Cable Smith
Member
Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFjS8jOZ954/UZlyV09XoFI/AAAAAAAAH6s/RV0ALBiGVrM/s1600/Evil+Dead+-+Concept+art+-+Santiago+Vecino+4.jpg
Source: Evil Dead
Intent: To create a new way to view the force and add more variety to the sites canon force powers. However it is in no way to be used to grant Yuuzhan Vong or any other force dead species force sensitivities. The lost cortex exists solely for people who wish to learn new force powers and a new way to see the living and cosmic force. This is also NOT a tool to be used for power gaming, god modding, or anything of the sort. This is to be used as any other way to use the force requiring learning through time and development.
Development thread: In progress, can be given if needed.
Manufacture: Ancient Yuuzhan Vong
Model: None
Affiliation: Anyone who wishes to learn.
Modularity: The ways of the Vong alchemy and use of living and shifting energy can be highly modulated. From different words to focus power to custom sorcerer circles the ways in which to use this method of the force can be endless.
Production: None
Material: The living and cosmic force.
Description (brace yourself) : So my friend and I have been developing and thinking of a new way to embrace the force and it's limitless possibilities. And in our research we found out the Yuuzhan Vong were once force sensitive beings. And so we created this as a thought of what force sensitive Yuuzhan Vong might of been like. I remind you this is strictly the ideas of two people and in no way shape or form is this canon to the Star Wars universe but it's something that we find could be fun to use or even see built upon. So please have a look and tell us what you think. Would you like to see this built upon in the chaos universe? Or should it be punched in the face until death? All feedback and constructive criticism is welcome provided that you are not mean about it.
Lost Cortex:
A knowledge long lost to the Vong species, one that was shunned due to its misuse and misunderstanding. At one time, the Vong were as force sensitive as most species you would find in the galaxy of Sith and Jedi. This was the time of the ancient Vong, a time when the species had not yet been conquered by viscous overlords or blood craving lunatics. It was also the time when the concept of Cortexes were first invented by force using Vong.
It is common knowledge that the Vong Shapers of the Yuuzhan Vong War used a series of knowledge levels referred to as cortexes. Each cortex was filled with more advanced and dangerous knowledge and only the most skilled and trusted of the shapers could see the eighth and final cortex. What is completely unknown, even to the modern Vong, was that the true First Cortex was one that did not deal with bio-engineering at all. Instead, this so-called “lost cortex” was filled with knowledge of the Vong understanding of what is referred to as the Force in the Star Wars Galaxy. Centuries of research and cultural influence had given the Vong a deep but very peculiar understanding of the force, or The Heart Beat as the ancient Vong came to know it.
The ancient Vong scholars theorized that the entire universe pulsed with a wave of kinetic energy that they referred to as “The Heart Beat”.
This Energy, they said, shifted entire solar systems constantly and that the Mystical Energy created by the movement of the solar systems is what gave the galaxy its shape. Everything from animals, plants and rocks were a result of the extraordinary molding power that the Galaxy gave off. At the time, the Vong saw these scholars as the future of the race and their work was highly revered.
In time, the scholars began to research ways to tap into this power and use it to bend the universe to their will. This led to the discovery of an art they referred to as Thaumaturgy within Vong circles and Vong Alchemy to those outside their culture. This “Vong Alchemy” allowed students of the art, called Thaumur or Alchemists, to harness the natural energy of the galaxy to bend reality to their will in a similar manner to that of Sith alchemists.
To do this, Vong Alchemists required various talismans and symbols (referred to as Thaumur Circles) to concentrate the flow of energy in the universe to specific spots. These symbols and talismans could be worn on the body, carved into the skin, drawn on paper, etched into stone etc. Most the time, Vong Alchemists opted to use ancient Vong words in their use of Thaumaturgy as it was believed to enhance the power of the energy they harnessed. The Force, or the Heart Beat as called by the Vong Alchemists, was viewed in Thaumur tradition as being split into two separate aspects; Living Energy and Shifting Energy.
Living Energy was the natural pulsing of kinetic and spiritual energies put out by the universe. This energy has the ability to morph objects of lesser mass into various (and sometimes organic) forms while it can only slight shift others. More than this, however, it creates “strings of energy” that interconnect all living things. This concept can be closely compared to the Jedi and Sith view of the “Living Force” though there was no concept of Dark and Light in the Vong culture. This Living Energy was what powered the souls of organic beings and gave life to plants, it was also what was harnessed when a Vong Alchemist wished to invoke energy based powers such as Force Push or “Soul Binding”.
Shifting Energy was the energy put out by matter (namely planets) when it was struck by the Living Energies. When a planet was struck by the living energies, it was believed to put out massive amounts of magnetic, electrical and kinetic energies used to shape inorganic matter of vast sizes. This Shifting Energy was so strong that it pulsed forth from planets and was what could cause Earth Quakes and tectonic shifts. This energy, through the use of an individual’s personal kinetic and spiritual power, could be harnessed and used to shape the physical world their will. For instance, this would be the technique used to harness powers such as Pyrokinesis, Force Lightening or create objects and items.
There was much more to this, however. The creator of Vong Alchemy, Nei Nimoni, explained that there are basic laws of the art that could not be broken as it was physically impossible by the laws of nature:
Law of Trade:
The Law of Trade states that in order to make use of Living or Shifting Energies, one must offer something of equal value in trade.
- First Tenant of Trade: Mortal energies and matter cannot be created from the void nor destroyed to a void.
In more understandable terms, one cannot create something from nothing or destroy something to the point of non-existence. For example, a pound of matter can only be used to create an item weighing one pound or broken down into multiple items all of which have the collective weight of one pound.
To go deeper into this concept, one can look at the Living Energy applications of Vong Alchemy. An average humanoid is said to give out ten million pounds of living energy in a single day (this compared to the energy put out by the universe which is measured as being infinite). To conjure a force push strong enough to knockdown a grown adult human male requires about one-thousand pounds of living energy. So, the user of the force push would need to give up one-thousand pounds of their own force energy in order to create one force push capable of knocking down a grown adult male of the human race. However, once the user has no more energy left to trade in a day then he can no longer summon force pushes.
It is also important to know that it is believed that an average humanoid organic cannot live with less than one million pounds of living energy at any given time. It is also to be noted that the use of energy at fast and continuous rates can lead to bodily harm and death.
- Second Tenant of Trade: Mortal energies and matter are equal to their state of being
In other words, living and shifting energies (as well as matter) can only be crafted into states that possess the same basic makeup of their being. For example, if a Vong Alchemist wishes to craft something from water, the result of his power must have the same general attributes as water (I.E Ice, steam etc). The same applies to Living Energies, as described in the First Tenant, and with other attributes of shifting energies. For example, if a Vong Alchemist wishes to use force lightening he must either have an available source of electricity from an artificial source or must utilize what electricity is in the natural shifting energies of nearby planets, moons, suns etc. This would also cost them a peace of their living energy in order to conduct and guide the electricity out of a certain location or body part.
- Third Tenant of Trade: An unholy trade shall breed unholy results
An unholy trade is a term that can really refer to two spate occurrences. The first, and more common of which, refers to the act of trying to harness energy and/or matter to create something of greater energy or value. When this occurs, a devastating effect referred to as “Recoil” occurs. Recoil can be anything from the creation of dispelled kinetic energy to the severing of a limb or mutation or corruption of life force. This happens because the energies and/or matters themselves will lash out in attempt to balance themselves to complete the process of trade. This either results in a violent dispelling of energy and/or matter into its original form or with the destruction of matter/energy around it in order to complete the reaction.
In other words, the use may lose a piece of his physical body or life force in the recoil or his surroundings may be broken down and destroyed to become a part of the reaction and complete the trade.
The Law of Order:
The Law of Order states that matter and energy always goes through the same basic steps when being pulled into a reaction created by a Vong Alchemist.
- First Tenant of Order: To sculpt, one must first learn how to use his own hands
This Tenant basically says that the first step in any reaction is the user’s ability to understand and comprehend the energies and atomic make-up of the galaxy. For example, if someone wishes to create a reaction that results in a Force Push they must first learn how the Living Energy within them works and how it is translated into kinetic energy once outside the body. They must understand the potential kinetic energy within their own bodies and the balance of Living Energy so that they can summon it into tangible form without destroying themselves.
This Tenant also pertains to matter, for if one wishes to create a sword from a chunk of Iron using Vong Alchemy, they must understand how living and shifting energies move through the iron and what exactly gives the Iron its makeup before trying to change it to something else.
In simple terms, understanding the universe is key to Vong Alchemy. However, not every living being has the natural ability to feel the energies as others can (AKA Force Sensitive and Non-Force Sensitive).
- The Second Tenant of Order: To create, one must first destroy
This is the most fundamental principle in all of Vong Alchemy. It states that all energy and matter must be broken down from its original form, reshaped and then projected as something new. The basic steps in any Vong Alchemy reaction are these
1. Understanding: To know the composition of your targeted materials/energies and understand how they affect the universe.
2. Destruction: The breaking down of the physical matter into a compound between living energy and physical being OR the breaking down of Living/Shifting Energy into a less potent form so that it may be more easily handled.
3. Reshaping: Where the modern Vong term “shaping” comes from, this stage is the part where the Vong Alchemist bends the matter and/or energy he is harnessing into a state he wishes it to be in by using his own spiritual energies.
4. Projection: The final stage of a reaction when matter is brought back into a solid state of being as a new form or when an energy is released at its full potential.
The Law of Concentration
The Law of Concentration states that in order to harness the powers of the galaxy, one must be able to concentrate the power into a form that is easily controlled by the organic form.
- The First Tenant of Concentration: The circle is a shape of power, a representation of a perfect cycle that has no beginning nor end. It is the basic building block of a Thaumur’s power.
This tenant states that the circle is the basis of a Vong Alchemist’s power and, in order to properly harness the energies at play, the alchemist must possess a special circle known as a “Sorcerers Circle”. A Sorcerers Circle can come in many forms from a two-dimensional etching in stone to a necklace or even a hallow orb or gyroscope. These circles allow the user to concentrate their own energies to a specific spot, giving them the ability to alter the flow of the Heartbeat in said spot. More than just a mere circle is required, however. There are multiple designs for a Sorcerers Circle, each used for a different ability or set of abilities. Some Alchemists even create their own circles which are believed to enhance specific arts or abilities. There are, however, generic circles that are commonly used by most alchemists.
A less common practice is using a gyroscope that uses the outer ring as the circle and has spinning emblem components on the inside. These gyroscopic talismans require great power and knowledge in Vong Alchemy to use as they greatly enhance the output power from reactions. A Vong Alchemist who uses one without the proper skill and training could end up causing a highly destructive recoil that could take his/her life.
- The Second Tenant of Concentration: Without will, the nature of the universe will refuse to bend to you
This Tenant states that without the proper will, confidence, concentration and power it is impossible for a Vong Alchemist to create a successful reaction. A Vong Alchemist must be confident in his/her ability and be able to concentrate fully on the forces he/she is trying to bend. This can be difficult in the midst of a stressful situation, such as battle, so many Vong Alchemists employ the use of mystical chants and words during their reactions to bring forth more concentration and focus to the reaction.
The Law of Death & Life
- The First Tenant of Death & Life: Death is a void
This Tenant states that death is permeant, calling it a void as in Vong Alchemy a void is the ultimate state of non-existence. One cannot bring something back from the dead without breaking the laws of nature, however, there are many different variations of death by Vong Alchemistic standards. The death of the body is separate from the death of a soul, but once a body is dead it cannot be reconstructed or regenerated. The soul of that body, however, can be stored or called forth if its living energy has not been drained or used. This practice was originally forbidden in ancient Vong culture and was referred to as heresy by Vong Alchemists.
- The Second Tenant of Death & Life: Life created without a soul is an abomination
The Second tenant deals with the creation of life without a soul. These creations may be known as Sith Spawns in the Star Wars galaxy, but were known as Yar-Takar (Hollow Ones) in ancient Vong culture. Yar-Takar were created by harnessing Living Energies and matter to forge a body around pulsing dark energies. These beasts were sometimes uncontrollable and went on violent rampages, others were used to do the evil biddings of their makers. These Yar-Takar, however, were limited in use as they had massive weaknesses. For example, a Yar-Takar made from ice would be highly weak against heat. One made from dark energy and flesh might not be able to wonder too far from its creation point or may need to stay close to its creator. Others may simply decay quickly over time.
Recently, advances have been made that allow Vong Alchemists to forge what are known as “Soul Crystals” that allow them to bypass some of these weaknesses (and will be discussed further down).
- The Third Tenant of Death & Life: A soul bound to flesh not its own, will eat the flesh it calls its home
This tenant states that if an individual soul, without a soul crystal, is binded to a body that is not its own that it will start to decay that body. When an alchemist uses living energy to bind someone’s soul to another organic being or inorganic matter, they are essentially stripping away the former life energies (or in the case of inorganic matter, the flow of shifting energies within) and replacing it. This changes the way living energies react with the object/bodily form and the way shifting energies are coursed through the object, causing its structural integrity to weaken and cause a rapid destruction of form. While this may not hurt the soul itself, it will obviously decay the vessel it is using (unless bypassed by a soul crystal).
Abilities & Sorcerers Circles
The Jinn Arc
The Jinn Arc serves as both the symbol of the religious cult following the unmaker as well as the center point for a devastating power unlike any have ever before seen. The arc is used for sacrificial ceremonies that deal in the taking and utilizing of organic Life Energies (AKA the Soul/Living force of an organic being) to accomplish feats not accomplishable on a small scale. Created by the Unmaker, the Jinn arc is used by placing organic beings within the boundaries of the design and then using the natural living energies within the design to forcefully rip the “souls” of the organics out. This process requires an incredibly powerful user of the Vong Alchemetic Arts and, if done improperly, could result in the obliteration of an entire planet or even solar system.
Abilities connected with the Jinn Arc
- Soul Crystal Creation: Soul Crystals are crystals of special properties, such as lightsaber focusing crystals, which have been altered by the use of Vong Alchemy. By placing a Soul Crystal in the center “eye” of the arc, one of powerful enough force sensitivity and skill can use the Living Energies to create a “current” of force energy that will drive the souls of the organics into this crystal. During this process, the crystal is encased with a powerful bind of living energy to keep the souls from escaping. The amount of souls taken and the speed and technique used can determine the stability and usefulness of the crystal.
- Dark Gate Opening: A Dark Gate is a portal opened by the use of a Jinn Arc and is capable of a multitude of different things. A Dark Gate can be used for simple transportation of an individual from one place to another, or used to bring whole armies across vast distances in an instant. The larger the gate, the more souls will be needed and with enough it is said that one could even open the gates of Chaos. However, the number of souls to accomplish this is unclear as it takes millions of souls to open a gate big enough for an army.
- Organic Alteration: It is said that sacrifices of organics with certain attributes can allow an Alchemist to “upgrade” someone with new and unnatural abilities. Sacrificing four wookiees could give a four foot woman the strength of a rancor, or a sense of smell surpassing most animals in the galaxy. The process is highly dangerous however and the life to death ratio of those being altered is low.
Source: Evil Dead
Intent: To create a new way to view the force and add more variety to the sites canon force powers. However it is in no way to be used to grant Yuuzhan Vong or any other force dead species force sensitivities. The lost cortex exists solely for people who wish to learn new force powers and a new way to see the living and cosmic force. This is also NOT a tool to be used for power gaming, god modding, or anything of the sort. This is to be used as any other way to use the force requiring learning through time and development.
Development thread: In progress, can be given if needed.
Manufacture: Ancient Yuuzhan Vong
Model: None
Affiliation: Anyone who wishes to learn.
Modularity: The ways of the Vong alchemy and use of living and shifting energy can be highly modulated. From different words to focus power to custom sorcerer circles the ways in which to use this method of the force can be endless.
Production: None
Material: The living and cosmic force.
Description (brace yourself) : So my friend and I have been developing and thinking of a new way to embrace the force and it's limitless possibilities. And in our research we found out the Yuuzhan Vong were once force sensitive beings. And so we created this as a thought of what force sensitive Yuuzhan Vong might of been like. I remind you this is strictly the ideas of two people and in no way shape or form is this canon to the Star Wars universe but it's something that we find could be fun to use or even see built upon. So please have a look and tell us what you think. Would you like to see this built upon in the chaos universe? Or should it be punched in the face until death? All feedback and constructive criticism is welcome provided that you are not mean about it.
Lost Cortex:
A knowledge long lost to the Vong species, one that was shunned due to its misuse and misunderstanding. At one time, the Vong were as force sensitive as most species you would find in the galaxy of Sith and Jedi. This was the time of the ancient Vong, a time when the species had not yet been conquered by viscous overlords or blood craving lunatics. It was also the time when the concept of Cortexes were first invented by force using Vong.
It is common knowledge that the Vong Shapers of the Yuuzhan Vong War used a series of knowledge levels referred to as cortexes. Each cortex was filled with more advanced and dangerous knowledge and only the most skilled and trusted of the shapers could see the eighth and final cortex. What is completely unknown, even to the modern Vong, was that the true First Cortex was one that did not deal with bio-engineering at all. Instead, this so-called “lost cortex” was filled with knowledge of the Vong understanding of what is referred to as the Force in the Star Wars Galaxy. Centuries of research and cultural influence had given the Vong a deep but very peculiar understanding of the force, or The Heart Beat as the ancient Vong came to know it.
The ancient Vong scholars theorized that the entire universe pulsed with a wave of kinetic energy that they referred to as “The Heart Beat”.
This Energy, they said, shifted entire solar systems constantly and that the Mystical Energy created by the movement of the solar systems is what gave the galaxy its shape. Everything from animals, plants and rocks were a result of the extraordinary molding power that the Galaxy gave off. At the time, the Vong saw these scholars as the future of the race and their work was highly revered.
In time, the scholars began to research ways to tap into this power and use it to bend the universe to their will. This led to the discovery of an art they referred to as Thaumaturgy within Vong circles and Vong Alchemy to those outside their culture. This “Vong Alchemy” allowed students of the art, called Thaumur or Alchemists, to harness the natural energy of the galaxy to bend reality to their will in a similar manner to that of Sith alchemists.
To do this, Vong Alchemists required various talismans and symbols (referred to as Thaumur Circles) to concentrate the flow of energy in the universe to specific spots. These symbols and talismans could be worn on the body, carved into the skin, drawn on paper, etched into stone etc. Most the time, Vong Alchemists opted to use ancient Vong words in their use of Thaumaturgy as it was believed to enhance the power of the energy they harnessed. The Force, or the Heart Beat as called by the Vong Alchemists, was viewed in Thaumur tradition as being split into two separate aspects; Living Energy and Shifting Energy.
Living Energy was the natural pulsing of kinetic and spiritual energies put out by the universe. This energy has the ability to morph objects of lesser mass into various (and sometimes organic) forms while it can only slight shift others. More than this, however, it creates “strings of energy” that interconnect all living things. This concept can be closely compared to the Jedi and Sith view of the “Living Force” though there was no concept of Dark and Light in the Vong culture. This Living Energy was what powered the souls of organic beings and gave life to plants, it was also what was harnessed when a Vong Alchemist wished to invoke energy based powers such as Force Push or “Soul Binding”.
Shifting Energy was the energy put out by matter (namely planets) when it was struck by the Living Energies. When a planet was struck by the living energies, it was believed to put out massive amounts of magnetic, electrical and kinetic energies used to shape inorganic matter of vast sizes. This Shifting Energy was so strong that it pulsed forth from planets and was what could cause Earth Quakes and tectonic shifts. This energy, through the use of an individual’s personal kinetic and spiritual power, could be harnessed and used to shape the physical world their will. For instance, this would be the technique used to harness powers such as Pyrokinesis, Force Lightening or create objects and items.
There was much more to this, however. The creator of Vong Alchemy, Nei Nimoni, explained that there are basic laws of the art that could not be broken as it was physically impossible by the laws of nature:
Law of Trade:
The Law of Trade states that in order to make use of Living or Shifting Energies, one must offer something of equal value in trade.
- First Tenant of Trade: Mortal energies and matter cannot be created from the void nor destroyed to a void.
In more understandable terms, one cannot create something from nothing or destroy something to the point of non-existence. For example, a pound of matter can only be used to create an item weighing one pound or broken down into multiple items all of which have the collective weight of one pound.
To go deeper into this concept, one can look at the Living Energy applications of Vong Alchemy. An average humanoid is said to give out ten million pounds of living energy in a single day (this compared to the energy put out by the universe which is measured as being infinite). To conjure a force push strong enough to knockdown a grown adult human male requires about one-thousand pounds of living energy. So, the user of the force push would need to give up one-thousand pounds of their own force energy in order to create one force push capable of knocking down a grown adult male of the human race. However, once the user has no more energy left to trade in a day then he can no longer summon force pushes.
It is also important to know that it is believed that an average humanoid organic cannot live with less than one million pounds of living energy at any given time. It is also to be noted that the use of energy at fast and continuous rates can lead to bodily harm and death.
- Second Tenant of Trade: Mortal energies and matter are equal to their state of being
In other words, living and shifting energies (as well as matter) can only be crafted into states that possess the same basic makeup of their being. For example, if a Vong Alchemist wishes to craft something from water, the result of his power must have the same general attributes as water (I.E Ice, steam etc). The same applies to Living Energies, as described in the First Tenant, and with other attributes of shifting energies. For example, if a Vong Alchemist wishes to use force lightening he must either have an available source of electricity from an artificial source or must utilize what electricity is in the natural shifting energies of nearby planets, moons, suns etc. This would also cost them a peace of their living energy in order to conduct and guide the electricity out of a certain location or body part.
- Third Tenant of Trade: An unholy trade shall breed unholy results
An unholy trade is a term that can really refer to two spate occurrences. The first, and more common of which, refers to the act of trying to harness energy and/or matter to create something of greater energy or value. When this occurs, a devastating effect referred to as “Recoil” occurs. Recoil can be anything from the creation of dispelled kinetic energy to the severing of a limb or mutation or corruption of life force. This happens because the energies and/or matters themselves will lash out in attempt to balance themselves to complete the process of trade. This either results in a violent dispelling of energy and/or matter into its original form or with the destruction of matter/energy around it in order to complete the reaction.
In other words, the use may lose a piece of his physical body or life force in the recoil or his surroundings may be broken down and destroyed to become a part of the reaction and complete the trade.
The Law of Order:
The Law of Order states that matter and energy always goes through the same basic steps when being pulled into a reaction created by a Vong Alchemist.
- First Tenant of Order: To sculpt, one must first learn how to use his own hands
This Tenant basically says that the first step in any reaction is the user’s ability to understand and comprehend the energies and atomic make-up of the galaxy. For example, if someone wishes to create a reaction that results in a Force Push they must first learn how the Living Energy within them works and how it is translated into kinetic energy once outside the body. They must understand the potential kinetic energy within their own bodies and the balance of Living Energy so that they can summon it into tangible form without destroying themselves.
This Tenant also pertains to matter, for if one wishes to create a sword from a chunk of Iron using Vong Alchemy, they must understand how living and shifting energies move through the iron and what exactly gives the Iron its makeup before trying to change it to something else.
In simple terms, understanding the universe is key to Vong Alchemy. However, not every living being has the natural ability to feel the energies as others can (AKA Force Sensitive and Non-Force Sensitive).
- The Second Tenant of Order: To create, one must first destroy
This is the most fundamental principle in all of Vong Alchemy. It states that all energy and matter must be broken down from its original form, reshaped and then projected as something new. The basic steps in any Vong Alchemy reaction are these
1. Understanding: To know the composition of your targeted materials/energies and understand how they affect the universe.
2. Destruction: The breaking down of the physical matter into a compound between living energy and physical being OR the breaking down of Living/Shifting Energy into a less potent form so that it may be more easily handled.
3. Reshaping: Where the modern Vong term “shaping” comes from, this stage is the part where the Vong Alchemist bends the matter and/or energy he is harnessing into a state he wishes it to be in by using his own spiritual energies.
4. Projection: The final stage of a reaction when matter is brought back into a solid state of being as a new form or when an energy is released at its full potential.
The Law of Concentration
The Law of Concentration states that in order to harness the powers of the galaxy, one must be able to concentrate the power into a form that is easily controlled by the organic form.
- The First Tenant of Concentration: The circle is a shape of power, a representation of a perfect cycle that has no beginning nor end. It is the basic building block of a Thaumur’s power.
This tenant states that the circle is the basis of a Vong Alchemist’s power and, in order to properly harness the energies at play, the alchemist must possess a special circle known as a “Sorcerers Circle”. A Sorcerers Circle can come in many forms from a two-dimensional etching in stone to a necklace or even a hallow orb or gyroscope. These circles allow the user to concentrate their own energies to a specific spot, giving them the ability to alter the flow of the Heartbeat in said spot. More than just a mere circle is required, however. There are multiple designs for a Sorcerers Circle, each used for a different ability or set of abilities. Some Alchemists even create their own circles which are believed to enhance specific arts or abilities. There are, however, generic circles that are commonly used by most alchemists.
A less common practice is using a gyroscope that uses the outer ring as the circle and has spinning emblem components on the inside. These gyroscopic talismans require great power and knowledge in Vong Alchemy to use as they greatly enhance the output power from reactions. A Vong Alchemist who uses one without the proper skill and training could end up causing a highly destructive recoil that could take his/her life.
- The Second Tenant of Concentration: Without will, the nature of the universe will refuse to bend to you
This Tenant states that without the proper will, confidence, concentration and power it is impossible for a Vong Alchemist to create a successful reaction. A Vong Alchemist must be confident in his/her ability and be able to concentrate fully on the forces he/she is trying to bend. This can be difficult in the midst of a stressful situation, such as battle, so many Vong Alchemists employ the use of mystical chants and words during their reactions to bring forth more concentration and focus to the reaction.
The Law of Death & Life
- The First Tenant of Death & Life: Death is a void
This Tenant states that death is permeant, calling it a void as in Vong Alchemy a void is the ultimate state of non-existence. One cannot bring something back from the dead without breaking the laws of nature, however, there are many different variations of death by Vong Alchemistic standards. The death of the body is separate from the death of a soul, but once a body is dead it cannot be reconstructed or regenerated. The soul of that body, however, can be stored or called forth if its living energy has not been drained or used. This practice was originally forbidden in ancient Vong culture and was referred to as heresy by Vong Alchemists.
- The Second Tenant of Death & Life: Life created without a soul is an abomination
The Second tenant deals with the creation of life without a soul. These creations may be known as Sith Spawns in the Star Wars galaxy, but were known as Yar-Takar (Hollow Ones) in ancient Vong culture. Yar-Takar were created by harnessing Living Energies and matter to forge a body around pulsing dark energies. These beasts were sometimes uncontrollable and went on violent rampages, others were used to do the evil biddings of their makers. These Yar-Takar, however, were limited in use as they had massive weaknesses. For example, a Yar-Takar made from ice would be highly weak against heat. One made from dark energy and flesh might not be able to wonder too far from its creation point or may need to stay close to its creator. Others may simply decay quickly over time.
Recently, advances have been made that allow Vong Alchemists to forge what are known as “Soul Crystals” that allow them to bypass some of these weaknesses (and will be discussed further down).
- The Third Tenant of Death & Life: A soul bound to flesh not its own, will eat the flesh it calls its home
This tenant states that if an individual soul, without a soul crystal, is binded to a body that is not its own that it will start to decay that body. When an alchemist uses living energy to bind someone’s soul to another organic being or inorganic matter, they are essentially stripping away the former life energies (or in the case of inorganic matter, the flow of shifting energies within) and replacing it. This changes the way living energies react with the object/bodily form and the way shifting energies are coursed through the object, causing its structural integrity to weaken and cause a rapid destruction of form. While this may not hurt the soul itself, it will obviously decay the vessel it is using (unless bypassed by a soul crystal).
Abilities & Sorcerers Circles
The Jinn Arc
The Jinn Arc serves as both the symbol of the religious cult following the unmaker as well as the center point for a devastating power unlike any have ever before seen. The arc is used for sacrificial ceremonies that deal in the taking and utilizing of organic Life Energies (AKA the Soul/Living force of an organic being) to accomplish feats not accomplishable on a small scale. Created by the Unmaker, the Jinn arc is used by placing organic beings within the boundaries of the design and then using the natural living energies within the design to forcefully rip the “souls” of the organics out. This process requires an incredibly powerful user of the Vong Alchemetic Arts and, if done improperly, could result in the obliteration of an entire planet or even solar system.
Abilities connected with the Jinn Arc
- Soul Crystal Creation: Soul Crystals are crystals of special properties, such as lightsaber focusing crystals, which have been altered by the use of Vong Alchemy. By placing a Soul Crystal in the center “eye” of the arc, one of powerful enough force sensitivity and skill can use the Living Energies to create a “current” of force energy that will drive the souls of the organics into this crystal. During this process, the crystal is encased with a powerful bind of living energy to keep the souls from escaping. The amount of souls taken and the speed and technique used can determine the stability and usefulness of the crystal.
- Dark Gate Opening: A Dark Gate is a portal opened by the use of a Jinn Arc and is capable of a multitude of different things. A Dark Gate can be used for simple transportation of an individual from one place to another, or used to bring whole armies across vast distances in an instant. The larger the gate, the more souls will be needed and with enough it is said that one could even open the gates of Chaos. However, the number of souls to accomplish this is unclear as it takes millions of souls to open a gate big enough for an army.
- Organic Alteration: It is said that sacrifices of organics with certain attributes can allow an Alchemist to “upgrade” someone with new and unnatural abilities. Sacrificing four wookiees could give a four foot woman the strength of a rancor, or a sense of smell surpassing most animals in the galaxy. The process is highly dangerous however and the life to death ratio of those being altered is low.
