Difference between revisions of "Awakening"

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(Fixed a lot of problems. Someone please try to fix the rest. Let's make this worthy of its "notable" designation.)
(Additional tweaks for readability; added a small paragraph on the Returned.)
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'''Awakening''' is the art of combining color, [[BioChromatic Breath]] (often shortened to '''"Breath"'''), and an Awakening [[Command]] in order to animate an object. This process, resultsresulting in one of four types of [[BioChromatic_Breath#Types_of_BioChromatic_entities|BioChromatic entities]]. On [[Nalthis]], each person is born with one Breath. Since Awakening often requires multiple Breaths, [[Awakener]]s must gather Breath from other people. Once enough Breath has been gathered, these may then be used for Awakening.
 
The process of Awakening begins when an [[Awakener]] releases some of their stored Breath into an object through the use of a Command. While doing so, the Awakener must also be in physical contact with a source of color (e.g. a piece of dyed cloth). If the Command is valid and is correctly visualized in the Awakener's mind, then color is drained from the color source and the target object becomes '''Awakened'''. It then proceeds to carry out the Command.
In most cases, the color of living things cannot be used for Awakening. This is because the living soul interferes with the Awakening process. The color of things taken from living things, on the other hand, may be used.{{qa ref|982|1}} An [[Awakener]] can, for example, use spilled blood as a color source.
 
== Awakening Commands ==
The Commands used in Awakening are crucial to its success or failure. They must be clearly stated and properly visualized. Generally Commands are simple, concrete ideas expressed in phrases of two words or less, usually consisting of a specific verb and a general subject (e.g. "Grab things"). While more complex Commands can be used, the more complex the Command the more difficult the visualization of the Command becomes. Advanced Commands tend to be jealously guarded by [[Awakener]]s.
 
There are places that use Awakened objects as a source of energy and industry.{{qa ref|590|34}}
 
== AwakeningBioChromatic TargetsHost ==
 
An Awakened object's shape,acts itsas history,a andhost for the materialBioChromatic Breath Awakening it. isSome madetypes of allobjects determinemore howreadily muchaccept BreathBreaths itthan willothers, requiremaking them easier to Awaken. it,This asdepends wellon asthe howobject's easyshape, itits ishistory, to retrieveand the Breathsmaterial afterwardsit is made of. Generally, Awakening inorganic objects made of metal or stone requireis very difficult, requiring extremely large amounts of Breath. Organic objects, especially those shaped like living things, are much easier to Awaken.
 
On the other hand, closer proximity of an object to a living form makes it harder to retrieve Breaths from itan Awakened host. For example, one generally can no longer recover the Breaths one used to Awakenon a corpse.
 
OrganicIn between the two extremes of inorganic objects and dead bodies, there are also organic objects that are far removed from beinghaving been alive, things like organic textiles (e.g. cloth, rope, etc.). These have the advantage of requiring less Breath to Awaken than inorganic objects while at the same time allowing for Breath recovery. Such objects are called '''Type III BioChromatic entities''', and include processed materials such as cloth and ropes. They are understandably the most common targetstype of AwakeningBioChromatic host entities created. However, other types of objects can also be Awakened.
 
=== CorpsesDead bodies ===
 
'''Type II BioChromatic entities''', or [[Lifeless]], are created though the use of complex Commands that reanimate a dead body. These Commands are guarded closely by those who know them.▼
When a Nalthian dies, there is a small chance that his corpse will spontaneously Awaken as a sentient host called a [[Returned]], also known as a '''Type I BioChromatic entity'''. The Breath hosted by a Returned comes directly from the Shard [[Endowment]] through a process that is not yet clear.
 
▲Most of the time, however, dead bodies only Awaken during the process of creating non-sentient [[Lifeless]], or '''Type II BioChromatic entities''',. orThese [[Lifeless]],creatures are createdmade though the use ofvia complex Commands that reanimate a dead bodyperson or animal. These Commands are guarded closely by those who know them.
 
Once a Lifeless is created, it will obey any instructions given to it that are followed by a pre-determined '''Command Phrase'''. Human Lifeless are able to understand more abstract instructions than animal Lifeless. However, the skill of the [[Awakener]] who Awakens the [[Lifeless]] also affects its ability. Any Lifeless will retain a level of skill that it had in life. For example, a soldier Lifeless created from the body of a farmer is not as good as a soldier Lifeless created from that of a soldier.
 
Breaths used to Awaken Lifeless cannot be recovered. This Breath will keep the Lifeless functioning for a long time, even when it receives minor wounds. Too much damage will eventually cause the Lifeless to cease activity., Thiswhich means that Lifeless bodies need to be maintained and repaired (e.g. by sewing its wounds) when needed. One innovation in Lifeless maintenance is the use of [[ichor-alcohol]], a substance discovered by [[Yesteel]] that could act as blood for Lifeless and that greatly prolongs their viability.
 
Lifeless created from bones and covered in metal or stone are extremely powerful as they do not break down and do not need [[ichor-alcohol]]. It is possible to take a dead body that has been turned to stone and animate it without the need to preserve the bones.{{qa ref|1068|12}}
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