[The world of Shadow Haze is ruled by the Gifted and their powers. This chapter reveals the system behind their abilities knowledge that may spoil parts of the story, but is key to understanding the darkness and danger that lies ahead]
- The Edict
The Edict is a law imposed on reality itself after the world's collapse an unseen authority that judges humans and brands the chosen with power and burden.
- The Corrupted
The Corrupted are twisted humans and creatures, broken by the world's fall, driven only by hunger, rage, and violence.
- Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is the last known bastion of humanity after the world's collapse.
A land of harsh wilderness, twisted forests, and crumbling cities, it is ruled not by law, but by power and survival.
Seven distinct territories are controlled by rival leaders, each guarding vital resources and commanding elite warriors.
Monsters roam freely between settlements, and the Gifted hunt both the Corrupted and each other.
In Paradise Valley, only the cunning, strong, and ruthless endure.
- The Gifted
The Gifted are humans marked by the Edict, wielding Gifts bound to Tributes, walking the fine line between power and ruin.
- Fort
A Fort is a fortified base controlled by a leader, symbolizing power, protection, and dominance over a territory.
Common Terminology
- King/King's
In Paradise Valley, a King is not a monarch of law, but a leader of a territory.
Each King controls vital resources, commands elite warriors, and enforces their rule through strength and fear.
Some Kings are cunning strategists. Others rely on sheer power or the loyalty of the Gifted.
To cross into another King's territory is to risk death, servitude, or war.
The word "King" carries respect, terror, and the unspoken law: might makes right.
- Fragments
Fragments are unique powers or abilities granted to the Gifted, tied to their Gift and Tribute, and essential for survival and dominance.
- Shades
Shades are weapons or items bound to a Gifted's Fragments, unique to their power, enhancing combat and abilities.
- Path
A Path is the specialization of a Gifted, guiding how they wield their power, Fragments, and Tributes in the world.
- Cores
Cores are the reservoirs of energy within a Gifted, sustaining their abilities, Fragments, and Shades. The number and strength of Cores vary between individuals, determining their power and potential.
- Ranks
Ranks are the levels that measure a Gifted's power, skill, and survival under the Edict.
Each Rank reflects how much a Gifted has grown, how dangerous they are, and the challenges they can face. There are as follow
- Marked
- Bearer
- Awakened
- Bound
- Assimilated
- Sovereign
- Divine
- Class
A Class is the role or position a Gifted holds within the edict.
It does not define raw power any Gifted can be strong but it reflects their specialty, status, and approach in battle or society.
A Class influences how others perceive them, the responsibilities they carry, and the strategies they use to survive.
Classes of the Gifted:
- Tyranny
- Temper
- Unlimited
- Nova
- Storm
- Dominion
- Purity
Gift And Abilities
- Gift
A Gift is the unique supernatural ability granted by the Edict, bound to a Tribute and shaped by the bearer's skill.
- Attribute
Attributes are the types of supernatural abilities a Gifted wields, shaped by their Gift and expressed through Fragments and Shades.
- Traits
Traits are the personal flaws, burdens, or defining characteristics that shape a Gifted's behavior and limit their power.
Every Gifted carries at least one Trait, but there are most cases where they are more than one.