Energy

Energy can be described similar to magic and it's properties. In fact: it IS technically magic (though those associated with the AOs loathe the term "magic" since it seems much less legitimate and believable). All living things have energy inside of them, plants and animals included, but only anomalies harness it. Some nonliving items contain faint traces of energy, such as certain mined resources and lightning.

Energy is used in everyone. When you breathe, walk, run, talk, anything.

It is an exhaustible resource that needs to be constantly fueled. This is why everyone has to eat and drink, triple that if you're a anomaly.

Energy's colors can range, depending on the soul's color. Energy storage is split between the spirit, the soul, and the body's mass itself."Visualization? Is that important?"Incredibly so. An anomaly who lacks visualization skills is a sad one indeed. Through energy, so many things are possible through visualization. Summoning weapons, creating spells, changing one's appearance, mind control, etc. If you have ever studied chaos magic, it is very similar. Focusing on intent is important, and is how things become thoughts and then become reality. Energy is more powerful when manifest with the help of an already permanent physical object available. Creation of runes, writing what you want to visualize down, or performing a blood spell will generally up the power of your energy."Spells you say?"Yes! Any sort of energy use that requires more than silently imagining something into existence counts as a "spell". Some resemble chaos magic closely, with muttered incantations and physical charms and precious metals to up the energy pattern. But those aren't commonly used unless you study outside of training, or see those types of magic as below you for whatever (For an example of a counterpoint to the usual pompous energy users, view Hikari Lnu's profile). Others resemble the ones commonly used in the story's canon. For example: a paper command spell is used by writing down a command on a piece of paper. This paper should be sticky, with tape or possibly a sticky note. Simple commands work the best, like "sleep", or "remain still". After charging the piece of paper (aka: focusing your intent into the paper) it is ready for use! All you would have to do from there is simply attach the paper to someone's body, and the spell will activate on them. Paper spells are not incredibly common, but are frequently used by those with bad energy output. (EX: Cadence Baker)

Go wild, spells are ridiculous, cool, gory, stupid, smart, fun, everything! I suggest looking up witchcraft spells and chaos magic to better learn about "charging with intent" and what exactly that means.

The most commonly used spell is one for tricking the gaze of a regular human and becoming invisible.

The many forms of energy:
Energy can be solid or non-solid, aggressive, passive, or healing.

How energy looks and functions depends on the wants of it's user.

Energy can vary in density, like any other material, denser energy requires more energy. All energy output is temporary, and will eventually disappear if not paid attention to. It has the ability to change its color and resemble a different material entirely —for example, a weapon, like a gun— but this requires weeks to months of practice just to summon without much thought.

Aggressive energy is energy that harms whatever touches it, besides its user. Passive energy is energy that does not harm or heal others who come in contact with it. For example, if you wanted to hand someone a gun you made of your own energy, you would keep the energy passive as to not hurt your friend.

Healing energy, when in contact with wounds, can mend them. They can also be used to "heal" stress and relieve migraines. You can shoot lasers pew pew pew pew.

If you don't like weapons, your fights can look like... Touhou. Energy has many uses outside of combat. It could be used for anything from shape-shifting to barriers. Telekinesis is incredibly common in daily life.

Energy's limits aren't. Well. Limitless. While one anomaly can do mass amounts of damage on their own, it isn't without it's own rules. Do ask me (Nemu) if what you have in mind is realistic or not. Two or more people can "collaborate" their abilities together for twice the devastation, but this requires a compatibility and mutual understanding strangers wouldn't have. There are a few taboos, that are seen as too closely resembling demonic attributes. Using your own or others' blood should only be done in a pinch, since its what dangerous anomalies rely on. Makes you look bad if you're not in a desperate situation (even then it can get you in hot water). Controlling someone else's body is a giant taboo and it might get you killed if someone catches you doing that— since it's a skill demons specialize in beyond other anomalies."So what does it look like then, most of the time?"Translucent glowing masses that are only given shape by it's user. Think: power orbs. The glowing masses only turn into physical objects if the users focus. They can be as sharp as blades or as dull as plastic.Or better yet: just think of glow-y magic stuff. Y'know, the stuff? Yeah! That stuff! You get it!"This sounds like a bullshit video game, I hate you."Bitch, this is my creation. Of course it sucks, use your god damn brain."So, anything else?"Yes, energy is directly connected to motion. The more you move, the more energy comes out. AOs are trained to move constantly, and are frequently seen doing extra motions such as twirling their weapon. Even something as little as snapping your fingers can help get that energy out! Many prefer weapons that can rotate, be swung, or require some sort of physical charge-up (like a bow with a string to pull). Commonly, the weapons AOs summon have a handle or some sort of strap on the hilt of their weapon that can swing around their wrist. It's important to charge-up first, then attack!

Motion is also important in non-violent circumstances. Using your energetic abilities is so much rougher if you don't couple it with some type of movement. For example, most AOs couple their everyday use of telekinesis with hand motions. Spells usually have some sort of movement added to them, like sign language to go with an incantation.

Last thing! Without energy you're fucked.

The same way people starve from a lack of food, if you fight and run out, you'll pass out and eventually die. Avoid anomalies who try to drain energy, and never go long without a meal. You can tell how much energy an anomaly has in their body by how vivid or dull their eyes are. If they turn grey, they're sluggish and incoherent and near death.