to it. It serves as both the foundation of the Domain and the focus through which a mage channels their power. The Soul Core constantly influences its owner, reinforcing aspects of their nature and shaping their development.

Sourcerer / Sourceress –

SpoilerA mage who created and serves as the origin of a Domain. Through will, effort, passion, and Authority, they establish and sustain their Domain within Ideworld. Every Domain traces its existence back to a single Sourcerer or Sourceress.

Legacy Mage –

SpoilerA mage who has been accepted into an existing Domain rather than creating one of their own. To be accepted, a candidate's nature, beliefs, and potential must align with the Domain's rules and character.

Acceptance is determined through a trial administered by the Domain's Guardian, a being formed from the collective will of the souls residing within the Soul Core. If the candidate succeeds, their Shadow's soul becomes part of the Soul Core and remains connected to it thereafter. Legacy Mages gain access to the Domain's power while also becoming subject to its influence.

Mage –

SpoilerAn individual capable of drawing power from a Domain. A mage may either create their own Domain as a Sourcerer or gain access to an existing one as a Legacy Mage.

Stages of Domain Growth

Level

Name

Soulmark Slots Available

Maximum Soulmark Distribution

1

Awakening

2

Two Level 1 Soulmarks

2

Focus

2

One Level 2 Soulmark, One Level 1 Soulmark

3

Expansion

3

One Level 2 Soulmark, Two Level 1 Soulmarks

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4

Harmonization

3

Two Level 2 Soulmarks, One Level 1 Soulmark

5 (This level marks becoming a High Mage)

Refinement

4

One Level 3 Soulmark, Two Level 2 Soulmarks, One Level 1 Soulmark

6

Fusion

4

Two Level 3 Soulmarks, Two Level 2 Soulmarks

7 (This level marks becoming an Archmage)

Ascendance

5

Three Level 3 Soulmarks, Two Level 2 Soulmarks

8

Transcendence

5

One Level 4 Soulmark, Two Level 3 Soulmarks, Two Level 2 Soulmarks

9

Command

6

Two Level 4 Soulmarks, Three Level 3 Soulmarks, One Level 2 Soulmark

10

Apex

6

Six Level 4 Soulmarks

Soulmark –

SpoilerA metaphysical imprint attached to significant events, objects, beings, places, or concepts within Ideworld. Soulmarks embody how their subject is perceived, remembered, or understood.

A mage with an available Soul Core slot may claim and absorb a Soulmark, permanently altering or expanding their control over the subject of their magic. Different Soulmarks grant different effects and affinities. Once integrated into a Soul Core, a Soulmark may continue to evolve, developing new properties or increasing in potency over time.

Essence –

SpoilerA metaphysical substance generated whenever Authority is exercised. Essence accumulates within a mage and can be transferred to their Soul Core.

When sufficient Essence is gathered, it strengthens the mage, nourishes the Soul Core, and allows the Domain itself to evolve. Essence can also be acquired from external sources, including slain beings that possess Authority, shattered Soul Cores, powerful metaphysical phenomena, and other rare means.

The existence of Essence within a creature often suggests that it possesses some form of Authority or supernatural power of its own.

Resonance –

SpoilerEvery Domain possesses a unique spiritual melody. When beings, objects, memories, concepts, or phenomena aligned with that melody are brought into the Domain, they gradually harmonize with it. As harmony increases, so does the strength of the Domain.

The effects of Resonance are reflected in the potency, duration, versatility, and reach of a mage's powers. Highly resonant Domains are more stable, more influential, and capable of supporting greater manifestations of Authority.

Domain Projection –

SpoilerAn advanced technique that becomes possible when a Domain achieves sufficient Resonance. Through Domain Projection, a mage extends a portion of their Domain into their Aura, temporarily imposing aspects of its laws and nature upon their immediate surroundings. This creates a localized foothold where the Domain's influence supersedes ordinary metaphysical rules.

Authority –

SpoilerThe fundamental force through which a soul exerts its will upon reality. If the soul is a mind, then Authority is its muscle.

A mage uses Authority to influence the Universe in ways permitted by the subject of their Dominion. The greater the feat attempted, the greater the strain placed upon the soul. By pushing their Authority beyond its comfort zone and risking failure, a mage generates larger quantities of Essence and accelerates their growth.

Overuse of Authority can result in severe spiritual exhaustion, leaving a mage unable to function properly until they recover.

Authority may also be shared, provided the nature of the Domain allows it. A mage can invest Authority into living beings, objects, places, or concepts.

Unbound Authority remains connected to its owner. The mage may withdraw it at will, severing the connection and reclaiming their power.

Bound Authority becomes permanently embedded within its target. Once invested, it can no longer be reclaimed by its creator and develops into an independent metaphysical force.

Shadowlight –

SpoilerA metaphysical energy that serves as the medium through which Authority travels. Although it resembles light, it possesses unique properties and does not obey conventional physical laws.

Shadowlight may exist as an invisible connection between a mage and something linked to their Authority, or as visible radiance carrying Authority through space. Skilled mages can manipulate Shadowlight directly, using it to reinforce their bodies, empower weapons and tools, or transmit Authority more efficiently.

Sleeper –

SpoilerA person unaware of the existence of magic and the supernatural. Sleepers cannot perceive Shadowlight and are heavily influenced by Reality. Most supernatural events witnessed by a Sleeper are either forgotten, rationalized, or erased from memory altogether.

Reality –

SpoilerA governing metaphysical force associated with Earth. Reality continuously observes the world through the perceptions of conscious beings and acts to preserve consensus.

When mages violate natural laws too dramatically, Reality responds with a Backlash, temporarily stripping them of power and limiting their ability to use Authority.

Reality also alters the memories of Sleepers, suppressing awareness of supernatural phenomena and maintaining the illusion of a mundane world.

Awakened –

SpoilerIndividuals who, through a significant event or revelation, have become immune to Reality's memory-altering effects. Awakened people retain knowledge of supernatural events and can perceive aspects of the hidden world inaccessible to Sleepers.

Lucid –

SpoilerA Shadow who possesses awareness of Earth and understands that another realm exists beyond Ideworld. Lucid Shadows are the Ideworld equivalent of the Awakened.

Drifter –

SpoilerA Shadow unaware of Earth's existence or the greater cosmology beyond Ideworld. Most Shadows are Drifters.

Drift –

SpoilerThe Shadow equivalent of sleep. During a Drift, a Shadow enters a passive state in which it continues performing simple actions while possessing little or no awareness of its surroundings.

Aura –

SpoilerThe soul's sensory field, extending outward in all directions from its owner.

For ordinary beings, Aura functions primarily as a spiritual sense. For mages, it also defines the area within which they can directly apply Authority. Within their Aura, a mage may influence targets at range as though they were physically present. Beyond it, they can only vaguely sense the direction of objects, beings, or locations linked to their Authority.

Mageblood –

SpoilerAn insurance and support program provided by the USG to registered mages. Coverage typically includes compensation for magical accidents, recovery assistance, and benefits related to supernatural activities.

USG (United States Guild) –

SpoilerThe largest and most influential mage organization operating within the United States. The USG regulates magical activity, trains mages, maintains relations with supernatural communities, and enforces magical law across its jurisdiction.

Bohema –

SpoilerTraditional gatherings of mages, supernatural beings, and occult societies originating in France. Bohemas serve as centers of trade, diplomacy, knowledge exchange, and cultural expression within the magical world.

Hexblades –

SpoilerElite law-enforcement agents employed by the USG. Hexblades specialize in combating rogue mages, supernatural threats, and violations of magical law.

Einherjar –

SpoilerA group of Nordic mages whose souls were divided during a ritual marking the end of their Ragnarök. The resulting spiritual fragmentation granted them unique abilities and altered their relationship with Domains, Authority, and the soul itself.

Persona –

SpoilerA being created through Alexandra May's Authority over identity and the animation of artistic creations. Each Persona is a physical manifestation of one or more aspects of Alexandra's personality, experiences, talents, emotions, or magical abilities.

Although Personas possess their own minds, perspectives, and personalities, they are not truly separate individuals. Each is an extension of Alexandra herself, functioning much like a limb functions as an extension of a body.

A person does not consciously direct every movement of their arm, hand, or leg; such actions occur naturally as expressions of the self. Personas operate according to a similar principle, though on a far more complex level. They can think, act, make decisions, and interact with the world independently, expressing different facets of Alexandra's character without requiring her constant attention.

Despite this apparent autonomy, all Personas remain components of the same greater being. Alexandra may choose to focus on a particular Persona at any time, exerting increasingly precise control over its actions, thoughts, or abilities. The degree of independence a Persona displays often depends on how much of Alexandra's attention is directed elsewhere.

To interact with a Persona is, in a sense, to interact with Alexandra herself, though filtered through a specific aspect of her identity.

Caster –

SpoilerAn individual from Earth whose thoughts, memories, imagination, or actions result in the creation or manifestation of a corresponding Shadow within Ideworld.

The relationship between a Caster and their Shadow may vary considerably. A Shadow often reflects aspects of its Caster, though it may develop independently over time.

Reclaimer –

SpoilerA Shadow that has undergone a significant Change and subsequently absorbed the Earth-born individual responsible for casting it.

The process merges the Shadow and its Caster into a single being, blending their memories, identities, and metaphysical traits. The resulting entity is neither entirely Shadow nor entirely human, but a synthesis of both.