Overview   |      Edeiology     |     Setting     |     Organizations    |     History     |     NPCs

Special traits for Edeia include the states of being Fission Edeia, Soultwined Edeia, and Tuplet Edeia (i.e. Twin Edeia). A brief summary/comparison of each: 

• Fission: One Edeia splits into multiple fission fragments. This comes about from a dichotomous sense of identity, in which different aspects of the self are accepted as part of a whole, but different enough and possibly even sometimes conflicting in ways that lead to a splitting of identity. They only have one Idea, though fragments can represent different aspects of that Idea.

• Soultwined: Multiple beings, typically two, develop a powerful soulbond and Actualize as intertwined beings. They retain different Ideas, though the Ideas are defined and interpreted in the context of one another. They have more independence than Twin Edeia, but they are not independent individuals. The souls are tightly intertwined, in a sense that is like "two bound together as one."

• Tuplet (Twin) Edeia: Multiple beings, typically two, develop a powerful soulbond that blends their souls into an existence that is both one and two at once. They have the same Idea, and often exist as "one being in two bodies." It more commonly originates from familial bonds. 

• Ambideia: One Edeia has multiple, typically two, distinctly separate Ideas, which they usually fluidly shift their identity between. This is not the same as having one multifaceted Idea; a particular characteristic is a capability of almost completely disconnecting and reconnecting with their Ideas. They take a different appearance when identifying with a different Idea. It is possible for them to express their multiple Ideas at the same time in a state similar to fusion, though for some individuals this can be more or less difficult.

Each one has very particular lore and will have numerous requirements for acquisition, which are outlined in the Special Trait Acquisition Guide.  

Note that siblings can become Edeia separately, and Edeia can have soulbonds without being Soultwined or Tuplet Edeia.

Fission is a very rare trait for Edeia that is brought about by a dichotomous sense of identity, specifically for the case of one soul perceiving itself as multiple individuals. It is essentially the opposite of fusion, in that one Edeia becomes two or more entities. An Edeia with this capability can stay as fission fragments indefinitely; the state is much like an alternate form, in the same way fusion is for Twin Edeia.

The Idea can be entirely separate from what makes an Edeia have the fission trait. Different fragments could both have the same Idea/abilities as before, with the only differences being a fragmentation of their personal identity, or different fragments can represent/emphasize different aspects of the original's Idea. 

The sense of individuality for fission components can vary; in the case of Auspice (the Edeia), each component considers themself to still be part of the same entity and they have a fluid, connected consciousness. In some cases, however, each component may have stronger individuality and significantly different personalities, though still derivative of the original Edeia. Regardless, the components generally have connected minds. 

Note that Twin Edeia have a different metaphysical state, i.e. having a soul that is one and two at once. A fission still has exactly one soul, though each component may be influenced by different aspects of the soul. 

Actualization Process

Fission Edeia can develop a Fission trait before or after they Actualize, but it is more typical that the dichotomous sense of identity starts to develop in their previous form. Otherwise, they Actualize normally.

The dichotomous sense of identity that leads to the development a Fission trait is not the same as multiplicity (i.e. DID/OSDD alters, see A Note on Multiple Personalities below), though they could be related depending on the case. The dichotomy of Fission often arises from experiencing dissonance when trying to make decisions - there is a part of an individual that wants to do one thing, and a part of them that wants to do another thing - and both parts are or are nearly equally "right" to the individual. The dissonance could be even worse if, by pursuing one method of being themself, they deny the other element of themself. If they reflect, meditate, or otherwise contemplate this dissonance and form concepts of identification that grow into distinct but cohesive identities, this could lead to Fission. The process of developing these distinct identities can lead to some resolution of the dissonant feelings. Rather than developing an "alter," which is more like an independent identity developed outside of one's control, Fission comes from viewing oneself as having multiple aspects that are all "themself." Fission, in a way, is like actualizing these aspects into more independent parts. 

Fission being developed before Actualization is essentially developing this sense of distinct identities; an individual who Actualizes with this sense of identity may immediately Actualize with the Fission trait. Otherwise, this sense of identity may be developed after Actualization or only reach a critical point after Actualization, at which point the Edeia can develop the Fission trait. 

There may be other circumstances that lead to Fission as well; feel free to consult Auspice if you are unsure. 

Fission Evolutions

While most Fission Edeia are stable in their Fission state with the conflicts within their identity resolved by the separation, there are a few cases where the development of a Fission trait can allow for circumstances that lead to further changes in the Edeia's sense of identity and their Idea. 

If the Fission fragments develop stronger, more distinct conceptualizations of their self compared to the original Edeia, then it is possible for them to undergo a sort of second Actualization that changes them into Tuplet Edeia or Soultwined Edeia, depending on whether the fragments also develop a distinct sense of their own Ideas (Soultwined) or not (Tuplet). Essentially, if the Edeia feels more defined by their identity as their fragments over their original united form, then there can be a metaphysical shift in their soul. It is as though each fragment develops a whole soul rather than just being half, though the core is still shared. 

A Fission Edeia has a slightly greater likelihood of becoming an Ambideia compared to ideated individuals pre-Actualization if they spend the majority of their time as their Fission fragments, and especially if the fragments start mentally shielding their thoughts, emotions, and sensorium from each other. This creates circumstances that allow for independent and/or divergent development of Ideas. 

Some Fission fragments embody different facets of the original Edeia's Idea, and over time, these facets can shift and grow, becoming Ideas of their own. This can cause dissonance and disorientation when the fragments reunite. If original Edeia must accepts the different facets of their Idea as distinct Ideas and reaches a new understanding of themself, they are then able to transition. The process may be quick through a second Actualization, or it may be slow, with the original Edeia beginning to more stably fluctuate between their Ideas without discomfort. In these cases, the Edeia in question usually becomes a Fission Ambideia. Auspice is an example. However, if their sense of dichotomous identity shifts from "disparate but simultaneous" to "fluctuating," it is also possible for them to become a full Ambideia, often with their different Idea expression states expressing more the personality of the original fragments. 

These are Edeia who are deeply soulbound, those whose identities are shared and defined with each other. 

They are a rare occurrence, though not as rare as Fission or Tuplet Edeia. Similar to Tuplets, they must experience a mutual soulbond strong enough to overcome the natural draw of beings towards actualization as their unique, individually-defined, true self. Unlike Tuplets, they retain stronger senses of individuality and different Ideas—though their Ideas are often defined in the context of and/or in contrast with the other, which strengthens their senses of identity both as their own self and as the united unit with their soultwined. Many have "opposite" Ideas, but this is not necessarily the case—they could also be similar/adjacent Ideas, or maybe Ideas seemingly unrelated but together having some greater/more complex/nuanced meaning. There simply must be something about their Ideas becoming something more when considered together. 

Almost all Soultwined Edeia are Actualized as such, with their journey of exploring their identities and becoming soulbound occurring while they were in their previous form. They often help define each other through defining themselves, getting an ever stronger sense of who they are as a counterpart to their other. Humans especially have mutable souls and much more easily develop such a strong soulbond so as to have their "true self" be one that is part of and defined with another individual. For Edeia to become Soultwined after Actualization is extremely rare, as by the time they are Actualized, they have already established and accepted a strong identity as their own self. Doing so would involve a major shift in their sense of self, a gradual change mutually shared with the other; it may even involve a second Actualization. 

Soultwined Edeia should not be considered independent individuals from each other, though they may seem to act independently at times. They are not "two very close individuals" but parts of a united existence. Their personalities will often exist on a spectrum of blending that might depend on their mood or simply ebb and flow naturally. They may have their independent personalities present, have each blend elements of the other, or they may reach a point of having the same personality, though this last case is rare for them and much more common for Tuplet Edeia. The same goes for their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. The sharing of their thoughts may go from deliberate telepathy, awareness of each other's surface thoughts, deeper thoughts, to sharing all thoughts. They are always aware of each other's emotions, though this can go from cognitive awareness to feeling them themselves. Their senses—visual, hearing, touch, etc.—can be shared deliberately, in the background (low but present the transference), to sharing all senses simultaneously; in the last case, they can still retain awareness and ability to interact with the world without being confused. All these states can occur regardless of distance. 

As with any who have strong soulbonds, they have an instinctive sense of the others' comfort and needs. They more or less never cause accidental or deliberate emotional harm to each other—accidental is nearly impossible due to their instinctive awareness, and if they have a soultwined bond, they would not harm each other. If they were in a sort of relationship where they would deliberately hurt the other, the bond would not form, as it requires mutual trust and comfort with the other. They are also, again, not entirely independent beings, but a sort of faceted system with a united identity that exists in the world and experiences it together.   

Their appearances often have some similar characteristics that link them visually, though they can still vary considerably. They fuse extremely easily, and such a state can be considered more like an alternate form for them as opposed to a fusion between two independent Edeia. 

Soultwined Edeia share an Abstraction. It can be more on the dynamic end or on the static end; dynamic Abstractions may shift from something having elements associated with each part being separated, to mixing together, to blending thoroughly as a united, congruent thing. Those with a more static Abstraction (the same over time) may have sections that are united/congruent and sections more strongly representing each Idea. 

Actualization Process

Soultwined and Tuplet Edeia Actualize through a very similar process. The involved individuals must have a powerful soulbond. For Tuplets, it must be of the nature that the souls are nearly blended into one, while for Soultwined, it is more of a strong link that leads to blending. The individual "self" is very strong; the strength of the soulbond and mutual identification must be enough to overcome the natural want to be an independent self-actualized being, defined only by one's own true self. For Tuplets and Soultwined, the "true self" is a shared one, but Tuplets must have a much stronger connection as their Idea and "identity" are the same. 

While a split-soul tuplet condition is extremely rare, it tends to be the "easiest" way Tuplet Edeia occur, though the two may still develop into Soultwined or two separate, if strongly soul-linked, Edeia. Ki and Ro are an example of split-soul twins. The soulbond could also be a developed spontaneous bond ("soulmates") or a natural soulbond, built through unequivocal and mutual trust, empathy, and comfort. Deliberate soulbinding through magic like ritual magic can also lead to Tuplet or Soultwined Edeia. For more information about soulbonds, see here. 

Over time, the individuals will become interlinked metaphysically. They may begin to feel like they are both one and two entities at the same time; they may feel like they are collectively one being that simply acts through two bodies. Their personalities may blend into each other, fluidly shifting between a united personality to their own distinct states. For Tuplets, they might dream or daydream that they are the other, acting as the other; they could start to act as the other would - or something in between - while awake as well. The main requirement is that their identities start to meld together into something united and shared. 

For Tuplets, the ideation, the formation of their Idea, can occur as the same Idea for both individuals at the same time, or converge from two separate ideations. In the first case,  the two must already have a strong soulbond blending their sense of identity. In the latter case, their Ideas may at first be different before both become interlinked as the same through their process of developing their soulbond. For Soultwined, their ideation tends to occur and develop at the same time, as they define each other by their existence. 

Both Tuplets and Soultwined Actualize at the same time, and can be in proximity or apart. If they are far apart, by the time the bond is strong enough to define them as one-and-two, their connection will allow them to simultaneously experience the precipice of Actualization, the moment of acceptance of a new self; then, they will manifest in their shared Abstraction. Regardless, in the process of Actualization, their bodies become energy and merge together before splitting into separate beings once more, so they must appear at the same spot. 

Tuplet Edeia are Edeia whose souls exist in a state that is singular and multiple at once. They are most commonly Twin Edeia, involving two Edeia. They share an Idea and Abstraction. They may originate from organic beings who were twins, siblings, a single being (possibly with multiple personalities), or unrelated individuals; regardless of how, they must be strongly soul-bonded individuals (soul bonds between unrelated individuals may occur naturally, over time, or with external forces). 

Tuplet Edeia are very rare. They often blur the line between one soul and two, a state that can be precarious yet stable all at once. Metaphysically speaking, it is more common for souls to completely separate, for them to merge, or for one to consume another. 

Characteristics

In almost all cases, fusion comes very easily to Tuplet Edeia. After all, it is simply crossing a line that was blurry in the first place. Mechanically, fusions between Twin Edeia may have more resemblance to alternate forms than fusions with other Edeia. 

While Tuplet Edeia can essentially share a soul, the two individuals will tend to develop their own unique personalities, though they might be described as how a single individual acts differently in different settings; their personalities are just aspects of a singular being. Their personalities will often exist on a spectrum of blending that might depend on their mood or simply ebb and flow naturally. They may have their independent personalities present, have each blend elements of the other, or they may reach a point of having the same personality. They share their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions at all times, though the degree may vary. Many will feel as though they are the limbs of a united being, acting as part of a whole. 

Tuplet Edeia cannot die separately - when they go, they go together. (Dying referring to dissociation, as there is no other way for Edeia to really "die.") 

As with any who have strong soulbonds, they have an instinctive sense of the others' comfort and needs. They more or less never cause accidental or deliberate emotional harm to each other—accidental is nearly impossible due to their instinctive awareness, and if they have a soultwined bond, they would not harm each other. If they were in a sort of relationship where they would deliberately hurt the other, the bond would not form, as it requires mutual trust and comfort with the other. 

Their appearances tend to be extremely similar, with the same color palette and similar visual elements. 

Actualization Process

Soultwined and Tuplet Edeia Actualize through a very similar process; see the Soultwined Actualization Process above. 

Ambideia are Edeia with multiple distinctly separate Ideas. In almost all cases, they have two Ideas; any more than that is exponentially less likely to occur. They are one individual and thus have one Abstraction; this Abstraction can be dynamic (changing based on current identification) or relatively static, perhaps having different sections or different elements representing their different Ideas. 

Like many other special trait Edeia, Ambideia are very rare. Those undergoing the process are more likely to have their Ideas shift than develop multiple, and it tends to be much more difficult for them to Actualize. 

An Ambideia can also develop the Fission trait if the division of their identity is not only in their Ideas, but also in deeper aspects of their identity. The Fission fragments can either take the Ideas separately or express one Idea more dominantly than the other, depending on how their identity of their Ideas aligns with the divide in their other aspects of identity. An example of a Fission Ambideia is Auspice. 

Characteristics

Ambideia have different forms for each of their Ideas. They may be different by a simple change in color palette; they could also have more complex changes in form, though they should be recognizable as the same Edeia by having similar or certain distinct design elements. While they are disconnected from one of their Ideas, they cannot manifest abilities related to it. 

Ambideia have one distinct but fluid identity. Their memories should not be affected by their shifting Idea. (As a side note, Ambideia do not necessarily originate from those with multiple personalities; see A Note on Multiple Personalities.) Whether the shift in Idea is accompanied by a shift in personality depends on the individual; some have the same or a similar personality despite the shift in identity, others may think and behave differently, and still others may feel that their internal personality is consistent but behave differently (as one individual might behave differently in different situations but not consider it a "change in personality"). 

Many Ambideia can freely control which Idea they identify with — if they want to be able to, they will. Some do not have this capability or find it more difficult, but that is what they prefer; perhaps it feels more natural and right for them to let their identity naturally shift on its own. 

Some but not all Ambideia are able to identify with and manifest their Ideas simultaneously. Those who do will have a medial form as well, and can use all their Ideas at the same time. (Since not all Ambideia have this capability, designing a medial form is optional.) 

Actualization Process

Ambideia often develop one Idea first. They must develop a strong identification with the Idea, but that identification fluctuates; these individuals sometimes disconnect with their Idea entirely in relatively short phases (spans of hours, days or, rarely, weeks and longer). Note that a strong rejection of the Idea or long-term disconnect with the Idea will simply lead them to lose their connection to their Idea and possibly lose the Idea entirely. If their connection/identification with their existing Idea is not sufficiently strong, their Idea will most likely simply shift instead of developing a new Idea at the next step. If it gets to the point of them having a profound disconnect with their identity to the point of developing multiple personalities, personalities may Actualize separately, into other special trait Edeia (Soultwined, Tuplet, Fission), or not at all. 

While in a state of transient disconnect with their existing Idea, they must develop a strong identification to another concept. The individual begins to switch between their strong identifications, and, as it approaches the point where their identification is just as strong to the new concept as it is to their existing Idea, they may manifest their second Idea. This process is highly unstable — it is far more likely for the Idea to shift into one Idea that combines both concepts at once, or perhaps even switch entirely. For many, the ambivalent nature of their identity leads to them never Actualizing at all. A crucial requirement is transient disconnection and reconnection with their Ideas, which allows multiple distinct and separate Ideas to form. 

In order to Actualize, ironically, they must accept all aspects of their identity simultaneously — each aspect of their identity must accept the other(s), and they must embrace their fluid nature. Some learn to express their multiple Ideas at the same time while still keeping them distinct; some do not; many will experience a fusion of their identities and have their Ideas merge into one combined one (which, to some, is a desirable thing—they cannot access their other Idea's abilities when they do not identify with it). Many will Actualize at a point of "switching" between their Ideas or simultaneously expressing them while maintaining their distinctiveness. 

An Edeia is considered an "Anomaly" if they have some unusual characteristics with some combination of their form, identity, abilities, and Idea(s), but their special trait characteristics don't quite align with any of the typical characteristics of normal or special trait Edeiology. In lore, Anomalies only occur very rarely, and they are not well-understood since there are so few of them. 

• Logistically, they can be considered a "special trait."

• Normal or existing special trait Edeia may become Semi-Anomalies if the lore is updated. In these cases, Auspice may prefer for them to be updated to the current lore and will often offer discounts and waived fees to do so. You can also reach out to Auspice to discuss making them a proper Anomaly. 

  • • Semi-Anomalies cannot be used for official submissions such as prompts unless you have permission from Auspice.

• You may request the creation of an Anomaly Edeia if you have a strong idea for something not covered by the lore. However, Auspice will need convincing, including reasonings for why other special traits don't fit, why it is important to the character, and why having such characteristics is important to you personally. Depending on how that Anomaly manifests, you may be subject to fees like with special traits. 

  • • You can reach out with a basic concept and reasoning first, though Auspice may request a full Conceptualization.

Anomalies can optionally be specified as similar to other special traits, e.g. Anomaly Fission. 

Examples

• Ki and Ro, Anomaly Tuplet Edeia. They have characteristics of Soultwined Edeia in form and some aspects of their abilities, but only have one Idea.

• Rhythm, Anomaly Ambideia. He has different forms and personalities similar to Ambideia, but only one Idea.

• Edeia with multiple strongly distinct Ideas but are not proper Ambideia. These can also be considered Anomaly Ambideia.

The potential of an entity with multiple personalities to become Edeia depends on that entity and how distinct their identities are. If each identity is a strongly distinct identity with a separated set of memories and experiences, then each identity would individually have the potential to ideate and Actualize separately from the system. If they Actualize separately, they would not consume the body in the process. In this case of something like dissociative identity disorder (DID), this may cause issues for the system left behind. The system may create a new identity to fill the place of the one that Actualized separately, but the separated identity is now their own separate and independent individual. 

Alternatively, if the separations of identity are not as distinct, it is possible for a system to Actualize into one Edeia, whether with one Idea, as an Ambideia, or with the Fission trait. For instance, if there is some element of a consistent identity, or memories are shared, or something else connecting the identities more strongly as part of a singular whole. It may be somewhat more likely for an entity with separations of identity that are not as distinct to develop a Fission trait, though these separations should be stable. An unstable identity is more likely to lead to them being unable to Actualize at all. 

It is also possible for multiple independent identities of an entity/system to Actualize into a Tuplet or Soultwined Edeia, though this is rare of a circumstance as always; being part of a system of multiple personalities does not necessarily make it more likely. It may even be more difficult if the personalities have no way of directly communicating, though the Idea magic may allow the separate personalities to become able to communicate (whether in some internal world or allowing multiple personalities to speak to each other mentally while one is in control) more easily if that is desired by all parties.

Edeia will generally not suddenly develop alters, especially not as with DID - which is usually associated with childhood trauma. Deviations in Edeia identity are more a form of personal understanding and perception, and not usually a trauma response. However, if an Edeia Actualized while having a form of multiplicity with identities that are not quite distinct then these identities can take on stronger, more distinct characteristics that lead to Fission. In certain circumstances (such as if these identities are considered entirely separate and not as part of a whole), a second Actualization could actually occur, where one or more of the identities becomes an entirely independent Edeia.