Quintessence (fuel)

     In the Interitus universe, Quintessence is the name of the fuel used by humans and Astrodei in order to use their Astrodeus Powers. Because it gives people access to an extraordinary power that they otherwise cannot access, it is considered by many to be the most valuable currency in the universe. In addition to its demand, it also comparatively hard for a person to access. With one exception, a person can only acquire quintessence by killing a person and burning through their soul with an Array of Black Fire. This quintessence is derived from the life force in their soul, but it only becomes usable fuel through burning on the Array. Quintessence is typically measured in points, and for most people. each point allows someone one activation of their power. If a person closes their eyes and concentrates on a number in their head, they can keep track of the quintessence stored inside their soul, but this only works if they have quintessence to begin with. In other words, anyone who has not used an Array to burn another person will have 0 quintessence points, and therefore they will not find that number in their head.

    Every human (or Astrodeus) life is worth only four quintessence points on its own. This means that if someone burns through an ordinary person's soul, they will receive four points (and four activations of their own power). However, if you are to sacrifice someone on an Array, and they had stored 25 quintessence points from victims of their own, then you would receive those 25 points as well as an extra 4 from their own soul. Therefore, if someone is known to have quintessence, then they are often seen as valuable targets to others seeking quintessence.

    Note that once a person has quintessence, they can (shortly thereafter) evolve their bodies and become Astrodei, practically on demand. However, most Astrodei suffer from a quintessence curse which compels them to capture and collect as much quintessence as possible.

    It should also be noted that if someone is touched by the darkness, then souls in the screaming tempest can sacrifice themselves to empower that person with quintessence. In other words, if someone wins the favor of the lost souls, then they can access a near-infinite stream of quintessence (in bursts of 4 points at a time.)