[[File:angels-1.png|frame|center]]

== Introduction ==

Angels are not as altruistic and selfless as stories like to tell. Rather than messengers of peace and love, they are a breed of '''soldiers forged in the holy fires of Heaven'''. Comparable to sentient units of a universal hive mind, their greatest strength lies in '''cooperation and strict, absolute authority'''. If an angel questions their higher-ranking kin, they could risk losing their wings or life. '''Unforgiving and unrelenting''', angels are fierce opponents, fearless guardians of their domain, '''recorders of the world's history''', and '''guardians of the lost'''.

<big>When creating an angel, consider:</big> 
Their level of independence, gender, age, unique titles/powers, and rank.

==== Related ====
* [[Fallen angels]]
* [[Heaven]]

== Birth ==

New angels are '''created blind and without wings'''. They have no sense of self and depend on their older kin for guidance and care. During an angel's first years, they are '''taught unquestionable loyalty to God''', often through methods comparable to torture. Only after extensive training are they given sight and a chance to earn their wings through a series of potentially deadly trials of combat, obedience, and trust, generally taking up an angel's '''first twenty years''' of existence.

In addition to being born blind and wingless, angels are '''created genderless''' and often choose one based on their preferable human form or continue referring to themselves as non-binary or genderfluid. A lack of sexual identity protects them from immoral impulses and might also '''prevent them from creating an identity altogether'''. While humans have been blessed by free will, angels are expected to adhere to the flock's decisions and merely '''imagine themselves as singular entities of whatever group''' they're part of.

While the oldest angels have been initially named by God, the '''newest generations are left to identify themselves'''. Names not ending in "-el" are rare, as differing from the flock is seen as a form of rebellion and unnecessary independence. History has taught that '''an autonomous angel is dangerous''', resulting in the older celestials keeping an extra close eye on their youngest kin and their newforming identities.

Because of minimal supervision outside of the brutal training, Heaven's strict pecking order, pack mentality, and glorification of martyrdom, '''bullying is common among young angels'''. Defiance is quickly turned into a sign of insurgency, further weakening an individual angel's sense of self-worth, thus feeding the ideology of a unit instead of an independent entity.

== Appearance ==

Angels remind sensual maidens as little as they do chubby babies: first and foremost, they are '''divine soldiers''', not benevolent guardians. Created well before humans, angels have very little in common with the average mortal. Viewing an angel's '''true form is more than enough to drive a human insane''', as pure divinity isn't meant to be witnessed, making '''dream walking the preferable method of communicating'''. Should a human even glimpse at an unmasked angel, their eyes would burn into their sockets, gruesomely killing or permanently scarring the unfortunate mortal.

Wings are a celestial's '''most significant and recognized characteristic'''. They can appear in any natural color except black, ranging in hue and vibrancy. They '''emit holy light into their surroundings''', providing natural illumination for their bearer. While supernaturally immune to dirt, an '''angel's wings must be pruned and cared for'''. A flock of celestials might gather to comb out each other's feathers, strengthening their social ties within the pack. Wings are '''extremely sensitive''', and allowing them to be touched is a sign of deep trust between friends.

An angel '''doesn't naturally look like a regular human'''. As they are created, they have no gender and appear as young humanoids wearing a translucent robe, are tall and slender in build, and have '''next to no unique features'''. Their skin is milky white, their hair platinum, and their face hidden behind a blinding veil. Only '''after receiving a rank above ishim and observing regular humans''' on Earth are they allowed to modify their appearance and adopt a more humane form to appear in. Even still, it's not uncommon to see '''angels spend most of their time in their true forms when in Heaven'''; with the inborn ability of telepathy, using a human form seems rather limiting compared to the transfer of raw emotions and pure concepts.

An angel's last and most prominent characteristic is their '''halo''': a self-illuminating bright circle of light above their head, '''blinding them''' from anything God doesn't want them to see.

[[File:angels-2.png|frame|center]]

== Ranks ==

Angels are assigned different ranks depending on their age and given purpose; that position '''rarely changes during their lifetime'''. Such events are extremely rare and mostly the doing of an archangel promoting their kin in times of dire need. As of late, the '''creation of new angels has dwindled''' to a fraction of what it once was, causing the overall population to decrease for the first time in history.

==== Archangels ====
Archangels, the oldest and most powerful of angels, '''descend in power and rank by their order of creation'''. Excluding Lucifer, the former archangel of Humility, the archangels are: '''Michael''' (Justice), '''Barachiel''' (Patience), '''Raphael''' (Charity), '''Uriel''' (Temperance), '''Gabriel''' (Diligence), and '''Haniel''' (Chastity). Their responsibilities are divided equally between Earth and Heaven, and thus, they are '''rarely seen by their kin'''. They are recognized by their '''six wings and monstrous true forms''' as they enter battle, in addition to '''unique, symbiotic weapons'''. These weapons cannot be handed to anyone else, defy the laws of physics, and radiate holy light.

==== Seraphim ====
Seraphim (singular "seraph") are the second rank. They act as '''heavenly warlords''' for the armies of God, often serving under the guidance of Michael. Their '''devotion to serving and sacrificing''' their lives '''defines their worth'''; these crusaders are considered the most tenacious angels. They, too, '''carry signature weapons''' that can be summoned at will and obey the same rules as those of archangels.

==== Cherubim ====
Cherubim (singular "cherub") are warriors directly under seraphim command and '''protectors of the heavenly realm'''. They act as guards in times of peace, waiting for the next call to action. Compared to the much more hostile seraphim, cherubim are '''specialized in defense and healing''' rather than more aggressive abilities. They '''rarely leave their assigned posts''' and are often stoic in nature, provoked into action whenever they sense a threat.

==== Erelim ====
Erelim (singular "erel"), caretakers, are the fourth rank. In addition to caring for and guiding their younger siblings, they '''record the history of the world'''. These angels are the most humane because they are created from particularly valuable, ascended mortal souls: '''martyrs and saints'''. Erelim are highly respected because of their past life as humans and the '''only rank assigned directly at birth'''. While they retain no memories of their past selves, their '''personality may carry over''' into the afterlife, and their gender is predetermined by their previous body or identity.

==== Malachim ====
Malachim (singular "malach") form the '''majority of angels'''. They possess '''no specific skills''' and are often overlooked by their higher-ranking kin. Their duty is to '''guide children, restore faith in the lost, answer prayers''', and oversee the continuous flow of souls through Heaven's gates. They are '''expendable to the word's full extent''' and serve no individual purpose or value. Ever since the creation process has slowed down, so have the admission of higher ranks—even the '''youngest of cherubim are several centuries old''', while the rest are left to serve as malachim.

==== Ishim ====
Ishim (singular "ishi"), the '''newborns''', are the lowest and weakest rank; the "babies," or "infants." Until an angel has undergone initiation and earned their wings, their only mission is to '''hone their skills''' in combat and '''learn to use their innate abilities''', familiarize themselves with the world, and aid their older kin. '''Ishim are not allowed to leave Heaven''' and will be severely punished for attempting it, regardless of their success.

== Powers ==

While not all angels are created equal, they share similar primary powers. Their '''capabilities may vary significantly between individuals''', depending on the angel's rank and Heaven's dominion over other realms. As Heaven is affected by ever-growing corruption, '''all angels born before the Rebellion have lost a portion of their original power'''.

==== Immortality ====
Angels care as little about aging, illnesses, and other human ailments as they do the general concept of mortal habits. With the archangels reaching thousands of years in age, the middle age for angels is well beyond the first few centuries. Immortality has only one significant downside: they rarely see the blink of a mortal's life span worthy of emotional investment.

==== Smiting ====
Smiting is the most basic form of angelic offense: a concentrated blast of holy power. Angels can smite through touch, where the effect is most intense, or telekinetically from further away, losing potency relative to the distance between themselves and their target. While smiting isn't generally considered a precise form of attack, some angels have perfected their sniping abilities and can hit moving targets from several yards away.

==== Healing ====
Angels possess the most powerful healing potential of all creatures without an equal. Their power allows them to cure illnesses, undo injuries, remove scars, and restore lost senses. However, using these powers on mortals is forbidden without explicit permission; whatever is intended to happen has to happen; such is the natural order. As an angel's ability to heal is tied to their wings, some have figured a way around the ban by leaving their feathers for humans to find. archangels possess the ultimate form of healing: resurrection from the dead.

==== Grace channeling ====
Angels can transfer grace to another one of their kin as a way to aid their recovery or to offer a temporary boost to their powers. Grace replenishes slowly over time, taking a day to restore every tenth of its full potency. Cherubim replenish their grace the fastest of all angels, cutting the recovery time in half, and can transfer more of it before becoming exhausted. As an angel recovers from the transfer, they are affected by channeling sickness and cannot deplete their grace again until it has fully replenished.

==== Light manipulation ====
Every angel can bend light to their will, using it to form cutting blades for attacking and translucent shields for defense. The power is at its strongest in Heaven but can be used on Earth, fueled by sunlight and fire. As an angel gains more skill and experience using the ability, they learn to create various shapes and forms; some may even manage to construct complex objects that last for hours instead of mere seconds.

==== Body creation and/or possession ====
Only cherubim and higher-ranking angels can create their own human bodies, leaving their lesser kin unable to hop between Heaven and Earth at will. Instead, the lower-ranking angels are left to find and possess a willing host, appearing in their dreams and requesting permission to take over. While able to possess a body by force, ignoring consent is forbidden, something that should only be done in an emergency. When possessed by an angel, the human soul enters hibernation, gently stirring within the shared body. The possessing angel is responsible for protecting the body's original soul, even sacrificing their own life to shield it from harm.

==== True form ====
All but the youngest ishim have access to their true form, where an angel is at their most powerful. The forms range from beautiful to terrifying, from the size of cars to the height of mountains, able to be seen across the horizon. They are as unique as animals on Earth, varying from celestial dragons to uncanny, human-like creatures. Not two forms are alike, nor are there characteristics every angel shares. Finding out one's true form is even more meaningful than settling on a name, which is why all ishim look forward to receiving their wings and transforming for the first time.

[[File:angels-3.png|frame|center]]

== Innate abilities ==

Innate abilities are skills '''all angels possess from the moment of their creation''' and throughout their life. Unlike powers, these abilities are generally the same for every angel despite their rank, with only '''minor differences between individuals'''. Learning to use their innate abilities takes little practice compared to acquiring mastery over powers and should be prioritized as an ishi's first responsibility.

==== Superhuman physiology ====
Even the weakest ishi is considered superior to a mortal in all physical ways: their durability, strength, speed, and all other attributes are considered superhuman. While angels can still feel exhausted or tired, they can withstand significant pain and fatigue before losing their edge. As with their powers, some angels are naturally faster or stronger than their similarly ranking peers; however, the differences nowadays are marginal, as having above-average qualities would require a personal blessing from their absent creator.

==== Flying and bio-teleportation ====
Since angels are blessed with wings, flying is their preferred mode of transportation. Flying requires energy, but practice allows angels to cross surprisingly great distances without fatigue. Teleportation is another option for transport; however, angels can only teleport near other angels. The range of the ability increases by rank and age, with archangels crossing the world to reach each other, while lower ranks like erelim barely make it across a medium-sized country.

==== Invisibility ====
Angels aren't meant to be seen and, thus, are gifted with the ability to turn and remain invisible. While invisible, they take on a semi-ethereal form and can move through solid objects or other living creatures. An invisible angel can only be seen by their kin, the deadly sins, and any primordials. If an angel passes through a mortal, they may feel the divine as a passing feeling of ease and comfort; to demons, the effect is the opposite.

==== Self-sustenance ====
Angels lack normal bodily functions and thus do not require food or sleep to function. The idea of either might seem foreign to them, especially if they have yet to experience life on Earth. As years pass and they spend time among humans, their curiosity might cause them to try either or both, usually with varying success. While angels do not sleep, they can still enjoy the peace of resting with their eyes closed and even dozing off out of exhaustion, yet spending hours sleeping every day seems more like a waste of time.

==== Telepathy and dream walking ====
Telepathy is a skill all angels possess naturally from the moment they are created. As they get more practice, they learn to better control the volume they project with, moving from simple needs to complex concepts. The ability to communicate with mortals is more complicated: angels may only appear to them within their dreams to shield humans from harmful divinity and dangerous knowledge. While angels cannot directly control a mortal's dream, they can ward off nightmares and ease the sleeper's mind, causing them to wake up well-rested and refreshed.

==== Localization ====
Once an angel has made contact with a mortal, they can locate that mortal anywhere in the world. They may even be able to track a particular human's closest kin, i.e., parents and children, or follow their old vessel's family tree down to their current generation and closest match to the original host. Erelim are particularly talented at localization, perhaps due to their duty as recorders; they have no difficulty tracking down even the most distant family line descendants.

==== Soul reading ====
A mortal's actions are inscribed into their soul, revealing their most significant shortcomings and greatest accomplishments. Angels can tap into any human's soul to see if they are virtuous; while they can't directly see the past, they can decipher if a human has committed sin or devoted their life to good causes. Depending on the reading, an angel can then aid that mortal to change their life's course… Or declare them as a lost cause with no hope for salvation.

==== Enochian language ====
When Heaven was first created, using words was forbidden, as it was considered God's privilege. As time passed and humans were born, the concept of language normalized and became part of Heaven's socializing. Still, it is more common for angels to communicate through telepathy, telling their kin precisely what they want or need instead of relying on the spoken language known as Enochian. Nowadays, only a few angels—mainly the erelim—know how to write it, as written words can cast spells both for and against the divine. Using Enochian to communicate with mortals is strictly forbidden as it could easily kill them, a single word resembling 77 jets taking off simultaneously.

==== Omnilingualism ====
Angels can understand and speak all human languages, including sign language. By utilizing telepathy, they can deduce any mortal's native language without hearing or seeing a single word being uttered. They may even pick up invented languages, like Elvish or Klingon, as long as the language has been documented and constructed. Technological languages like binary, however, are completely foreign to the celestials and thus beyond their understanding.

== Weaknesses ==

==== Enochian sigils ====
Empowered by the Words of God, Enochian sigils can trap and weaken angels, hide something from them, and even momentarily strip them of their supernatural abilities. Nowadays, knowledge of these sigils is forbidden, making information hard to find. While legends speak of Words that could bring even an archangel to their knees, these tales are unconfirmed and considered forever forgotten, as mentioning them might mean the death of any angel who brought the topic up.

==== Curses and magic ====
Less feared but equally dangerous, curses can be used to affect an angel's powers and psyche. A cursed angel might forget who and what they are, commit unforgivable sin against their will, or work as an undetectable agent of Hell. Curses are a demonic specialty but also craftable by mortals capable of magic, which is another tool to evade the attention and actions of celestials.

==== Vessel resistance ====
Since angels require permission to possess a human host, their chosen vessel retains some control over the angel wearing their flesh and can, in rare cases, eject their heavenly passenger. While the original soul can be destroyed, doing so will be a grave sin and most likely lead to the angel's fall. Children are especially resistant and can expel a foreign entity from their bodies with minimal effort, as their souls are still pure and empowered by Heaven's grace.

==== Heaven's dominion ====
Since Heaven started losing its reign as the dominating realm, angels have gradually lost their strength. The decline has been gradual and mostly unnoticed, but some angels have expressed concern over the accelerating trend. In the last millennium, humans have turned further away from virtues and embraced sin, resulting in fewer ascending souls and weakening Heaven. Unless the flow of souls is somehow redirected, Hell's upper hand will continue and spell disaster to the fragile balance between realms.

==== Mind control ====
Angels are particularly vulnerable to any mind control. As they struggle with independence, forcing them to act independently disorients them and causes their natural defenses to crumble. Be it a battle of quick wit or forceful inception, angels without an adequately developed personality are especially weak against manipulation.

==== Iron ====
Iron and steel can be used to ground an angel and momentarily cut off their connection with Heaven. Any cuffs, collars, or otherwise closed circuits will prevent an angel from using their powers and most of their innate abilities until they are freed, broken free, or the circuit is broken. The higher the concentration and purity of the used metal, the longer-lasting and more intense the effects.

==== Damage to true form ====
While angels can heal and maintain their humanoid forms in pristine shape, any damage to their true form can be lethal. Healing an angel's true form takes time or the efforts of higher-ranking kin, making it paramount to avoid it at all costs. Unlike their human looks, a true form bears all the scars of past battles and can never be mended completely.

==== Primordials ====
Not so much a weakness but a direct threat, primordials have the upper hand against any angel. Even if all the archangels combined their powers, they would barely stand a chance against a single, weakened primordial. The archaic principles are powerful enough to directly damage an angel's true form, crippling and incapacitating their opponent without much effort. It is better to stay clear of primordials or, at the very least, avoid provoking them.

[[File:angels-4.png|frame|center]]

Primordials

2025-07-20T12:19:30Z

RidiculusMus: Fixing inconsistent capitalization

[[File:Primordials.png|frame|right]]

== Introduction ==

Primordials—the building blocks of the existing universe and those that came before it. Also called Principles, Primary Elements, and Primal Essences, these cosmic entities '''truly define the word "all-powerful."''' They embody scientific concepts and personifications of universal rules, making them co-creators of the world we know. Holding powers beyond even those of gods, '''primordials embody laws and concepts that were born to help create and shape the current universe'''.

<big>When creating a primordial, consider:</big> 
Their unique powers, awakening, identity, and potential slumber.

=== Related ===

* [[World creation]]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_physics Glossary of physics] in Wikipedia

== Birth ==

Similar to angels, primordials "pop" into existence either by accident or as another primordial's creation. They are tied to concepts and constants, and depend on a link to their element. As such, '''they have to represent a current power present in the existing universe''', whether it be a measurable element like pressure or acceleration, or a more figurative concept witnessed in the world, like information or dreams. '''If the link to their fundamental power is severed, the primordial runs a risk of vanishing'''—and with them, their element. Leaving the current universe, though momentarily survivable, is hence forbidden by a shared agreement.

Primordials that haven't been created by another are '''usually unaware of their purpose or the reason of their existence'''. This can happen as a result of a concept becoming widespread enough to manifest an embodying entity, or purely by coincidence because of unavoidable entropy in the universe's fabric. Fortunately for humans, '''new primordials are never born on Earth''', thanks to Order's protection. This prevents any catastrophe destroying the human race, and forces primordials to purposefully seek out life in the universe. '''It is up to the original principles to keep newcomers in check''' and protect Earth from irrepairable damage, manipulation, and, especially, Chaos' influence.

== Appearance ==

The Primal Essences '''have no physical body they are tied to in an old-fashioned sense'''—their "bodies" reach across the universe and all its realms in the form of their powers. However, '''they can project a concept of their form''' to other beings, the illusion serving as an estimate of whatever would be considered their "true form". '''These gigantic illusions would take up entire horizons''' if viewed from Earth's surface, leaving even the greatest Sins and archangels in their shadow. '''It takes practise and trial and error to figure out how to appear to weaker life-forms''' with limited comprehension capabilities, and not to overwhelm the mortal mind into insanity.

The same goes for a primordial's voice: '''they can't simply mutter any words that come to mind''', but have to find a mortal language and lower their voice lower than a whisper not to rupture the listener's ear drums. '''Violent deaths and madness are known to follow reckless Principles''' not yet used to dealing with lesser beings, driving fragile minds into mental institutions or suicide to escape the horrors of their new reality. Cults have been known to be born from less and entire religions have been based around glimpses of the divine. Yet, '''if a primordial finally finds a form and human voice they learn to master, they are unlikely to ever change away from them'''.

[[File:Primordials-1.png|frame|center]]

== Variations ==

Not all primordials are recognized—with such concepts as Fate, Luck, and Dark Energy, the '''universe still hides more secrets''' than mankind has managed to discover. While the first primordials were handcrafted by Order and given purpose in shaping the world, those that have awakened after the initial six primary powers have had to identify themselves on their own.

While primordials do not follow traditional ranks, their '''powers diminish according to their generation'''. Chaos and Order were the initial archaic entities to exist, creating the first generation; out of Order came the next six Principals, forming the second generation; '''any primordials born after the first eight are considered "third generation"''' and thus lesser than those preceding them. They are still far beyond any archangel's or deadly sin's powers but pose no imminent threat to their older counterparts.

=== Chaos ===
The One That Was Before—'''Owuo'''. Spawning into existence simultaneously with Order, '''Chaos is both the first and last primordial that will ever be'''. Forced into deep slumber before the beginning of time, the Anti-God '''holds the power to end the universe and all realms beyond'''—or would if they still had their Voice. As the personification of all things chaotic and unpredictable, Chaos can be attributed to all kinds of random occurrences in the universe, from luck and misfortune to logic-defying dark matter and energy.

=== Order ===
The Almighty Creator—'''Ouranos''', also known as God. '''The originator of everything''' that came after Himself and most concepts since their birth, Order commands all those beneath Him. Armed with the '''power to turn a simple thought into other living beings or entire worlds''', the Almighty Father can create anything He desires with one limitation: whatever He makes has to have an equal counterpart. Good and evil, man and woman, free will and manipulation… Because without balance, there is no order—and without order, there is only chaos.

=== Time ===
The One That Erases Everything—'''Cronos'''. As the master of everything related to time, Cronos is '''entrusted with keeping a single, dominant timeline running''' and preventing it from splitting into several parallel realities. Not even mountains can resist Time's erosive powers—'''everything will bow down before the master of literal eternity'''. Anything is possible with infinity and the ability to squeeze a lifetime into a split second or stretch a blink of an eye into centuries… Or, at least, to command several millennia of ocean waves to wash through whatever stands in their way.

=== Matter ===
The All-Encompassing—'''Gaia'''. Without Matter, '''no other primordial functions, and time loses its meaning'''. In a constant delicate battle between matter and antimatter, Gaia's purpose is to ensure the universe continues to exist. '''Everything made of anything can be manipulated and repurposed''', right down to atomic level and beyond. Individual entities down to their DNA depend on Matter following the laws of causality, and not changing the biological steps of aging or evolution on a whim.

=== Gravity ===
The Inescapable One—'''Theia'''. Not even light can resist gravity's pull, '''the cosmic glue that holds the universe together'''. Too much of it, or a fraction too little, and humans wouldn't be able to survive. The delicate balance between bodies of matter is Theia's handiwork, threading the thin line between a slow death and a violent crunch. '''Able to stop anything in its tracks or pull it across the universe''', Gravity commands a truly terrifying force.

=== Magnetism ===
The Irresistible Contradiction—'''Ananke'''. Able to both repel and attract, Magnetism is what keeps molecules together and allows navigation based on magnetic fields. Ananke is '''responsible for protecting Earth from excess radiation and keeping its atmosphere intact''', and determined to be more powerful than gravity itself. Unlike their siblings, Magnetism is barely affected by other primordials, but rather a constant current, or a loud explosion of electricity.

=== Light ===
The Law Nothing Surpasses—'''Helios'''. What would happen if the speed of Light changed? '''The rules of time, space, and causality would shatter,''' resulting in immeasurable entropy and paradoxes. Manifesting as radiation, '''Light's heat feeds life and allows time to pass''', yet mutates everything it touches in one way or another. From relatively harmless radio waves to destructive gamma rays, a world without Helios would be silent and lightless—quite literally, lifeless.

=== Energy ===
The Inevitable Metamorphosis—'''Bia'''. Everything that has existed has undergone some kind of transformation over its lifespan, producing heat due to its change. With the '''potential to go nuclear''', Energy can only be transferred, transformed, and distributed, and certainly not tamed. Despite being the last primordial created by Order, Energy is the life force that runs through every living being. As the '''most diverse cosmic entity, Energy allows life to exist and the universe to flourish'''.

== Powers ==

=== Words ===
Words hold power—the phrase has never been more true. '''Why lift your hand, when your lips can create, destroy, and manipulate entire realms?''' Every primordial possesses a unique set of Words they can utilize to use their powers, but such words are not single syllables or quickly quipped commands. '''Each Word takes immense amounts of energy to pronounce''', by which time another primordial usually has time to react to it. Words are the manifestation of a Primal Essence's power, which makes them the most terrifying force in the universe.

=== Physics manipulation ===
It goes without saying that a '''primordial can manipulate every aspect of their personified power(s)''': slow or speed up time, multiply or reverse gravity, create or destroy matter, or stop a living organism's aging, either entirely or partially. '''If an element overlaps into multiple domains, so does its control.''' Because of the sheer scale of everything the archaic entities can do, a force that has been altered is nigh impossible to revert, never mind its (usually catastrophic) effects. Even small manipulations targeted at individuals are at risk of going viral and causing widespread panic, '''prohibiting any shenanigans from happening among humans'''.

=== Derivation/concept embodiment ===
Primordials are embodiments of their elements, their origins and sources—one cannot exist without the other. They are '''permanently bound to their concepts, unchangeable, and without power to evolve'''. Just like archangels and deadly sins are embodiments of their sins and virtues, primordials are equal to their elements. In a sense, the Primal Essences '''have no natural body to inhabit or control''', but rather a humane projection of something they can appear in among mortals. Hence, their "human bodies" are immune to any harm, and '''without a single form to concentrate their essence, harming a primordial chips away their effect in the universe'''. Sufficiently damaging a primordial may cause their power to bleed out of their human form instead of blood, forming a stream of concentrated power lethal to lesser beings.

=== Absolute cannibalism ===
Finally, a primordial is '''able to consume another primal essence, removing them from existence together with their power'''. If this was to happen, it is likely the universe would collapse, forcing its creation anew. This is the ultimate threat Chaos is told to pose—to destroy everything and anything, forever. Needless to say, '''any form of cannibalism is strictly forbidden'''—in fact, the power has never been witnessed, or perhaps even acknowledged to exist. It is of grave importance to preserve the balance between all creation, lest everything collapse like an unstable deck of cards.

[[File:Primordials-2.png|frame|center]]

== Innate abilities ==

=== Invulnerability ===
'''Every primordial can survive in conditions fatal to mortals''': deep in the ocean, out in space, entombed underground, or any other scenario that lacks access to food, water, and oxygen. While '''it doesn't make them completely immune to damage''', they can shrug off injuries that would cripple an immortal. '''Healing requires access to their personal domain'''—as in, existence anywhere in the universe and its realms—but will be accelerated to inhuman speed if the primordial can stay in close contact with whatever responds to their power. (I.e., Gravity staying in the center of a black hole, Radication staying close to the sun, etc.)

=== Temporal teleportation ===
Since time and space are not constant, all primordials '''possess the power to travel both across and outside of both''', appearing at different points of time or multiple places simultaneously. '''Chronoshiting carries a major risk of paradoxes and time loops''', and is thus strongly discouraged outside emergencies. Generally, only Time is allowed to meddle with such abilities, and even they should have an explanation ready for Order's inevitable interrogation.

=== Cosmic awareness ===
Every primordial knows whatever happens around the universe and its realm at all times, assuming their power exists within it. '''No force in the universe is capable of preventing other primordials from sensing changes in the cosmos''', even if they would be powerless to affect its outcome. However, '''with constant minimal changes the effect could be hidden beneath everything else''' that's making the universe sing, until it will be too late to change the end result… Of course, nobody would be stupid enough to even try.

== Weaknesses ==

=== Voice removal ===
A primordial can't access their powers without their Voice and will be severely weakened. '''Words hold cosmic power; even a single syllable could spell immeasurable destruction.''' It is why vocal commands are a primordial's most terrifying weapon—there is little that they couldn't do if given the chance. Of course, since every entity is highly specialized in a particular domain, Words like "Create" or "Eradicate" are limited to a single user or two. Even so, removing even one primary element from the universe would have life-ending consequences.

=== Enochian sigils ===
Enochian sigils are written Words of a primordial's voice, carrying entire concepts behind them. They are a '''mortal's way of bending the supernatural to their will''', holding primal power behind each stroke of ink. Even though knowledge of most Words are either forgotten or safely guarded by a small number of individuals, '''commands like "Submit" or "Heel" have been known to bring even the most powerful enemies to their knees'''. As long as the sigils have been physically painted on a flat surface and kept intact, no primordial can undo or protest against such force.

=== Divine weapons ===
Despite being called "divine", '''weapons capable of harming primordials are actually made by Order or formed out of His power'''. Other primordials have little to no defensive capability against their supreme creator, and must flee or risk serious damage if confronted with such weaponry. '''Even the smallest blades can make a cut into a primordial's life force''', releasing a blood-like stream of raw cosmic power into the world. Even though it takes much more to seriously harm a Primal Essence, no beef in the world is worth risking it.

=== Other primordials ===
Theoretically, '''any primordial would be able to consume another and remove them from existence''', even though no one knows exactly how. It would take an immense amount of effort and energy to even begin such task, nevermind the time it would require to finish. '''It's a horrifying concept to scare off lesser primordials''', but the possibility might as well be there, since no one has ever attempted it.

[[File:Primordials-3.png|frame|center]]

Primordials

2025-07-20T12:17:22Z

RidiculusMus: Fixing inconsistent capitalization

[[File:Primordials.png|frame|right]]

== Introduction ==

Primordials—the building blocks of the existing universe and those that came before it. Also called Principles, Primary Elements, and Primal Essences, these cosmic entities '''truly define the word "all-powerful."''' They embody scientific concepts and personifications of universal rules, making them co-creators of the world we know. Holding powers beyond even those of gods, '''primordials embody laws and concepts that were born to help create and shape the current universe'''.

<big>When creating a primordial, consider:</big> 
Their unique powers, awakening, identity, and potential slumber.

=== Related ===

* [[World creation]]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_physics Glossary of physics] in Wikipedia

== Birth ==

Similar to angels, primordials "pop" into existence either by accident or as another primordial's creation. They are tied to concepts and constants, and depend on a link to their element. As such, '''they have to represent a current power present in the existing universe''', whether it be a measurable element like pressure or acceleration, or a more figurative concept witnessed in the world, like information or dreams. '''If the link to their fundamental power is severed, the primordial runs a risk of vanishing'''—and with them, their element. Leaving the current universe, though momentarily survivable, is hence forbidden by a shared agreement.

Primordials that haven't been created by another are '''usually unaware of their purpose or the reason of their existence'''. This can happen as a result of a concept becoming widespread enough to manifest an embodying entity, or purely by coincidence because of unavoidable entropy in the universe's fabric. Fortunately for humans, '''new primordials are never born on Earth''', thanks to Order's protection. This prevents any catastrophe destroying the human race, and forces primordials to purposefully seek out life in the universe. '''It is up to the original principles to keep newcomers in check''' and protect Earth from irrepairable damage, manipulation, and, especially, Chaos' influence.

== Appearance ==

The Primal Essences '''have no physical body they are tied to in an old-fashioned sense'''—their "bodies" reach across the universe and all its realms in the form of their powers. However, '''they can project a concept of their form''' to other beings, the illusion serving as an estimate of whatever would be considered their "true form". '''These gigantic illusions would take up entire horizons''' if viewed from Earth's surface, leaving even the greatest Sins and archangels in their shadow. '''It takes practise and trial and error to figure out how to appear to weaker life-forms''' with limited comprehension capabilities, and not to overwhelm the mortal mind into insanity.

The same goes for a primordial's voice: '''they can't simply mutter any words that come to mind''', but have to find a mortal language and lower their voice lower than a whisper not to rupture the listener's ear drums. '''Violent deaths and madness are known to follow reckless Principles''' not yet used to dealing with lesser beings, driving fragile minds into mental institutions or suicide to escape the horrors of their new reality. Cults have been known to be born from less and entire religions have been based around glimpses of the divine. Yet, '''if a primordial finally finds a form and human voice they learn to master, they are unlikely to ever change away from them'''.

[[File:Primordials-1.png|frame|center]]

== Variations ==

Not all primordials are recognized—with such concepts as Fate, Luck, and Dark Energy, the '''universe still hides more secrets''' than mankind has managed to discover. While the first primordials were handcrafted by Order and given purpose in shaping the world, those that have awakened after the initial six primary powers have had to identify themselves on their own.

While primordials do not follow traditional ranks, their '''powers diminish according to their generation'''. Chaos and Order were the initial archaic entities to exist, creating the first generation; out of Order came the next six Principals, forming the second generation; '''any primordials born after the first eight are considered "third generation"''' and thus lesser than those preceding them. They are still far beyond any Archangel's or deadly sin's powers but pose no imminent threat to their older counterparts.

=== Chaos ===
The One That Was Before—'''Owuo'''. Spawning into existence simultaneously with Order, '''Chaos is both the first and last primordial that will ever be'''. Forced into deep slumber before the beginning of time, the Anti-God '''holds the power to end the universe and all realms beyond'''—or would if they still had their Voice. As the personification of all things chaotic and unpredictable, Chaos can be attributed to all kinds of random occurrences in the universe, from luck and misfortune to logic-defying dark matter and energy.

=== Order ===
The Almighty Creator—'''Ouranos''', also known as God. '''The originator of everything''' that came after Himself and most concepts since their birth, Order commands all those beneath Him. Armed with the '''power to turn a simple thought into other living beings or entire worlds''', the Almighty Father can create anything He desires with one limitation: whatever He makes has to have an equal counterpart. Good and evil, man and woman, free will and manipulation… Because without balance, there is no order—and without order, there is only chaos.

=== Time ===
The One That Erases Everything—'''Cronos'''. As the master of everything related to time, Cronos is '''entrusted with keeping a single, dominant timeline running''' and preventing it from splitting into several parallel realities. Not even mountains can resist Time's erosive powers—'''everything will bow down before the master of literal eternity'''. Anything is possible with infinity and the ability to squeeze a lifetime into a split second or stretch a blink of an eye into centuries… Or, at least, to command several millennia of ocean waves to wash through whatever stands in their way.

=== Matter ===
The All-Encompassing—'''Gaia'''. Without Matter, '''no other primordial functions, and time loses its meaning'''. In a constant delicate battle between matter and antimatter, Gaia's purpose is to ensure the universe continues to exist. '''Everything made of anything can be manipulated and repurposed''', right down to atomic level and beyond. Individual entities down to their DNA depend on Matter following the laws of causality, and not changing the biological steps of aging or evolution on a whim.

=== Gravity ===
The Inescapable One—'''Theia'''. Not even light can resist gravity's pull, '''the cosmic glue that holds the universe together'''. Too much of it, or a fraction too little, and humans wouldn't be able to survive. The delicate balance between bodies of matter is Theia's handiwork, threading the thin line between a slow death and a violent crunch. '''Able to stop anything in its tracks or pull it across the universe''', Gravity commands a truly terrifying force.

=== Magnetism ===
The Irresistible Contradiction—'''Ananke'''. Able to both repel and attract, Magnetism is what keeps molecules together and allows navigation based on magnetic fields. Ananke is '''responsible for protecting Earth from excess radiation and keeping its atmosphere intact''', and determined to be more powerful than gravity itself. Unlike their siblings, Magnetism is barely affected by other primordials, but rather a constant current, or a loud explosion of electricity.

=== Light ===
The Law Nothing Surpasses—'''Helios'''. What would happen if the speed of Light changed? '''The rules of time, space, and causality would shatter,''' resulting in immeasurable entropy and paradoxes. Manifesting as radiation, '''Light's heat feeds life and allows time to pass''', yet mutates everything it touches in one way or another. From relatively harmless radio waves to destructive gamma rays, a world without Helios would be silent and lightless—quite literally, lifeless.

=== Energy ===
The Inevitable Metamorphosis—'''Bia'''. Everything that has existed has undergone some kind of transformation over its lifespan, producing heat due to its change. With the '''potential to go nuclear''', Energy can only be transferred, transformed, and distributed, and certainly not tamed. Despite being the last primordial created by Order, Energy is the life force that runs through every living being. As the '''most diverse cosmic entity, Energy allows life to exist and the universe to flourish'''.

== Powers ==

=== Words ===
Words hold power—the phrase has never been more true. '''Why lift your hand, when your lips can create, destroy, and manipulate entire realms?''' Every primordial possesses a unique set of Words they can utilize to use their powers, but such words are not single syllables or quickly quipped commands. '''Each Word takes immense amounts of energy to pronounce''', by which time another primordial usually has time to react to it. Words are the manifestation of a Primal Essence's power, which makes them the most terrifying force in the universe.

=== Physics manipulation ===
It goes without saying that a '''primordial can manipulate every aspect of their personified power(s)''': slow or speed up time, multiply or reverse gravity, create or destroy matter, or stop a living organism's aging, either entirely or partially. '''If an element overlaps into multiple domains, so does its control.''' Because of the sheer scale of everything the archaic entities can do, a force that has been altered is nigh impossible to revert, never mind its (usually catastrophic) effects. Even small manipulations targeted at individuals are at risk of going viral and causing widespread panic, '''prohibiting any shenanigans from happening among humans'''.

=== Derivation/concept embodiment ===
Primordials are embodiments of their elements, their origins and sources—one cannot exist without the other. They are '''permanently bound to their concepts, unchangeable, and without power to evolve'''. Just like archangels and deadly sins are embodiments of their sins and virtues, primordials are equal to their elements. In a sense, the Primal Essences '''have no natural body to inhabit or control''', but rather a humane projection of something they can appear in among mortals. Hence, their "human bodies" are immune to any harm, and '''without a single form to concentrate their essence, harming a primordial chips away their effect in the universe'''. Sufficiently damaging a primordial may cause their power to bleed out of their human form instead of blood, forming a stream of concentrated power lethal to lesser beings.

=== Absolute cannibalism ===
Finally, a primordial is '''able to consume another primal essence, removing them from existence together with their power'''. If this was to happen, it is likely the universe would collapse, forcing its creation anew. This is the ultimate threat Chaos is told to pose—to destroy everything and anything, forever. Needless to say, '''any form of cannibalism is strictly forbidden'''—in fact, the power has never been witnessed, or perhaps even acknowledged to exist. It is of grave importance to preserve the balance between all creation, lest everything collapse like an unstable deck of cards.

[[File:Primordials-2.png|frame|center]]

== Innate abilities ==

=== Invulnerability ===
'''Every primordial can survive in conditions fatal to mortals''': deep in the ocean, out in space, entombed underground, or any other scenario that lacks access to food, water, and oxygen. While '''it doesn't make them completely immune to damage''', they can shrug off injuries that would cripple an immortal. '''Healing requires access to their personal domain'''—as in, existence anywhere in the universe and its realms—but will be accelerated to inhuman speed if the primordial can stay in close contact with whatever responds to their power. (I.e., Gravity staying in the center of a black hole, Radication staying close to the sun, etc.)

=== Temporal teleportation ===
Since time and space are not constant, all primordials '''possess the power to travel both across and outside of both''', appearing at different points of time or multiple places simultaneously. '''Chronoshiting carries a major risk of paradoxes and time loops''', and is thus strongly discouraged outside emergencies. Generally, only Time is allowed to meddle with such abilities, and even they should have an explanation ready for Order's inevitable interrogation.

=== Cosmic awareness ===
Every primordial knows whatever happens around the universe and its realm at all times, assuming their power exists within it. '''No force in the universe is capable of preventing other primordials from sensing changes in the cosmos''', even if they would be powerless to affect its outcome. However, '''with constant minimal changes the effect could be hidden beneath everything else''' that's making the universe sing, until it will be too late to change the end result… Of course, nobody would be stupid enough to even try.

== Weaknesses ==

=== Voice removal ===
A primordial can't access their powers without their Voice and will be severely weakened. '''Words hold cosmic power; even a single syllable could spell immeasurable destruction.''' It is why vocal commands are a primordial's most terrifying weapon—there is little that they couldn't do if given the chance. Of course, since every entity is highly specialized in a particular domain, Words like "Create" or "Eradicate" are limited to a single user or two. Even so, removing even one primary element from the universe would have life-ending consequences.

=== Enochian sigils ===
Enochian sigils are written Words of a primordial's voice, carrying entire concepts behind them. They are a '''mortal's way of bending the supernatural to their will''', holding primal power behind each stroke of ink. Even though knowledge of most Words are either forgotten or safely guarded by a small number of individuals, '''commands like "Submit" or "Heel" have been known to bring even the most powerful enemies to their knees'''. As long as the sigils have been physically painted on a flat surface and kept intact, no primordial can undo or protest against such force.

=== Divine weapons ===
Despite being called "divine", '''weapons capable of harming primordials are actually made by Order or formed out of His power'''. Other primordials have little to no defensive capability against their supreme creator, and must flee or risk serious damage if confronted with such weaponry. '''Even the smallest blades can make a cut into a primordial's life force''', releasing a blood-like stream of raw cosmic power into the world. Even though it takes much more to seriously harm a Primal Essence, no beef in the world is worth risking it.

=== Other primordials ===
Theoretically, '''any primordial would be able to consume another and remove them from existence''', even though no one knows exactly how. It would take an immense amount of effort and energy to even begin such task, nevermind the time it would require to finish. '''It's a horrifying concept to scare off lesser primordials''', but the possibility might as well be there, since no one has ever attempted it.

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