Lifeforce (concept)

Lifeforce is a metaphysical substance and energy source, used in most fictional Studio RGB-Newt productions, that is found in all living beings (and sometimes outside living beings, in a glowing gaseous form) to explain things like where some characters get their powers from, why some beings born out of pure celestial energy like Ink are alive, and what holds certain planets together, among other things.

Lifeforce is a unique essence that is not only found in biological entities, but also in cosmic bodies such as planets, as aforementioned, and galaxies. Functioning similarly to blood, it circulates throughout the bodies of living beings and can even leak out of their veins should they be cut, or a powerful enough being has the necessary knowledge on how to magically drain it from someone or something and absorb it into their own body.

Depiction

Characteristics

Color and form

Lifeforce manifests as a glowing gas when it leaks from a body, or during its time as a celestial entity. The colour varies, indicating different strains or types of lifeforce.

Physical effects

For physical vitality, lifeforce is essential. A depletion of one's lifeforce results in an individual with dull, uncoloured or grey eyes and a weakened body that can barely move. On the other hand, an excess amount of lifeforce in one's body can be lethal, as too much energy cannot be handled by certain beings, leading them to explode. Moderate amounts of lifeforce, above the regular amount, can imbue characters with superpowers.

Energy interaction

Lifeforce is highly susceptible to other external energy sources, such as electricity, water, and lava or magma. When supercharged, it can amplify the host's abilities, or lead them to become volatile if not properly regulated.

Distribution

Lifeforce is naturally occurring and is generated by the cosmos, other celestial bodies, and by planets themselves. When it is found in the wild, outside of a living creature, it can be absorbed, either extending one's lifespan or enhancing their abilities.

Culture and ethics

In-universe, it has been understood by all cultures for millennia that too much lifeforce can be lethal, so it is extremely rare for someone to try to steal lifeforce from other people for themselves.

Anomalies

Parasitic behavior

In its gaseous form, lifeforce can sometimes form a mind of its own and infiltrate non-living objects and props such as stop signs, forming characters like Stop. These sentient strains of lifeforce gas quickly fizzle out and die if they do not circulate through a host body soon, so they will even possess living beings in a parasitic manner to merge with them, which inadvertently destroys the mind host in the process, as the lifeforce doesn't know any better.

Drains

Certain materials, plants, or artifacts (like jars) can serve as what are called "drains", which can absorb or neutralize lifeforce to prevent an overflow or imbalance.

Most of the lifeforce inside these drains can be harvested later, but not fully, as forcefully taking all the lifeforce from something that needs it will start a process known as "lifeforce acidification".

Lifeforce acidification

Lifeforce acidification occurs when weakened, neutralized, and/or non-potent lifeforce found in drains is fully extracted past a certain limit. The material, plant or artifact will immediately begin to rapidly decay into a powder that then starts to froth up and form an acid which will burn to touch and melt through things like paper and plastic.

In-universe, there is currently no explanation for why this happens, but certain scientists are looking into it.