Qi Stone Denominations, based on potency of stored Qi:

Tiny- The smallest, basic Qi Stone. Roughly equivalent to the amount of Qi a Tempering realm Cultivator can store, and of the same potency

Small- Equal to 100 Tiny Qi Stones. Same volume of Qi, but potent enough concentration that it is equivalent to the Qi reserves of a Condensing realm Cultivator.

Average- Equal to 1000 Small Qi Stones. Same volume of Qi, but high enough density and concentration to be about equal to the Qi reserves of a Core Formation realm Cultivator

Medium- Equal to 100 Average Qi Stones. Same volume of Qi, but the density and concentration makes each stone about equivalent to the Qi reserves of a Transformation realm Cultivator.

Large- Equal to 1000 Medium Qi Stones. Same volume of Qi, but with density and concentration that about equal the Qi reserves of a Unification realm Cultivator.

Giant- Existence is unconfirmed, supposedly equal to 100 Large Qi Stones. Would have concentration and density levels that make it almost equivalent to the QI reserves of the theorized Monarch realm.

Cultivation Realms, as known by the various Factions on the new Earth:

Tempering- Strengthen and prepare body and soul for accumulation and storage of Qi; 1 Meridian opened.

Gathering- Begin to store Qi in respective center of power (body, soul, dantian); 2 Meridians opened.

Condensing- Force stored Qi into a higher state of density, resembles a liquid; 3 Meridians opened.

Foundation- Qi taken in, both actively and passively, is automatically converted into higher density “liquid” state; 4 Meridians opened.

Core Formation- Condense Qi into even denser “solid” state, forming a core; 5 Meridians opened.

Core Expansion- Qi is automatically turned into “solid” state when taken in, expanding the core; 6 meridians opened.

Transformation- Core is changed into a representation of intent, such as a sword for a sword Cultivator, an ocean for a Cultivator with ocean techniques, a desert for a sand cultivator, etc. 7 Meridians opened.

Projection- Intent can be levied against ambient Qi, forcefully changing a small radius of it into Qi of the Cultivator’s intent; 8 Meridians opened.

Unification- Requirements unknown. Strongest beings currently on Earth stuck at the bottleneck after the Projection realm. Any further realms are only conjecture, based only on the knowledge of 12 major Meridians in the body. Assumed 9 Meridians opened.

Lord- Supposed realm beyond Unification. Assumed 10 Meridians opened.

Monarch- Supposed realm beyond Lord. Assumed 11 Meridians opened.

Emperor- Supposed realm beyond Monarch. Assumed 12 Meridians opened.

No higher realms are known beyond fanciful imagining, and even the Lord, Monarch, and Emperor realms are only educated guesses.

Basics of Cultivation:

Cultivating is the process of drawing in Qi to improve any combination of the 3 centers of power. The three centers of power are the body, the soul, and the dantian. Improving each will improve the others, though at a much lesser rate, as well as improve some aspect of one’s being.

Cultivating the body makes one faster, stronger, more resilient, and heal faster. Almost all hybrid Paths pair one of the other centers with the body. Body Cultivators also have a tendency to be battle maniacs, masochists, or workout junkies, and are often highly competitive.

Cultivating the soul increases one’s awareness, perception, reactions, and general mental abilities. Soul based Paths tend to be more mysterious, less straightforward, and varied in capability and scope than the other 2 centers. A few examples of soul based Paths are necromancy, illusions, mentalism, and cartography.

Cultivating the dantian improves one’s abilities with Qi. Dantian Cultivators have more Qi, better control of their Qi, and can use their Qi faster than either of the other 2 centers. At very high levels, it is possible for them to disrupt an opponent's techniques, but only if their opponent has significantly lesser control of their Qi.

The most popular hybrid Paths are dual body and soul Cultivators, the combination of physical and mental ability being perfect for almost all forms of high speed combat. Body and dantian Cultivators are mostly craftsmen, with the physical abilities to craft and the Qi abilities to imbue and enchant.

Soul and dantian cultivators are often called Mages, as their techniques are often complex external ones with tremendous power. The mental and awareness abilities of soul Cultivating mix well with the increased Qi sensitivity of dantian Cultivating. Many specialists in formations and enchanting also follow Paths of this nature, as do…… “interrogators.”

Few Paths Cultivate all 3 centers of power, despite the obvious power superiority to Cultivators in the same realm. The reason being, Paths that Cultivate the body, soul, and dantian advance significantly slower than other Paths, and require many more resources. Cultivating more centers is not multiplicative in resource requirements, but exponential. The cost to Cultivate 2 centers is about the same as to Cultivate 1 center to the same degree 4 times, and for all 3 it jumps up to 8! Most Factions are unwilling to sink that many resources into any 1 person, as they could nurture at least 2 Cultivators of similar power with the same cost and less time.