Xavion
@xavion251.bsky.social
Mildly autistic worldbuilder.
You have permission to do anything you want with stuff I freely post aside from claiming it as your own.
You have permission to do anything you want with stuff I freely post aside from claiming it as your own.
I also made this thing yesterday showing how the mana / matter spectrum works.
February 12, 2026 at 5:07 PM
I also made this thing yesterday showing how the mana / matter spectrum works.
Thanks! I think I actually picked that word up in the context of "deleterious mutations" in evolutionary biology.
February 12, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Thanks! I think I actually picked that word up in the context of "deleterious mutations" in evolutionary biology.
And, well - it's only mortal souls that are drawn through the veil. If you stop being a mortal, with a mortal soul - your soul won't be.
For example, being corrupted into a demon. Or becoming so entwined with the Primordium that you become a nature spirit after death. These are pretty rare though.
For example, being corrupted into a demon. Or becoming so entwined with the Primordium that you become a nature spirit after death. These are pretty rare though.
February 12, 2026 at 2:53 PM
And, well - it's only mortal souls that are drawn through the veil. If you stop being a mortal, with a mortal soul - your soul won't be.
For example, being corrupted into a demon. Or becoming so entwined with the Primordium that you become a nature spirit after death. These are pretty rare though.
For example, being corrupted into a demon. Or becoming so entwined with the Primordium that you become a nature spirit after death. These are pretty rare though.
Finally, there are some exceptions of mortal souls that don't go the Aether or Aru at all. But they're in a less than 1% minority of cases.
Basically, they involve the soul being "anchored" or "trapped" by magical means, preventing them from passing beyond the golden veil.
Basically, they involve the soul being "anchored" or "trapped" by magical means, preventing them from passing beyond the golden veil.
February 12, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Finally, there are some exceptions of mortal souls that don't go the Aether or Aru at all. But they're in a less than 1% minority of cases.
Basically, they involve the soul being "anchored" or "trapped" by magical means, preventing them from passing beyond the golden veil.
Basically, they involve the soul being "anchored" or "trapped" by magical means, preventing them from passing beyond the golden veil.
It's voluntary, many souls there will choose to wallow in their own misery and hate rather than change. But those that are successfully redeemed move up to Paradise.
They also are promised erasure if they haven't redeemed themselves by the time evil is 100% eliminated from the mortal world.
They also are promised erasure if they haven't redeemed themselves by the time evil is 100% eliminated from the mortal world.
February 12, 2026 at 2:50 PM
It's voluntary, many souls there will choose to wallow in their own misery and hate rather than change. But those that are successfully redeemed move up to Paradise.
They also are promised erasure if they haven't redeemed themselves by the time evil is 100% eliminated from the mortal world.
They also are promised erasure if they haven't redeemed themselves by the time evil is 100% eliminated from the mortal world.
The Drylands is a bleak (but not torturous) place for unrepentant evil souls.
It's sort of a rehabilitation world. Everything is designed to reflect the souls evil back into their face in the ugliest light possible. The only activities are those which encourage (moral) growth.
It's sort of a rehabilitation world. Everything is designed to reflect the souls evil back into their face in the ugliest light possible. The only activities are those which encourage (moral) growth.
February 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM
The Drylands is a bleak (but not torturous) place for unrepentant evil souls.
It's sort of a rehabilitation world. Everything is designed to reflect the souls evil back into their face in the ugliest light possible. The only activities are those which encourage (moral) growth.
It's sort of a rehabilitation world. Everything is designed to reflect the souls evil back into their face in the ugliest light possible. The only activities are those which encourage (moral) growth.
She also sorts them into one of two "wings" of Aru - "Paradise" and "The Drylands" (there's also a third but it's not for mortal souls).
Paradise is a place of rest and comfort, where souls can also watch what's going on in the mortal world like TV.
Paradise is a place of rest and comfort, where souls can also watch what's going on in the mortal world like TV.
February 12, 2026 at 2:41 PM
She also sorts them into one of two "wings" of Aru - "Paradise" and "The Drylands" (there's also a third but it's not for mortal souls).
Paradise is a place of rest and comfort, where souls can also watch what's going on in the mortal world like TV.
Paradise is a place of rest and comfort, where souls can also watch what's going on in the mortal world like TV.
As for what *actually* occurs after death, as I've mentioned, mortal souls are drawn into the Aether where they go before "Telosa" a powerful watcher (angelic being of light) who sends them to "Aru".
February 12, 2026 at 2:40 PM
As for what *actually* occurs after death, as I've mentioned, mortal souls are drawn into the Aether where they go before "Telosa" a powerful watcher (angelic being of light) who sends them to "Aru".
Yes, souls are very real.
People know souls exist, but they have different ideas about the afterlife. Will magic users can "observe" souls, all they see after death is just the soul sort of "slipping away".
They can't empirically verify whether it's going somewhere or simply ceasing to exist.
People know souls exist, but they have different ideas about the afterlife. Will magic users can "observe" souls, all they see after death is just the soul sort of "slipping away".
They can't empirically verify whether it's going somewhere or simply ceasing to exist.
February 12, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Yes, souls are very real.
People know souls exist, but they have different ideas about the afterlife. Will magic users can "observe" souls, all they see after death is just the soul sort of "slipping away".
They can't empirically verify whether it's going somewhere or simply ceasing to exist.
People know souls exist, but they have different ideas about the afterlife. Will magic users can "observe" souls, all they see after death is just the soul sort of "slipping away".
They can't empirically verify whether it's going somewhere or simply ceasing to exist.
Various schools create a standard of "mastery" where they'll consider you such. But it's really just what they've decided.
It usually includes coming up with some new technique/research of your own, achieving a certain degree of power, and being knowledgeable in at least one field.
It usually includes coming up with some new technique/research of your own, achieving a certain degree of power, and being knowledgeable in at least one field.
February 12, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Various schools create a standard of "mastery" where they'll consider you such. But it's really just what they've decided.
It usually includes coming up with some new technique/research of your own, achieving a certain degree of power, and being knowledgeable in at least one field.
It usually includes coming up with some new technique/research of your own, achieving a certain degree of power, and being knowledgeable in at least one field.
There isn't a hard upper limit, aside from eventually dying or being mentally incapacitated by old age (no currently accessible mortal magic can prevent this). You can keep practicing and growing in power indefinitely.
February 12, 2026 at 2:33 PM
There isn't a hard upper limit, aside from eventually dying or being mentally incapacitated by old age (no currently accessible mortal magic can prevent this). You can keep practicing and growing in power indefinitely.
For example, if portals are easy and safe enough to make and use - it becomes bizarre that other forms of transportation even exist.
So I put limits on them in terms of mana requires to maintain and skill and effort required to create. So they only make sense to use *sometimes*.
So I put limits on them in terms of mana requires to maintain and skill and effort required to create. So they only make sense to use *sometimes*.
February 11, 2026 at 5:57 PM
For example, if portals are easy and safe enough to make and use - it becomes bizarre that other forms of transportation even exist.
So I put limits on them in terms of mana requires to maintain and skill and effort required to create. So they only make sense to use *sometimes*.
So I put limits on them in terms of mana requires to maintain and skill and effort required to create. So they only make sense to use *sometimes*.
Personally, I take "OP" as "Overpowered" in the context of a story, overpowered for the story/world to make sense.
Certain things, without certain limitations - create lots of "why don't they just...?" questions that can break the logic of the world.
Certain things, without certain limitations - create lots of "why don't they just...?" questions that can break the logic of the world.
February 11, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Personally, I take "OP" as "Overpowered" in the context of a story, overpowered for the story/world to make sense.
Certain things, without certain limitations - create lots of "why don't they just...?" questions that can break the logic of the world.
Certain things, without certain limitations - create lots of "why don't they just...?" questions that can break the logic of the world.
Even if one doesn't die, the long term health effects of this are often not completely repairable even by the best of magical means.
Resulting in shortened lifespan and persistent medical issues that don't make sense.
Resulting in shortened lifespan and persistent medical issues that don't make sense.
February 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Even if one doesn't die, the long term health effects of this are often not completely repairable even by the best of magical means.
Resulting in shortened lifespan and persistent medical issues that don't make sense.
Resulting in shortened lifespan and persistent medical issues that don't make sense.
But there is an exception, it is possible through *usually* dark mana (but sometimes a use if spirit+flux) to "scrape the barrel" of your own mana. Converting more core, vital mana into usable mana.
This is incredibly unhealthy and can have many negatives effects including outright death.
This is incredibly unhealthy and can have many negatives effects including outright death.
February 11, 2026 at 1:28 PM
But there is an exception, it is possible through *usually* dark mana (but sometimes a use if spirit+flux) to "scrape the barrel" of your own mana. Converting more core, vital mana into usable mana.
This is incredibly unhealthy and can have many negatives effects including outright death.
This is incredibly unhealthy and can have many negatives effects including outright death.
It normally comes back pretty easily with either rest and food (yes you intake mana from your food, mana from whatever plant or animal it came from) or potions, though using the latter too much is deleterious.
February 11, 2026 at 1:25 PM
It normally comes back pretty easily with either rest and food (yes you intake mana from your food, mana from whatever plant or animal it came from) or potions, though using the latter too much is deleterious.
Just as with physical muscles, your mana depletes and gets "worn out".
However, biology is dependant on mana in my setting - so that does have a physical effect.
Normally, you just get tired and weak when your mana depletes. Akin to taking some form of sedative.
However, biology is dependant on mana in my setting - so that does have a physical effect.
Normally, you just get tired and weak when your mana depletes. Akin to taking some form of sedative.
February 11, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Just as with physical muscles, your mana depletes and gets "worn out".
However, biology is dependant on mana in my setting - so that does have a physical effect.
Normally, you just get tired and weak when your mana depletes. Akin to taking some form of sedative.
However, biology is dependant on mana in my setting - so that does have a physical effect.
Normally, you just get tired and weak when your mana depletes. Akin to taking some form of sedative.
So, I think of it like the metaphysical equivilant of a physical action.
If you move a chair, you use your physical body/energy to move a physical object.
If you compell mana to do something, you use your mana to reach out and move other mana.
If you move a chair, you use your physical body/energy to move a physical object.
If you compell mana to do something, you use your mana to reach out and move other mana.
February 11, 2026 at 1:18 PM
So, I think of it like the metaphysical equivilant of a physical action.
If you move a chair, you use your physical body/energy to move a physical object.
If you compell mana to do something, you use your mana to reach out and move other mana.
If you move a chair, you use your physical body/energy to move a physical object.
If you compell mana to do something, you use your mana to reach out and move other mana.
Note: "Want" in this context includes conscience, reasoning, beliefs, etc.
Not just impulsive desires like "eat tasty food". Wanting to be moral, be healthy, etc. is still a want.
Not just impulsive desires like "eat tasty food". Wanting to be moral, be healthy, etc. is still a want.
February 11, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Note: "Want" in this context includes conscience, reasoning, beliefs, etc.
Not just impulsive desires like "eat tasty food". Wanting to be moral, be healthy, etc. is still a want.
Not just impulsive desires like "eat tasty food". Wanting to be moral, be healthy, etc. is still a want.
To give a brief summary of "why" - to be free is to do (or not) what you want.
The sum of your wants determines the choice. Yes those wants themselves were predetermined, but so what?
What would it even mean to choose your wants? On what basis could that be besides other wants?
The sum of your wants determines the choice. Yes those wants themselves were predetermined, but so what?
What would it even mean to choose your wants? On what basis could that be besides other wants?
February 11, 2026 at 1:14 PM
To give a brief summary of "why" - to be free is to do (or not) what you want.
The sum of your wants determines the choice. Yes those wants themselves were predetermined, but so what?
What would it even mean to choose your wants? On what basis could that be besides other wants?
The sum of your wants determines the choice. Yes those wants themselves were predetermined, but so what?
What would it even mean to choose your wants? On what basis could that be besides other wants?
I'm a compatiblist (see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compati... )
So, I don't think even a 100% predetermined universe makes us less "free" in any meaningful sense.
So, as I define free will - it exists. If you mean "free will" in the sense of non-deterministic "choice", then no.
So, I don't think even a 100% predetermined universe makes us less "free" in any meaningful sense.
So, as I define free will - it exists. If you mean "free will" in the sense of non-deterministic "choice", then no.
Compatibilism - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:09 PM
I'm a compatiblist (see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compati... )
So, I don't think even a 100% predetermined universe makes us less "free" in any meaningful sense.
So, as I define free will - it exists. If you mean "free will" in the sense of non-deterministic "choice", then no.
So, I don't think even a 100% predetermined universe makes us less "free" in any meaningful sense.
So, as I define free will - it exists. If you mean "free will" in the sense of non-deterministic "choice", then no.
Another use of it is wands - in my setting, wands are actually things magi create and give (usually sell) to non-magic users.
They enchant it with a pre-programmed simple spell which will trigger when the person holding the wand says a key word/phrase.
They enchant it with a pre-programmed simple spell which will trigger when the person holding the wand says a key word/phrase.
February 10, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Another use of it is wands - in my setting, wands are actually things magi create and give (usually sell) to non-magic users.
They enchant it with a pre-programmed simple spell which will trigger when the person holding the wand says a key word/phrase.
They enchant it with a pre-programmed simple spell which will trigger when the person holding the wand says a key word/phrase.
The only cases where words/phrases are used are for triggering enchantments specifically designed to be triggered by them. Like passwords.
For example, a Mage may enchant a doorway to be sealed but unseal when a specific key phrase is used.
For example, a Mage may enchant a doorway to be sealed but unseal when a specific key phrase is used.
February 10, 2026 at 3:04 PM
The only cases where words/phrases are used are for triggering enchantments specifically designed to be triggered by them. Like passwords.
For example, a Mage may enchant a doorway to be sealed but unseal when a specific key phrase is used.
For example, a Mage may enchant a doorway to be sealed but unseal when a specific key phrase is used.