Lexicon of Accuh and Related Concepts
Accuh
A residual essence released upon the death of any living being, often visible as a pinkish-purple smoke. This essence contains fragments of the deceased's physical strength, knowledge, skills, magical power, and more.
Example: When a common farmer dies, the Accuh they leave behind might slightly enhance the strength or reflexes of the one who absorbs it.
Digestion of Accuh
The vital process by which absorbed Accuh is integrated safely into the body and mind. If Accuh is not properly digested, it can cause harmful side effects such as mental disorientation, sickness, or physical damage.
Example: A soldier who hastily absorbs Accuh on the battlefield without proper digestion may suffer debilitating headaches or loss of control.
Blessing of Muh'dus
A rare divine favor from Muh'dus, the scattered god of growth, knowledge, and division. Those granted this blessing can instantly digest and redistribute Accuh as they desire, regardless of its original nature.
Example:
A soldier might kill a farmer and transform that farmer's Accuh—which contains knowledge about family and livestock—into raw physical strength or improved stamina.
Legacy Crystals
Highly uncommon, condensed formations of Accuh left behind by powerful individuals. These crystals harbor specific abilities once wielded by their owners, such as the power of gigantification or elemental control. Such "legacies" are dangerous to absorb without preparation due to their volatile nature.
Example: A legendary warrior might leave behind a crystal containing their ability to grow to enormous size, granting whoever absorbs it immense power but at great risk.
Heirlooms
Objects, powers, or traits passed down through bloodlines. These are often imbued with accumulated Accuh, strengthening the bearer over generations. Heirlooms can be physical weapons or inherited magical talents.
Example: A noble family might possess a sword said to hold the fighting spirit of their ancestors, granting its wielder enhanced skill and resilience.
The Bonding
A sacred and dangerous ritual practiced by the followers of the Great Unison, involving the fusion of body parts from a deceased creature onto a living person. Commonly performed on conscript soldiers fighting the Twisted, it grants augmented strength or resilience. Success depends on the skill of the Unison priest, compatibility, and the condition of the donor parts.
Example:A conscript might have the claw of a defeated beast fused to their arm, gaining increased grip strength and claw-like attack ability, but risking rejection or mutation.
Blessings
Randomly bestowed powers or favors from the gods, varying widely in potency and effect. Blessings are often unpredictable and may alter the course of a person's life.
Example:A blessing might grant someone enhanced vision, the ability to calm wild animals, or even a powerful magical talent.
Spirits
Incorporeal entities born from repeated actions or large-scale events. Spirits rarely interact directly with mortals but can form packs or bonds.
Example: The spirit of a sword is said to arise after a warrior swings it thousands of times, embodying the will and skill of its wielder. Similarly, a massive flood might give birth to a water spirit that lingers near the river.
Magic
The practice of accumulating and focusing enough Accuh of a particular kind to gain temporary access to the spirit realm—an intermediary state between material and immaterial existence. Through this, the practitioner externalizes the "weight" of Accuh to alter reality.
Example: A blacksmith who has worked metal for years might accumulate enough smithing-related Accuh to bend metal without heating it. A mage of blades could gather enough Accuh from swordsmanship to manifest sharp ethereal blades.