Lumesse
(loom-essy) meaning: the existence of light
What it is
"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, whatever color speaks to them most. This decision is permanent, so it is really important the rootling picks well! The only exception is if the rootling joins a clan, it's lumesse (if differently colored) will change to match the rest of its clan. Visual affects 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 lumesse shines brightly, and the temperature is decided by the player
When a rootling is in a dark place, or if night has fallen, their eyes will glow to match their lumesse. Most rootlings choose to keep their flames lit at night, too. It can be used like a candle to light their own path, or to guide lost ones through the hours, but it can also appear as an eerie or menacing warning sign.
Rootlings will use their lumesse flame to communicate things to 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 to claim it. 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 series of trials to change their color and enter the clan. Clans provide a familial community for the rootlings. It is safer in numbers, and their magic grows stronger when they are together. |
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 specks.
Location of the Flame
The lumesse 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. The rootling to the right is choosing to carry its flame within a lantern! The lumesse is not contained within the object, but the rootling can hold it there. 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 flame magic 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.
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), and 7,000 LP (7 flames). After 7 flames have been acquired, 1 new flame may be displayed for every 3,000 LP earned.
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.
- Lumesse magic acts like currency for your rootling. When they want to perform coronations, contribute to a temple creation, or grow themselves, they are spending LP (lumesse points).
- While the current store of lumesse magic will always rise and fall with your rootling's advancements, a lifetime amount of lumesse should also be stored. This number will determine how many flames your rootling can hold.
- Rootlings with a higher number of lumesse flames more often become clan leaders, can perform stronger magic, and are held in much higher respect.
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), and 7,000 LP (7 flames). After 7 flames have been acquired, 1 new flame may be displayed for every 3,000 LP earned.