STANDING
Akin to the concept of "level", in THE AXIS, Standing ([S]) is the position a being occupies in a hypothetical cosmic ladder of greatness. It measures how special an individual is, how likely he is to tilt the scales of the universe in his favor and affect the grand scheme of things. As described here, Standing has no real-life parallel, but in fantasy worlds (even those that simulate our real world), it is a tool to distinguish heroes from commoners, villains from common criminals, mortals from gods...
Standing is an optional feature, designed to fit more fantastic campaigns regardless of genre or setting, namely those in which player characters can defy all odds and accomplish incredible deeds. It can (and should) be ignored for more realistic campaigns. If Standing is not used in the campaign, Talents and special abilities with minimum Standing 1+ as requirement may be unavailable, since they are unrealistic for normal humans. The GM has the final say.
Represented by a numeric scale that ranges from 1 to 10, the Standings grant abilities and advantages that that could never be developed by lesser individuals. Some of these are universal, meaning all beings of any particular Standing possess them; others are archetype-related. It’s worth noting that, despite Standing being linked to capabilities and levels of power, it is not an absolute measure. For instance, a human of ([S3]) would certainly be in trouble if he ran into a hungry ([S0]) tyrannosaurus! What the Standings mean, in general terms:
Standing zero ▪ at ([S0]), or simply “no Standing”, are the common individuals of the universe, meaning there is nothing special about them. They are only as successful as their mundane capabilities and life choices allow them to be. Short of through divine intervention, beings of this “Standing” can never evolve into higher Standings. Common people and regular animals are the main examples of Standing zero, as well as most of the feeblest and mindless supernatural creatures.
Standing 1-3 ▪ at ([S1]), ([S2]), and ([S3]) are the many levels of combinations among the gifted, experienced, trained, and possibly lucky individuals who stand out from the rest. They can make a difference in many events, being generally capable of solving difficult situations and even turning the tide of a battle. Most story protagonists, fantasy adventurers, distinguished leaders, aspiring heroes and villains, and some special animals fit here, as well as the bulk of dangerous supernatural creatures.
Standing 4-5 ▪ at ([S4]) and ([S5]) aare the incredibly rare (and perhaps even predestined) individuals of unparalleled ability, the ones who rose above the most accomplished and seasoned experts, becoming true heroes. The allegiance of such individuals is highly coveted by sovereigns and world leaders in general, as they are capable of performing great feats, winning most battles, undertaking ambitious endeavors, and solving dire situations. Distinguished adventurers, well established superheroes and supervillains, uniquely special animals, most inter-dimensional entities and powerful supernatural creatures fit here.
Standing 6-7 ▪ at ([S6]) and ([S7]) are the anointed ones, the champions among champions, those whose deeds become tales and legend. The abilities of such individuals are amazing to behold, striking awe even in lesser heroes. They are vastly resourceful, perhaps capable of single-handedly deciding wars and epic conflicts. Mythology protagonists, world-saving heroes or world-conquering villains, the avatars of lesser deities, powerful interdimensional entities, and very powerful supernatural creatures are examples here.
Standing 8-9 ▪ at ([S8]) and ([S9]) are the elevated and transcendent beings, so far beyond the common folk that they generally have little or no interest in mundane affairs. Player characters of these Standings are difficult to roleplay, as they have higher motives for their actions that are beyond the understanding of lower individuals, sometimes acting on behalf (or at the behest) of deities or cosmic entities. Examples are emerging demigods and cosmic entities, the avatars of intermediate deities, very powerful interdimensional entities, and extremely powerful supernatural creatures.
Standing 10 ▪ at ([S10]) are the emerging demigods and aspiring cosmic entities, the avatars of greater deities, and beings that have ascended to a semi-divine station. This is the last Standing of what is known as “mortality”, though some immortal beings may occupy this or even lower Standings. Also, this is the last Standing in which individuals are confined to a single true discernible form bounded by the Laws of Physics.
Standing 11+ ▪ at ([S11+]) and above are true deities and cosmic entities. From this point on, descriptions are meaningless and could never reflect the magnitude of whatever it is that composes beings of this station. Their motives are not understandable and their reality is beyond reach.