Lumesse

(loom-essy) meaning: the existence of light

What is it?

Lumesse is what the rootlings call their sacred magic. The source of this magic begins with the Elden Roots, who's dwelling is unknown to humankind. Each rootling is filled with this power that glows as embers do. The humans call this their "soulfire."

The rootlings may choose to manifest a small flame outside their bodies as a visual representation of their magic core. When a new rootling is born its first task is to choose a color for their power. This decision is permanent, so it is important the rootling picks well! The only time a rootling's lumesse color may change is when joining a clan.

Visual effects

If one were to be struck by an arrow it would bleed magic like liquid fire, and glow the color of their spirit. When a rootling yawns there is a soft glow emanating from within its throat. Even still, a rootling exhaling into the vapors of cool morning air would find their breath to be alight in the same way. Some rootlings who have thinner skin and less fur may have a subtle twinge of colored light that can be seen shining through at all times. The brightness of the magic may fluctuate with mood or emotion, and depiction is up to player interpretation.

Abilities

Besides being a vital function of gameplay, lumesse has other abilities:

levitate

heal wounds

expedite the growth of plants

project memories

manipulate wind, water, fire, and earth

The lumesse flame is an outward expression of their magic. It is not consuming anything to burn, and does not create ash, but may emit small glowing particles.

When a rootling is in a dark place, or if night has fallen, their eyes will glow to match their lumesse. Their flame(s) can be used like a candle to light their path, to guide lost ones through the dark hours, or flashed as a warning sign.

Rootlings will use their lumesse flame to communicate with one another. Perhaps the color has a meaning, or the flickering dance speaks volumes, but the way a flame is presented can mean many things. It could be a friendly greeting or a fierce territorial marking. Some rootlings might leave cuts of their flame in the stones, tree bark, or soil around their home. These cuts will softly glow the color of their lumesse to mark the territory.

Lumesse in Clans

Rootlings who share a territory may decide to form a clan. Within a clan, all rootlings will share the same colored lumesse, and they will leave rune-like markings around their territory. If a new rootling wishes to join a pre-existing clan, but has a differently colored lumesse, they will have to take part in a trial to change their color and enter the clan.

Clans provide a familial community for the rootlings. It can be safer in numbers, and their magic grows stronger when they are together.

*although a rootling may have enough lifetime LP to hold multiple flames, it is up to the player how many they choose to depict

Location of the Flame

The flame can appear anywhere around the rootling's body as the rootling has full control over it. The rootling may wave it in the air, hold it in its paws, present it on one of their earthen gifts, or play with it as a dog might chase its tail.

Other uses of the lumesse may be to use it as a lure to draw things to the rootling's proximity, spend a small amount of stored magic to heal the sick or wounded, or exert dominance over another rootling by seeing whose flame burns the brightest.

A couple abilities the lumesse grants are levitation, invisibility, telepathy, and humanoid shapeshift (under special circumstances*). With other rootlings their telepathy is fully communicational, but with humans they can only transmit feelings, images, and vague concepts.

Multiple Flames & Lumesse Expenditure

It is most common for rootlings to manifest one single lumesse flame. However, there are special circumstances when a rootling can manifest more! This will depend on the amount of magic the rootling has stored over the course of its life, or Lifetime LP

LP acts like currency for your rootling. When they want to perform coronations, contribute to a temple creation, or alter their forms, they are spending LP (lumesse points).

While the current store of lumesse will always rise and fall with your rootling's advancements, a lifetime amount of lumesse should also be recorded. This number will determine how many flames your rootling can hold. A pre-made LP Tracker is available to every player, but feel free to make your own!

The tiered goals for lifetime lumesse:

500 LP (2 flames)

1,000 LP (3 flames)

2,400 LP (4 flames)

3,500 LP (5 flames)

5,600 LP (6 flames)

7,000 LP (7 flames)

After 7 flames have been acquired, 1 new flame may be displayed for every 3,000 LP earned.

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