The Multiverse

The most fundamental component of the multiverse is Primal Energy, which is always organized into quanta that manifest in a variety of ways. The most common expression of Primal Energy is that of matter, for instance material planes or the worlds within those planes. Essentially anything that can be perceived in the multiverse is composed of some expression of Primal Energy. Over time, Primal Energy accumulates a charge of force called Flux, up to a level proportional to the amount of Primal Energy present. Some phenomena, including the abilities of some creatures, can cause this Flux to be released and manipulated. The manipulation of Flux is the only way of intentionally affecting Primal Energy (beyond the mysterious forces that cause it to take forms in the first place).

Creatures are also ultimately composed of Primal Energy, in the form of their spirit/soul/ka/whatever-your-religion-calls-it ("spirit" for the purposes of this discussion). Classified according to how they interact with Primal Energy, there are three types of creatures: Mortals (of which there are two sub-types), Immortals, and Powers. Mortal creatures are those that have no ability to manipulate Primal Energy directly. They may make use of Flux (although usually in an inefficient manner). A small subset of Mortal creatures can actually increase the amount of Primal Energy in their spirit, with a corresponding increase in their ability to accomplish feats, manifest abilities and withstand damage. These Mortals are called Primal Mortals (or "Gods-blood Blessed" in common Zerithian parlance). However, all Mortals lack the ability to sustain their spirit and therefore eventually will suffer degradation and eventual dissolution of that spirit (which is why ordinary magic can't prolong a person's life beyond their "allotted" years). Immortals are creatures that have the ability to accumulate Primal Energy and to sustain their spirit, as well as directly make use of Flux. This enables them to (absent violent death) live effectively forever and grow more powerful as they do so. They also exhibit innate powers that are significantly more potent than those of Mortals. Powers are creatures that can both accumulate Primal Energy and directly manipulate it through force of will, in addition to making use of Flux. They can literally re-shape reality if they exert enough will (aided by considerable expenditure of Flux). Immortals and Powers can make use of Flux derived from other sources, and indeed one of the main attractions of the presence of Mortals for the "higher beings" is that they can be taught processes (rituals) to direct Flux (which is why Gods and similar beings seek worshipers).

Planes of existence are merely vast webs of Primal Energy that have taken material form. The denser the web, the more Primal Energy a plane is composed of, and therefore the more Flux that can be accumulated. From the perspective of an Immortal or Power, a plane is essentially a vast Flux battery that replenishes itself. However, there is a self-limiting factor to the system: the most powerful (and therefore the "largest" in Primal Energy terms) such beings cannot enter such tightly woven webs (which we call "material planes"), and so cannot draw the available Flux for use. This is another way in which Mortals (who can enter any plane that has hospitable physical conditions) can help Immortals and Powers, through rituals (such as prayers and sacrifice). Even though Powers can't enter material planes, they sometimes create avatars, imbued with a small measure of their will, to send into such places. Once there, an avatar permits the Power to perceive things that happen within, and perhaps to teach Mortals the rituals specific to helping them.