Focus (Magic) in the world of Trexlin
What is Focus - and how is it handled in Trexlin (an abbreviated guide)
WORLD BUILDINGBEHIND THE VEIL
8/7/20255 min read
I. Overview of Focus
Focus is the mystical force—magic itself—that exists as the fifth natural element in the world of Trexlin, alongside Water, Fire, Air, and Trex (Earth). It is an invisible, potent essence that can be harnessed by those with an innate affinity. This essence flows from a singular source: The Grand Central, a mighty crystalline structure at the center of everything, in the Realm of Foci (also known as the Grand Crystal or Grand Central). This crystal is not only the source of all focus - but is powered by self-sacrifice of each ruler of Foci - and contains not only their essence, but their memories. It is sentient (unbeknownst to all).
On Trexlin, Focus travels through invisible focal lines that crisscross the world. Those with the right affinity can draw upon these lines, manipulate the focus, and wield it to wondrous effect. This practice is what most refer to as “magic.”
Focus is not infinite—it slowly depletes over millennia. With each passing Age, when the ruler of Foci merges with the Grand Central upon death, a resurgence of Focus spreads through the realms, revitalizing the lines and renewing the magical energies, and, on Trexlin, crafting a "new" age.
Focus is treated differently by different cultures and institutions. Some believe that focus requires specific somatic, vocal, and physical components to "weave" focus into achieving the desired results. Some believe that true mastery of focus can only be achieved through the study of a specific branch or style of focus For example, the Quem culture believe that Focus is the energy of their ancestors which is harnessed through the use totems/fetishes while the EMpire of the Platinum Lion
II. Affinity and Cultural Attitudes
Only a small percentage of the population—roughly 1 in 400 humans—possesses a natural affinity for Focus. Throughout Trexlin, cultures vary in how they treat Focus-users. Some kingdoms have institutions or elite circles to teach Focus, while others fear it and restrict its use. In many regions, the general populace views Focus with suspicion or fear.
III. Focus in the Empire of the Platinum Lion
The Empire is unique in its highly organized and institutionalized approach to Focus. The primary institution of learning and regulation is known as The Sodality. Each of the Empire’s Principalities houses its own Sodality:
Copper Sodality in the Copper Principality
Silver Sodality in the Silver Principality
Gold Sodality in the Gold Principality
Platinum Sodality in the Platinum Principality
All Sodalities operate independently but adhere to a shared doctrine. They are collectively subordinate to the Imperial Archmage, who resides in the Imperial Capital of LionsDen. Each Sodality is led by an Archmage (the Silver Archmage, The Copper Archmage, etc.)
IV. Testing and Enrollment
All children (no earlier than age 8 and no later than age 10) are tested for their Focus affinity by traveling officials known as Selectors. If a child is found to have sufficient affinity, they may be admitted into the Sodality.
An initiation fee, scaled by family wealth, is required. Though the system is intended to offer equal opportunity, wealthier families often find more success due to their higher fee contributions. Still, a youth’s raw affinity remains the ultimate factor.
V. Sodality Ranks
Students progress through the following ranks:
Tog – Entry-level position. Performs menial tasks (cleaning, mucking stalls) and studies basics (Math, Science, Language, Writing). Must serve a minimum of 1001 days and a maximum of 4 years before final acceptance testing. Failure to pass the Tog Exam results in expulsion.
Apprentice – Begins formal studies. Must earn cords in 5 disciplines within 5 years, though most achieve this in 3.75 to 4.25 years. Early completion (as little as 2 years) is possible.
Senior Apprentice – Gains access to study Focus and begins preparation for joining a Cadre.
Novice – Enrolled in a Cadre. Must earn a 1-knot Focus Cord and be guided by an Acolyte and Master.
Acolyte – Teaches lower-level students and trains Tog recruits. Expected to earn advanced cords.
Provisional Master – A transitional rank. Must work toward high-level knot cords in multiple disciplines and Focus.
Master – Full recognition as a high-level Focus user.
Grand Master – Reserved for only the most powerful and accomplished users. Bestowed by the Imperial Archmage.
Archmage – Leader of each Sodality.
VI. Cord System (Belt and Knots)
All Sodality members wear a plain rope belt to which cords are attached. Cords represent proficiency in various subjects. Knots denote mastery levels:
1 Knot = Basic Subject Knowledge
2 Knot = Intermediate Knowledge
3 Knot = Advanced Knowledge
4 Knot = Equivalent to Undergraduate College Level
5 Knot = Bachelor’s Degree Equivalent
6 Knot = Master’s Degree Equivalent
7 Knot = PhD Equivalent
VII. Disciplines and Cord Colors
There are 14 Basic Disciplines, plus Focus
VIII. Cadres of Focus
After earning the Focus cord, students select a Cadre. Each Cadre has a robe color and shoulder cord.
Sub-Cadres
Sub-Cadres use the base robe color, with unique sleeve cuffs:
Abulation (Conjuration): Destruction – Purple Robe, White Cuffs
Trex (Elemental): Earth – Brown Robe, Black Cuffs
Air (Elemental): Air – Brown Robe, White Cuffs
Water (Elemental): Water – Brown Robe, Blue Cuffs
Fire (Elemental): Fire – Brown Robe, Red Cuffs
Banishment (Summoning): Closing Portals – Orange Robe, Black Cuffs
Alchemy (Transmutation): Element Creation – Red Robe, Gold Cuffs
Necromancy (Vulnarium): Death/Disease – Black Robe, White Cuffs (Only sub-cadre with distinct robe color)
IX. Advancement Requirements Summary
From Apprentice to Senior Apprentice:
Earn 5 cords in any discipline (minimum 1-knot each) within 5 years
From Senior Apprentice to Novice:
Study 1 year under an Acolyte & Master
Pass Cadre Initiation Exam
From Novice to Acolyte:
1-knot Cadre cord
3-knot Focus cord
Test (one attempt only)
From Acolyte to Provisional Master:
Minimum 2 years as Acolyte
5-knot cords in 3 Basic Disciplines
5-knot Focus cord
One 6-knot cord
2-knot Cadre cord
Master Selection Board Approval (may attempt 3 times over 10 years)
From Provisional Master to Master:
6-knot Focus cord
One 7-knot Discipline cord
5-knot Cadre cord or two 4-knot Cadre cords
Grand Master:
No fixed criteria; Imperial Archmage approval required
X. Non-Focus Students: Sages and Scholars
Those without affinity for Focus may still enroll in the Sodality by paying tuition. They:
May earn cords in Basic Disciplines
Are denied access to Focus training and ranks
Earn titles based on achievement:
Scholar: 5-knot cord in any discipline
Sage: 6-knot
Master Sage: 7-knot
Often children of wealthy merchants, foreign dignitaries, or nobles pursue this path.
XI. Cord Wizards
Students who fail the Cadre Initiation Exam or Novice-to-Acolyte Test are discharged from the Sodality but retain valuable knowledge and training. These individuals are known as:
Cord Wizards
Corders
Wizards (in common speech)
Despite being looked down on by official cadre members, Corders are the most common Focus users in the Empire and often become town wizards.
XII. Enrollment and Attrition (Silver Sodality Example)
Annual Averages:
Togs: 290
Apprentices: 355
Senior Apprentices: 90
Novices: 200
Acolytes: 400
Provisional Masters: 40
Masters: 28
Grand Masters: 11
Annual Wash-Out / Death / Quit Rates:
Togs: 20
Apprentices: 18
Senior Apprentices: 30
Corders: 30
Acolytes: 40
Masters: 10
XIII. Focus Outside the Empire
While the Empire boasts the most structured system for learning Focus, many outside its borders train under individual mentors or adapt their own systems. The Empire’s belief in separate Cadres is considered dogmatic by outsiders, who often recognize that Focus is a unified force.
Nevertheless, the Sodality remains the gold standard for Focus instruction and regulation within the Empire of the Platinum Lion.
