Power

This article is about magical power. For the type of Angel, see Angel#Power.

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Power or power sources is a general term for supplies of magical "energy", which can be used to power Practices or feed Others. There are many types of power, each with it's own particular uses, it's own strengths and weaknesses; but they are to a certain extent interchangeable.

Generalities

Most spells can be potentially fuelled by many different sources of power. However, some forms of power may be inapproriate for some spells, and some will influence or "taint" the resulting working.

Different types of power can be exchanged for one another using a Demesne,<ref name=":6">Whilst outside of her place of power, Fionna finds the connection to the location remains strong, wherever she is.  She can deposit power there and rest assured it is untouched.  She can also use the location to transmute power, turning personal power into karmic assets, draw from one kind of power to better influence a connection.As one can determine the rules within their realm, they can use the place as a form of esoteric moneychanger, changing one kind of power for another. - Excerpt from Demesnes Chapter Nine, quoted in Interlude 4 </ref> although Demesnes not prepared for this task may provide a poor "exchange rate".<ref>“The Demesne can be a place to store power, to invest in it, to translate, for example, power from the Faerie into something analogous, like Visceral power.  It wouldn’t be an efficient translation, but I could do it.  Others, with preparation, could do it efficiently.  [...] As big as it is in here, it’s only a large room in a building elsewhere. The scale and versatility of this building are a product of time and power invested.” - Excerpt from Leaving a Mark 4.7</ref>

A Familiar bond allows the Practitioner and their Familiar to transfer power between each other; although this tends to naturally settle back into an equilibrium over time. The familiar is also freed from its usual power needs, drawing power from their master instead.<ref>“With the more equal bond, the pairing can exchange power. Talia could give Effy a bit of her humanity as a boost, or personal power, to help her heal, or dig up that bit of extra strength. That flow can work the other way. Effy could give Talia some of her power as a doll, with that emphasis on blood, guts, and dollness. If Effy gave Talia a lot of her personal power, let’s say half… what happens over the next day, or week?”

Some people raised hands.

“Jarvis.”

“It balances out?”

“The power finds its balance. Talia would naturally give Effy some of her power over time, until they were even. Then they would recover together. Eating well, sleeping well, and taking care of needs as human or Other help that recovery. Can Effy become an animal?”

Talia shook her head.

“The partnership of master and familiar is often a reprieve for the Other. Temporary freedom from needs, demands, work, or anything else. If Effy required a regular supply of blood and oil, as some dolls do-”

“I don’t.”

“But if you did, Effy, then you wouldn’t require it while you’re a familiar. You get your sustenance from your master or partner. If you had a lifespan, it would be put on pause. Of course, needier others have a heavier drain on their master.” - Excerpt from Leaving a Mark 4.7</ref> Drawing too much power through the connection can be dangerous for the Practitioner, however.<ref>“Practitioners who want to extend their power and raise their status will often pick a Familiar. Some families will have their children take a familiar early, to establish a firm bond with one kind of Other. The Familiar grants power, awareness, and some extra innate ability, depending on what it is. Powerful or insidious familiars may overwhelm you through that connection that is formed, so be wary. Know your strength.” - Excerpt from Stolen Away 2.6</ref>

Channeling large amounts of power is generally dangerous and risks warping or destroying the person or Other doing it if they're not strong enough. Some Divine Practitioners have techniques to mitigate this, however.

Examples

• The human soul or Self (accessable through Blood)
• Glamour
• Spirits
• Echoes
• Time - saved as a source of power by Chronomancers
• Visceral materials
  • Blood of humans and Others
  • Goblin stuff
  • Abyssal stuff
  • Alchemical stuff
• Karma
• Valuables - accepted as a source of power by some Scourge practices
• Many Others can use emotions as a source of power, such as fear or rage
• Making an impact on the world can be a kind of power
• Symbolic appropriateness can help empower Practices, although generally at least a little other power is needed
• Reputation, especially reputation among Others and the Spirits themselves
• Incarnate beings and Practices can draw power from examples their concept (e.g. creatures of War being empowered by wars and violence)

References

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