The Essence
The Essence
The Essence is the primordial force of Duela.
It is energy, potential, life, and narrative pressure. It exists inside and outside the world.
The Essence responds to belief and perception. It does not care whether a belief is morally fair or factually true. If enough intelligent beings imprint an idea strongly enough, The Essence may make that idea real.
Core principle
Belief shapes reality.
This is not symbolic. In Duela, collective belief, rumor, fear, worship, titles, and social roles can all affect the world through The Essence.
Examples
- A widely believed rumor of a dungeon may eventually create a real dungeon.
- A king may gain real authority because people believe the title has power.
- A person accused of being cursed may become cursed.
- A god may form because enough people pray for one.
- A monster may become real because enough people expect it to exist.
Magic
Magic works by forming a clear image and imprinting it onto The Essence.
Different magical traditions use different methods, but the basic principle is the same: the caster gives shape to possibility.
Importance
The Essence is one of the trunk-canon foundations of Duela.
Many other parts of the setting descend from it, including gods, magic, classes, curses, rumors, and the origin of Hauru.
