The System is the divine, codified framework that defines the very nature of existence in Eldrahn. Born from the pact among the 42 Eidons—gods and goddesses fashioned from pure Ether—it is the instrument by which the divine order maintains its purity and control amid the ever-changing influx of external ideas. At its core, The System assigns every sentient being a set of RPG-like elements, including Classes, Skills, Abilities, Levels, and Titles, effectively turning Eldrahn into a world where every aspect of life is measured, managed, and, in many ways, predetermined.
Origins of The System
In an age when the Ether’s Conjuring Cycles began to transport beings from countless realms into Eldrahn, the Eidons found their divine essences in jeopardy. The unceasing arrival of new cultures, philosophies, and powers threatened to dilute their identities through constant change. In response, the Eidons forged a binding magical pact—a covenant which became known as The System. This pact was designed to preserve the purity of their divine selves while structuring Eldrahn to assimilate and regulate the influx of external energy and knowledge.
The System codified every element of existence into quantifiable attributes, ensuring that both the mortal and divine realms could coexist in a structured hierarchy. Rather than allowing Eldrahn to devolve into a chaotic mosaic of influences, it imposed measurable progression, defining every soul and artifact by inherent stats. In doing so, it enabled controlled growth, targeted advancement, and—if necessary—a means to combat the disruptive force of the Outlanders.
Mechanics and Structure
At the core of The System is a comprehensive set of interrelated elements designed to mirror both mortal and divine existence:
- Classes: Every sentient being is assigned an archetypal role reflecting their innate dispositions and the divine aspects of Eldrahn. These roles range widely—from combat-centric archetypes like Etherblades to mystical paths such as Rune Scholars—each echoing the domains of the Eidons.
- Skills and Abilities: As individuals advance, they unlock and refine abilities that resonate with key aspects of the Ether. These powers may be influenced by divine teachings, exposure to external cultures, or the raw energies of the Conjuring Cycle itself, ensuring that growth is both personal and profoundly linked to the cosmic order.
- Levels: Levels serve as tangible milestones of development. Each increase in a being’s level—whether related to their martial prowess, magical aptitude, or intellectual insight—represents a deeper integration with the Ether and a closer alignment with the divine ideals enforced by The System.
- Titles: Beyond the basic categories, Titles offer an additional layer of identity and capability that transcends traditional Classes. Titles are awarded based on extraordinary feats, deep personal resonance with specific aspects of the Ether, or through direct influence from the Eidons themselves. A Title not only reflects a being’s renown and specialized expertise but also confers unique abilities that extend beyond what standard Classes can provide. For instance, a warrior with the Title of "Stormbringer" might gain control over localized Etheric currents, enabling them to harness lightning-like attacks, whereas a scholar bearing the Title "Wordweaver" might unlock forbidden insights or pattern recognition abilities that influence magical theory and practice. In this manner, Titles serve as potent enhancers, granting bespoke powers and reinforcing an individual's standing within Eldrahn’s eternal hierarchy.
- Example Titles
- Titles with the attribute (Bound) cannot be removed until the magical contract has been fulfilled. Titles provide bonuses or detrimental effects based on their assigned characteristics.
Title: Slave (Bound): "This title serves as your status indicator as a Slave. As a Slave, you are bound to the terms of your Contract, and must obey the direct commands of your Master unless they will directly result in death. This title cannot be removed by any other means than what is defined in the terms of your Contract."
- Titles with the attribute (Bound) cannot be removed until the magical contract has been fulfilled. Titles provide bonuses or detrimental effects based on their assigned characteristics.
- Example Titles
The interplay of these elements—Classes, Skills, Levels, and Titles—forms a living ledger of existence. The System evolves with every spell cast, every battle fought, and every moment of divine or mortal revelation, ensuring that progress is quantifiable and aligned with the larger cosmic order.
The Role of NEXUS in Enforcing The System
NEXUS, the sentient interface born from the collective essence of the Eidons, is the primary enforcer of The System throughout Eldrahn. Through a highly adaptive mental interface, NEXUS allows every sentient being to access their stat sheet, including their progression in Classes, uncover new Skills, and evaluate Titles in real time. This interface is tailored based on individual cognitive and sensory preferences—whether visual, auditory, or via direct, instinctual imprinting—ensuring that every being has intimate access to their place within the divine order.
By standardizing interactions with the chaotic energies of the Ether into orderly, measurable components, NEXUS stabilizes what would otherwise be volatile growth following the Conjuring Cycles. It is through NEXUS that the divine structure of The System is maintained across all levels of existence, regulating the ongoing integration of new Etheric influxes and upholding the delicate balance between divine preservation and mortal innovation.
Impact, Challenges, and Consequences
While The System provides essential structure and stability, its inherent rigidity also creates significant tensions. On one hand, it has enabled the Eidons to preserve their unchanging divine identities despite the relentless flow of external influences. On the other hand, it renders Eldrahn a perilous environment for Outlanders—sentient beings who are Conjured into the realm. These newcomers, not yet fully aligned with the strictures of The System, often face hostility, discrimination, or lethal force as the established order seeks to preserve its purity at all costs.
Furthermore, the imposition of Titles adds another dimension to this struggle. Although Titles offer enhanced abilities and personal acclaim, they also deepen existing hierarchies and intensify rivalry among those striving for divine recognition. Such competition can lead to conflicts not only among mortals but also incite celestial tensions among the Eidons themselves, as each Title reflects a facet of the divine ideal that the gods strive to control.
Critics argue that by reducing the complexities of life into quantifiable stats and categorizations, The System stifles free will and the organic evolution of culture. Yet, proponents maintain that this order is essential for survival, particularly in a multiverse where the raw force of the Ether—and the unpredictable nature of the Conjuring Cycles—threatens to overwhelm any unstructured existence.
The System and the Cosmic Order
At its essence, The System represents the intersection of divine will and cosmic design—a codified universe meticulously crafted by the Eidons to withstand the constant bombardment of external influences. It is a manifestation of the gods' desire to retain their indefinable essence amid the otherwise uncontrollable evolution delivered by the Ether’s breathing cycles. Through quantified metrics like Classes, Levels, and especially Titles, the divine order is not only preserved but elevated, ensuring that every being’s destiny is indelibly recorded and curated.
The convergence of The System, the Ether’s dynamic Conjuring Cycles, and the adaptive oversight of NEXUS creates a universe where progress, power, and destiny are etched into a divine ledger of cosmic laws. This codification is both celebrated and reviled—a necessary measure to maintain equilibrium in a world where magic, technology, and divine essence are in constant interplay, and where every being’s true potential must be meticulously evaluated and nurtured.
Conclusion
The System is the divine codex that binds Eldrahn together—a comprehensive framework forged from the very essence of the Eidons to withstand the chaotic influx of external influences carried by the Ether’s Conjuring Cycles. By structuring life into measurable components such as Classes, Skills, Levels, and Titles, The System governs the evolution and destinies of all sentient beings. Through the unwavering enforcement of NEXUS and the eternal watch of the Eidons, this codified order ensures that in a realm where magic, technology, and divine energy are in ceaseless interaction, balance and progression prevail.