Essence in Rumor City (Or you can TL;DR):

Essence is far more than a mere concept; it is the lifeblood of an Echo’s existence and the cornerstone of their combat prowess. At the core of their being resides this abstract yet indispensable quality, shaping their character and intimately connected with the rebirth of their life force post-demise. Visualize Echoes as vessels, each steadily accruing a distinct energy signature, perceptible to their kin. A depleted Essence count, while not necessitating the portrayal of injury, introduces a significant risk in combat, exposing one to the threat of a single, fatal strike. Echoes possess an innate ability to gauge their Essence levels, akin to sensing physical exhaustion or frailty. In essence, characters intuitively know when their vitality is diminishing.

This acute awareness of Essence‘s pivotal role leads Echoes to exercise caution in battle, especially when their Essence hovers near a critical low. Following injury or respawning—a unique process of revival—Echoes demonstrate a remarkable capacity for rapid physical healing, often recovering from wounds so swiftly they vanish before a fight’s end. Yet, this exceptional regenerative ability is deeply tied to the presence of sufficient Essence as proven at the Mystery Surgical Theater. Thus, Essence transcends the mere measurement of combat endurance; it is essential for both healing and the phenomenon of respawning. Lacking ample Essence not only impairs an Echo’s combat effectiveness but also their very survival, underscoring its fundamental role in their existence.

Yet, the threat of complete demise is ever-present when an Echo’s Essence drains entirely during combat. Such a fate leads to respawning at Mystery Surgical Theater. Players are required to leave the combat zone and teleport to the hospital when they are out of Essence using their HUD or submit to capture. Although returning to the scene of their death is possible, re-engaging in the same combat scenario from which they perished is against the rules. The respawn is instantaneous, reviving Echoes in new bodies identical to their former selves, complete with attire and personal belongings, all in perfect condition, ready for the next chapter.

However, the danger of total demise looms when an Echo’s Essence is fully depleted in combat. Any Echo can tell you that one day when your Essence is depleted you just don’t come back, and every respawn holds a risk of this. This fear permeates the Echoes’ psyche, instilling a deep-seated apprehension that perhaps the next demise could be the conclusive one. This is further detailed in How Death Works. Making problems even worse, each Echo will be able to completely recall the fear, pain, and helplessness they felt before death making immortality a curse.

The Essence level dictates one’s readiness for combat. Without at least one Essence point, engagement in battle is impossible. If they venture into combat with scant Essence, their participation is limited to the durability of that meager point. Once it’s exhausted, they must face the process of respawning again. Echoes low on Essence are advised to act with caution to avoid repeated, troublesome respawns. In Rumor City, where death and resurrection are as common as the rising and setting sun, tardiness due to respawn is scarcely a valid excuse.

You regain one Essence every 2 hours on sim time for the first three health, and 30 min each for the last three. Healing at the Mystery Surgical Theater is allowed to be attempted once every 30 min. You will need a Healer to activate The Doctor. Healers cannot Heal themselves. Any character with less than 5 points on constitution is at risk of being accidentally harmed instead of healed by The Doctor.

Essence:  TL;DR

• Essence is vital for an Echo’s survival and effectiveness in combat. It’s a life force after demise.
• Function: Allows Echoes to sense their vitality level, akin to feeling physical weakness.

2. Combat and Essence Management

• Risk of Low Essence: Low Essence makes Echoes vulnerable to being easily defeated.

3. Resilience and Healing

• In-Battle Injuries: Echoes can sustain severe, normally fatal injuries but remain resilient as long as they have Essence.
• Post-Combat Healing: Injuries heal rapidly outside of combat, with Echoes’ bodies almost magically repairing themselves or being magically repaired by others.

4. Respawning Mechanism

• Demise and Respawn: Complete Essence depletion leads to respawning at Mystery Surgical Theater.
• Rules: Players must exit combat and teleport to respawn. Re-entering the same combat scene where they died is prohibited.
• Instant Recovery: Echoes respawn in new bodies, identical to their previous ones, fully healed and ready for action.

5. Psychological Impact

• Trauma of Respawning: Each respawn brings fear of a “real” death, adding a psychological dimension to Echoes’ existence. Each respawn is VERY horrifying for any character. In fact, that you can die so easily and remember all the pain and fear of is what makes this Hell.

6. Essence Bar and Combat Readiness

• Essence for Combat: At least one Essence point is necessary for combat.
• Limited Durability: Combat ability is tied to the remaining Essence.
• Caution Advised: Low Essence Echoes should avoid risky situations to prevent frequent respawns.
• Essence is recovered once every 2 hours on sim time for the first three health, and 30 min each for the last three. Healing at the Mystery Surgical Theater is allowed to be attempted once every 30 min. You will need a Healer to activate The Doctor. Healers cannot Heal themselves. Any character with less than 5 points in constitution is at risk of being accidentally harmed instead of healed by The Doctor.