Anima

Much like the primordial and terminal elements, there is an elemental existence core to life itself. It goes by many names, such as life force, ki, chi, health, and vitality, but the truest name agreed upon is *Anima*, the breath of life. All life, no matter what kind, possesses anima. Though Anima is not a primordial element of nature, it relies upon a balance between all primordial elements to exist, and ends as it accrues more terminal elements.   The primordial element of water is especially important to the anima of most living beings. As a result, water is especially critical for survival, and water magic is the best-inclined towards restoration.   Much like life itself, not all anima is the same. It can be roughly categorized into two to three groups which life possesses, depending on the individual.   Core Anima is the basis upon which life is built. Without core anima, life cannot overcome the forces compelling it to become a piece of lifeless matter. Core anima is highest at a life's beginning, and old age claims a life when its core anima has become too feeble to overcome deanimation. However, most life dies before its core anima could ever run out. Legends say that those that can survive to that point can become something beyond life, a legendary being. Core anima is unique to the being in question, and replacing it necessitates a miracle.   Auxiliary Anima is the strength that allows life to survive on a day to day basis. It's sometimes called Health Potential, Hardy Puissance, or other names, and is always abbreviated as HP for convenience. Auxiliary anima is what gives life its ability to take hits, dodge mortal blows, and withstand pain and hunger. Unlike core anima, it can be easily replenished with food, water, magic, and even simply stirring the soul to keep fighting. As one becomes more experienced in the world, especially as a warrior, one's capacity for auxiliary anima increases. When it runs out, the life does not end. However, it is at immediate risk of ending, as the fragile core anima no longer has any protection.   Fostered Anima is a type of anima not possessed by all life. It is sometimes called Ki, Chi, or fighting spirit. Similar to auxiliary anima, it is easily replenished with food and magic. However, unlike auxiliary anima, which protects life, fostered anima is anima which has been trained to fuel great feats of strength others can only dream of. Using this power comes at a cost, however- Should the wielder's cultivated pool of fostered anima run dry, it can then only be used by burning up their auxiliary, or in the worst cases, even core anima. Fostered anima is the only anima that can efficiently fuel such maneuvers, however- it is trained for that very purpose.  

Angels and Demons

Anima is currently understood to be the driving force behind both the angelization and demonization effects. It can be explained simply, though it is in truth complex and full of exceptions: Angelization is powered by the gratitude of others' anima, while demonization is powered by taking it from them.  

The Spirit Autumn

The Spirit Autumn is a condition that causes the body's anima to attack itself. If left untreated, it will greatly weaken the afflicted, ultimately causing for them to perish as their life is extinguished by itself. In the very rare instances in which someone survives a spirit autumn, they are likely to become a dread being with no anima of its own, which must sap that of others to continue existing.  

Etymology

The word Anima is among others that are older than anything in the known world, and is noted as potentially having its roots in the long-lost language, Latin, by archaeolinguists.