Archetype System

The Archetype System is a series of Protean Husk based metaphysical enhancements and reality warping modules used by the Bound and acausal beings alike. The system was first conceived by Bound civilisations in the Weave to make use of the Void's power in a way that allowed ease of access and use. The system operates off a being's Godseed, modifying its pattern to allow for enhancements.

Description
The Archetype enhancement system operates mainly off the implanted Godseed that most beings in the Weave possess. Alterations are made to the imprinted pattern through the addition of Protean Husks for additional enhancements. The system, during the Weave's existence, was linked to a network where system archetypes alterations and Novas could be downloaded, though in the present local networks are used instead for this purpose. Transcends often use the Archetype system to grant Bound beings easy access to some of their Void based reality warping through the use of Novas; Protean Husk patterns that could be imprinted onto other beings to allow for abilities such as the manipulation of time and space, fundamental forces (which may differ depending on the laws of different universes) or many more individual and minor effects. Novas make up the bulk of Archetype system downloads; it is not uncommon for many Bound beings to build up extensive libraries of Novas in their (often indefinite) lifetime.

The enhancements themselves are categorised into Archetypes. There are two Archetype variations; general system archetypes and personal archetypes. System archetypes are a group of enhancements (grouped by roles and occupations) in a standard package that may be downloaded onto a Godseed imprint. As an example, scientists and researchers often make use the Thinker system archetype, which offers cognitive enhancement in the form of greater cognition speed, allows more thought partitions, eidetic memory, enhanced learning speed and pattern recognition, among others.

Personal archetypes are unique to each user, and develop and change alongside its wielder. A personal archetype grows with use, and adapts to suit the user's preferences and habits. In particular, personal archetypes most heavily enhance qualities and skills that a wielder uses the most, such as dexterity and finesse for artists and musicians, alongside their respective skills. Personal archetypes sit on a spectrum between those focused on raw power and those on more finesse based pursuits, depending on their wielder. Most personal archetypes also undergo additional alteration by their users; both Bound and acausal users of the Archetype System often download individual, non-packaged enhancements into their personal archetype to better suit their their jobs and roles, alongside the use of general archetypes. Famous individual enhancements include the Ghroth assimilation pattern, that allows an entity's metaphysical makeup to be broken down and merged with the user to obtain their abilities (though this has limitations on what it can break down, as Old Brethren are known to be highly resistant to this pattern's effects, while Shardbearers, Transcends and Elixir Drinkers are immune entirely).

The way Novas are used is highly dependent on a user's personal archetype. How Nova effects and abilities can be casted may differ depending on the user; for some, it is an act of will, for others, it may be a chant and/or a gesture. The differences between users can apply to the results of such casts as well, with intent and subtle nuances in preference playing a role in shaping the result of casting a Nova.

History
The Archetype System came into use during the midst of the First Aeon War, after the initial period of the Weave's expansion. During the period after the Ascension Wars where the Weave begun expanding, the various Bound civilisations researched ways to make use of the Void without aid from the various Transcends and other acausal beings. The culmination of this research was put forward during the fourth Bound Research Conference, where researchers and representatives from multiple civilisations gathered and exchanged information regarding their research into the Void. During the conference, a proposal was made to create a system that allows for any Bound being within the Weave to access the fruits of their research into the Void.

Over the following conferences, an organisation dedicated to implementing these advancements for the Bound was created, known as Archetype. Over several centuries, the research culminated in the creation of a streamlined system of metaphysical enhancements that was spread throughout the Weave network. The system became known as the Archetype System, and was quickly made accessible to those within the Weave during the fires of the brief First Aeon War. The system's use immediately became widespread among the Bound, and even gained some traction with some of the acausal beings in the Weave.

After the war, the system has received continued updates up until the Tor crisis. Just after the war, Transcends began to use the system to allow Bound beings some access to their powers through the spreading of Novas, abilities and powers encoded into Protean Husk patterns that could also be imprinted onto a being. With the Weave now shattered, updates to the system are localised to different parts of the Weave Remnant; different regions of the former Weave will often possess differing versions of the same system due to difficulty of communication.