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Phenomenon

Phenomena are ongoing or emergent conditions that act in or upon the world. They are not defined by intent or agency, but might be wielded or enabled by other elements.

Phenomena interact with the rest of the world in some meaningful ways, including:

  • Characters (wielding or enabling)
  • Traits and Abilities (enhancing or being enhanced)
  • Objects and Constructs (trigger or affected)
  • Locations (appear or enrich)

They are distinct from:

  • Events (which are dated incidents of history)
  • Constructs (which are designed or conceptual structures)
  • Abilities (which are agent-bound)

Phenomenon discussions on GitHub

Field Type Description
expression text How the phenomenon manifests or takes shape in the world
effects text The primary outcomes or changes caused by the phenomenon
duration integer The amount of time the phenomenon lasts, measured in world TIME units
catalysts links to Object Objects or materials that initiate or enhance the phenomenon
empowerments links to Ability Abilities that initiate or enhance the phenomenon, or are initiated or enhanced by it
Field Type Description
mythology text Cultural, religious, or narrative meaning associated with the phenomenon
system link to Phenomenon Broader phenomenon that this one is part of or linked to
triggers links to Construct Conceptual mechanisms or patterns that cause the phenomenon to activate
wielders links to Character Characters capable of intentionally directing or controlling the phenomenon
environments links to Location Locations where the phenomenon occurs or is known to manifest