Opening log.

  Viewing Heliopolis database circa 'Distortion 1'. Administrator - Thoth. Approved.

  File - Aristeia

  Aristeia are one of the two 'trump card' abilities often shown by Spirits, alongside their Artifacts. Though Aristeia are each unique, there are several commonalities between them. They recreate events, feats, or specific techniques rather than 'items', and typically embody one of the cruxes of a Spirit's legend or capabilities. While Aristeia can be activated at will, since their very essence is that of enforcing the metaphysical impact of one's legend, they often have 'prerequisites'. Fulfilling these individual prerequisites will make the Aristeia cheaper to use, more stable, and more powerful in its effects. Past a certain point, the Aristeia can even 'block out' the world, dimming the impact on the senses that other individuals have, though this is more of a cosmetic effect than something usable in combat. Lastly, it should be noted that while most Aristeia have some form of special ability imparted on the user, all Aristeia put the user 'in the zone', honing their capabilities and focus to the utmost and even raising their general skill level.

  Several Aristeia may be similar, and some Spirits may even appear to 'share' an Aristeia, such as Sigurd and Saint George sharing the 'dragon slaying' Aristeia type, however the requisites and exact effects will still differ in such cases. Lastly, while it is uncommon in weaker Spirits, there are many Spirits who have more than one Aristeia, sometimes even with conflicting requisites or capabilities.

  File - Motif

  The Motif is a powerful metaphysical construct sometimes related to the Aristeia, but it notably differs by the virtue of the Motif being something an individual is born with while still alive, rather than forged through legends and history. Motifs, as their name implies, typically relate to an 'image', being more of a concept than a single easily-tracked word. When an individual realizes something deep down about themselves or their nature, they may begin to awaken powers related to a Motif, which can often be diagnosed in three known stages.

  Stage One, Spiritual Usage, means that the user has awakened their Motif and is able to utilize it in the performance of magic, either in addition to or completely replacing a magical foundation. In the case of candidate Wilhelm Seth, this is the basis behind his 'Staccato' spell line. His Motif, the tessellation of images of himself, allows him to directly move forces he has some connection with to a different point within sight, acting less like a concrete 'spell' and more like a general purpose ability he has honed.

  Stage Two, Partial Manifestation, refers to a user who has consciously discovered the form of their Motif's image, and has the capability to draw part of that image out. As Motif images are centered on the self, this typically serves as a close range or self changing ability. One of the Caller candidates who was not deployed to this Distortion, Sena Weir, is capable of utilizing Partial Manifestation with her Motif of 'drifting atop an endless ocean', allowing her to keep a massive ocean concealed seemingly outside of existence, and deploy waters and sea life from within it. Notably, most Partial Manifestation level Motifs documented by mage society are far above the realm of common magic, and can be considered equal weapons to Aristeia when used properly.

  Stage Three, Full Manifestation, is the matured and full view of a Motif, having been entirely comprehended and actualized by the user. Rather than merely utilizing part of their Motif's power, they can bring all of its might to bear. While not confirmed, it is theorized that if Sena Weir were to reach this stage of awakening, she would be able to pull the endless ocean from her Motif into reality, changing the entire scope of a battle and controlling an entire ocean at will. Full Manifestation Motif usage is incredibly rare, and can be considered equal to some of the greatest magi of an era in capabilities. Most Spirits would be unable to win a fight against a Full Manifestation user, so long as they had the energy to continuously fuel it.

  File - Spirit Classifications

  Spirit Classifications are a complex topic, as they change based on the system under which a Spirit has been summoned. Spirits are summoned through both a special vessel, and a magical ritual to pull that Spirit into the vessel. While the summoning ritual heavily impacts the capabilities, skills, and what Spirit might be summoned, the vessel is the more important of the two, as the magical foundation behind the creation of the vessel also determines the Classifications used for the Spirit's capabilities and temperament.

  Heliopolis traditionally uses Kabbalah both to create the vessel, and to summon the Spirit. While not the strongest foundation in either case, Kabbalah is stable and has solid practicality without being particularly expensive, allowing Heliopolis to utilize it en masse, though the sheer amount of Spirits summoned would be exceedingly expensive for any mage's private abode. The Classifications under Kabbalah follow the Sefirot, or the Ten Emanations, and represent the lessons and importance of each Emanation.

  Notably, it's completely possible for a Spirit to be summoned in any of multiple Classes, as the Classes are an enforcement of magic on the Spirit that helps hone and focus their abilities into an archetype.

  Malkhut Class - Arguably the 'lowest' of classes, but not to be underestimated. Malkhut Class represents the material world, and as such its Spirits tend to have similarly material abilities. They tend to have many Artifacts and treasures, or the ability to easily make or gain Artifacts without breaking much of a sweat. Weyland the Smith is a good example of a Malkhut Class candidate.

  Yesod Class - Yesod is the class of movement and connections, and tends to be good at long range combat and hit-and-run tactics. They have a tendency to have movement based Aristeia, as well as large Artifacts that act as vehicles, including 'living Artifact' mounts that come with them. Christopher Columbus is a good example of a Yesod Class candidate.

  Hod Class - Hod can be considered the class of temperance, majesty, and glory. What this means is that Hod Class Spirits tend to be knightly in demeanor, and are often generalists combat-wise, without many standout options but with seemingly no weak points. They can be a real headache due to their versatility and lack of easily assailed weaknesses. Lancelot is a good example of a Hod Class candidate.

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  Netzach Class - Netzach is the class of perpetuity, endurance, and 'kindnesses'. In other words, it stands out as the class with the greatest defenses, though its Spirits tend to be lacking in power or versatility. They can be selfish at times, but most Netzach Class Spirits are also very good at defending areas or several people at once. Ajax the Greater is a good example of a Netzach Class candidate.

  Tiferet Class - Tiferet is a special case, the class of beauty and adornment. The description is a bit of a misnomer, as Tiferet's place in the center of the Sefirot is what helps to truly determine its capabilities. By integrating and balancing the capabilities of the Sefirot around them, Tiferet Class Spirits tend to be able to swap or otherwise utilize the powers of other Classifications. Keter and Malkhut are almost always exceptions to this, due to Malkhut's specialty in Artifacts and Keter's qualitative difference in power. Heracles is a good example of a Tiferet Class candidate, many-talented and able to seemingly do anything.

  Chesed Class - The Chesed or Hesed class is the class of love and grace. While it might appear to be similar to the Netzach class superficially, its true essence is different. Rather than a 'guardian', Chesed Class Spirits tend to be 'commanders' who can change battlefield conditions, or coordinate and exemplify their allies. Julius Caesar is a good example of a Chesed Class candidate.

  Gevurah Class - Gevurah is the class of limitations and boundaries, as well as strength. Gevurah class Spirits tend to be unstable, but above all else, have their brute force and warlike impulses hardened and amplified by the Classification itself. As a result, Gevurah can be considered a double edged sword, as many Gevurah class Spirits will never retreat willingly, but they tend to be stronger than they otherwise should be. Gevurah is a very easy Classification for Spirits to fit into, and almost any Spirit who was fully overcome by killing intent at one point in their legend or history can qualify for it.

  Da'at Class - Da'at is the class of knowledge, both hidden and outright. Da'at class Spirits tend to be powerful mages or innovators, with skills oftentimes raised beyond what they were even in life, and capable of engineering wondrous solutions so long as they have time to analyze a problem. Almost any famous scientist or mage can qualify for Da'at class, as it is a common and easily-capable Classification.

  Binah Class - Binah is the class of understanding, not to be confused with Da'at's domain of knowledge. If Da'at is pure intelligence, Binah is analysis and distinguishing, and as a result it tends to be filled with manipulators, both of people and of long running schemes. This isn't to say that the Binah class is inherently evil or dangerous, but its Spirits tend to have dangerous forms of charisma that can play people into their hands, friend and foe alike. Caesar Octavian Augustus is a good example of a Binah Class candidate.

  Hokhmah Class - Hokhmah is the class of 'wisdom' and sapience, not to be confused with its two neighbors. While the other two lend themselves well to intelligence and spells, Hokhmah is about the very act of seeing and watching something in motion, and its Spirits tend to have incredible senses and information gathering methods, but also are weak in direct combat. They are the best long range specialists of any Classification. Teucer is a good example of a Hokhmah Class candidate.

  Keter Class - Keter is one of the 'special' classes, as it can be considered the lacking of a Classification. This is not to say that it's weak and lacks the power of a class, but quite the opposite, it is not limited by the strengths and weaknesses of any one Classification. In essence, Keter Class is a 'different form of summoning', which can directly summon the Spirit with all of their abilities at the cost of instability and incredible upkeep. Since nearly any Spirit can be summoned as Keter Class, it's pointless to list a specific candidate.

  File - Caller Database Trivia

  Johannes Volkner, Candidate 015. His foundation of choice is Futhark Runes, one of several similar writing-based foundations seen across the world. Unknown Motif. Emotionally unstable and ill-prepared for continued operation at Heliopolis. The Director's advice is to keep him around regardless, and let him take a fatal strike that might otherwise be directed to more important personnel. 189 cm tall, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Favorite food is hearty stews, and his taste in romantic partners is long-legged, peppy go-getters. Summoned the now-deceased Jack the Ripper, who's favorite food was brioche, and who had 'no taste' in romantic partners due to not believing herself as someone who could enjoy romance.

  Wilhelm Seth, Candidate 012. No magical foundation, he substitutes it with his Motif of tessellating self images. With seven Physiomagical Aberrations, Wilhelm Seth is absurdly suited to any field he puts his mind to, and many of our hopes are pinned on him despite the risks his current field work involve. Son of the famous Juno 'steel skin' Seth, it is unknown why Juno did not teach his son proper magical usage, but his capabilities are extraordinary regardless. 188 cm tall, with steel grey hair and pure blue eyes. Favorite food is brisket, and his taste in romantic partners is a woman with a crazy, domineering nature who will put him on a leash. Summoned Minamoto no Yoshinaka, who's favorite 'food' is quality booze, and who's taste in romantic partners is a woman that can keep up with him, physically and mentally.

  Padraig O'Neil, Candidate 026. Magical foundation focused on using animism to draw out the spirits and stories of objects, giving them magical powers. Unknown Motif. A go-getter who is hard to put down and harder to keep down, the Director sees him as a potential asset to R&D, but he continually pushed for a field position. 172 cm tall, with auburn hair and light green eyes. Favorite food is steak and potatoes, and his taste in romantic partners is someone as adventurous and heroic as he is, willing to journey with him until the end. Summoned the late Honda Tadakatsu, who's favorite food was 'a fitting ensemble of fruits, wild dog, and monkey, preferably layered together', and who's taste in romantic partners is something he'd like to keep as a secret, in case his wife or his Lord were to ever be summoned.

  Tsumugi Takahashi, Candidate 034. No magical training, but has a bizarre Physiomagical Aberration that drastically heightens her senses to terrible levels. Unknown Motif. A terribly traumatized young woman who was brought to Heliopolis not to help the mission, but as a curiosity at Daedalus's insistence. 165 cm tall, with black hair and dark brown eyes. Favorite food is plain, multiple-times-watered-down rice, and her taste in romantic partners is someone calm and understanding, who isn't too competent and who isn't overly interested in her at first. Summoned the wolf-knight of the round table Melion, who's favorite food is '...Anything except. Elk, I suppose.', and who's taste in romantic partners is 'someone who has never loved before, and who is loyal to a fault'. Melion is secretly a woman, though her story is so absurdly unknown and minor that, alongside her being inhuman for most of it, this was unknown in history.

  The Excavator, Candidate 013. Training in several magical foundations, most prominently the Heka traditions of ancient Egypt. His real name and history are unknown, but his exceptional skills and capabilities were deemed enough to bring him into the Heliopolis initiative. The Director has advised that this level of security breach is never to be allowed again, and fired the staff responsible. 195 cm tall, with black hair and unnatural, black-iris eyes. Favorite food is, bizarrely enough, burnt snake meat, and his taste in romantic partners is 'None, because I only have room in my heart for my Lord.'. That is a conjecture by staff given his showcased nature, anyway. Summoned the Celtic Queen Maeve, who's favorite food is a massive platter fit for kings and queens with all sorts of food, traditional and modern alike, and who's taste in romantic partner is 'Anyone beautiful, brave and strong, whether man or woman, so long as they accept me as greater than them.'