Presence
Summary
The subtle currents of mystical energy that flow through all living beings, a measure of one's spiritual power and willpower
Description
Presence is the fundamental mystical force that flows through all living beings, representing the strength of one's spiritual essence, willpower, and connection to the arcane energies of the universe. It is both an innate quality and a skill that can be honed through training and mastery. Those attuned to the subtle currents of energy that flow through all things can perceive, manipulate, and project their Presence, making it a mark of skill and control among practitioners of the arcane arts. Presence manifests as an invisible aura of power that can be felt by those sensitive to magical energies—a master's Presence can inspire awe, fear, or reverence in others. In combat, Presence serves as both shield and sword: a strong Presence can resist powerful techniques like the forbidden Gasp, while a weak Presence leaves one vulnerable to domination. The concept is central to many mystical practices, including Presence Chess, a strategic game where players manifest chess pieces from their own energy and engage in battles of will. The measurement and control of one's Presence is considered essential training for any serious practitioner of magic, as it determines not only one's raw power but also their ability to resist mental domination, psychic attacks, and reality-warping techniques. The greater one's Presence, the more resilient they become to supernatural influence.
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