#The Inheritance and The Gift.

[blessed-curse]

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DESCENDANT & AN EMPOWERED.

The Difference Between a Descendant & an Empowered:

In the modern age of superhumans, there exist two dominant classifications of enhanced beings:

• Descendants – Individuals whose abilities stem from an awakened genetic lineage tracing back to the first superhumans, the so-called "gods" of myth and legend.

• Empowered – Humans who bargained for power, their abilities granted by the enigmatic entity known as The Contractor, but always at a cost.

Though both possess incredible abilities, the origins, mechanics, and implications of their powers differ vastly.

Descendants – The Legacy of the Gods

Origin & Awakening:

Descendants are born with latent superhuman potential, inherited from the ancient "gods"—the first superhumans, whose extraordinary abilities originated from the consumption of Ambrosia or genetic experimentation in civilizations like Atlantis.

For centuries, this dormant genetic code remained inactive, diluted through generations, but several factors led to its reawakening:

• The introduction of Extreme Pulse (EXP) in the late 21st century, which contained a diluted form of Ambrosia and triggered evolutionary changes in certain individuals.

• The natural resurgence of inherited abilities, passed down through the bloodlines of those whose ancestors were once considered divine.

A Descendant is either:

• Born with their abilities activated (a rare occurrence).

• Awakened later in life due to extreme stress, trauma, or external catalysts (such as exposure to EXP or other experimental triggers).

Characteristics & Abilities:

• Biologically Evolved – A Descendant’s power is intrinsic to their genetic makeup, meaning their bodies are naturally adapted to their abilities.

• Inherited Powers – Their abilities often resemble those of their ancestral "god", whether that be superhuman strength, elemental manipulation, or even divine-level control over reality.

• Ichor Instead of Blood – Upon full awakening, a Descendant’s blood changes into ichor, a supernatural fluid that can be lethal to normal humans or possess special properties (e.g., healing, immortality, or destructive effects).

• No Immediate Cost – Descendants do not pay a direct price for their abilities, but their powers are limited by their genetic potential—some bloodlines are weaker than others.

Notable Examples of Descendants:

• First-Generation Gods – The original superhumans from mythology (Zeus, Thor, Amaterasu, etc.).

• Modern-Day Heroes & Villains – Those who inherited these powers and fight as superhumans today.

Weaknesses:

• While powerful, Descendants are bound by biology—if their bloodline is weak, their powers will be weaker than those from a purer genetic line.

• Their abilities grow gradually, meaning they must train and refine them over time.

• They can still be killed if their bodies suffer enough damage.

Empowered – Deals with the Devil

Origin & Power Acquisition:

Unlike Descendants, the Empowered are not born with abilities—they receive them through a contract with the enigmatic being known as The Contractor.

The Contractor seeks out individuals in desperate situations, offering them power in exchange for a price. No one knows who or what The Contractor truly is—some believe it to be a fallen god, a devil, or an eldritch force beyond comprehension.

Contracts are absolute and must be fulfilled to the letter. If an Empowered breaks the terms of their deal, they are cursed with an unimaginable level of bad luck that inevitably leads to their death.

Characteristics & Abilities:

• Instant Power – Unlike Descendants, an Empowered gains their abilities immediately upon forming a contract.

• Cost of Power – Every Empowered must pay a price, which could be:

• A physical cost (e.g., losing a limb every time they use their power).

• A psychological cost (e.g., slowly losing their memories or emotions).

• A moral cost (e.g., being forced to kill someone after every use).

• A spiritualcost (e.g., losing their soul or bits of their lifespan).

• Unlimited Potential – Theoretically, an Empowered could become stronger than a Descendant, depending on the nature of their contract.

• No Genetic Limitations – Anyone can become an Empowered, regardless of lineage.

Notable Examples of Empowered:

• A blind man who traded his ability to see in daylight for the power to see the future in darkness.

• A mother who sacrificed her ability to feel love in exchange for immortality.

• A Mercenary who must kill someone every day or he will turn into stone.

Weaknesses:

• Every power comes with a price, and some prices are unbearable.

• They cannot undo their contracts unless The Contractor allows it.

• If they break the contract, they die.

The Power Struggle – Who is Stronger?

The question of who is stronger between a Descendant and an Empowered depends on the circumstances:

• A highly trained Descendant can surpass an Empowered in raw physical or mystical ability if their genetic line is strong.

• An Empowered with a powerful contract can outmatch a Descendant if their abilities come with a bearable cost and are more versatile.

However, Empowered individuals have an inherent risk factor—if their price becomes too much to bear, they can self-destruct.

Descendants, on the other hand, grow stronger over time and have the advantage of biological adaptation—meaning they don’t have to worry about breaking a contract.

The Mystery of The Contractor:

The true identity of The Contractor remains unknown. They seem to find people, not the other way around, and their goals are unclear.

• Are they simply testing humanity?

• Are they a fallen god seeking revenge?

• Or are they something far worse, playing a game beyond human comprehension?

One thing is certain—whenever The Contractor offers a deal, someone always pays the price.

Author Thoughts:

• Descendants are the rightful inheritors of power, shaped by evolution and ancestry.

• Empowered are those who take power by force, paying a price for their ambition.

• The world fears both—for in the clash between god-born legacies and cursed power-seekers, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

[canisalbus]

I am soooo sorry for flooding your inbox, but I quite literally got possessed when I saw that last post. I don't know much about dog breeds and I was just going off of what traits the kids could inherit from their parents, thankfully it wasn't a total flop I think?

(pancake father = pudding children?)

.

[zigzap]

op x pkmn - monkey d luffy ☀️

[juriansgeneralgoods]

y'all: I can't believe you would ship these two characters who canonically have spoken on multiple occasions! they are nothing more than a CRACKSHIP!!!

me, an intellectual: I think the reason Dagdan and Brannagh never picked up on Jurian being a mole despite literally being able to read minds is because they did try to read his mind but Jurian spent every waking moment that he was in the Spring Court imagining a threesome between him, Feyre, and Lucien that was so graphic that even those freaks were like "yeah, no thank you. we don't need to see that any more."

[elias-the-corvid]

Oh my fucking god I love the inheritance cycle saga so fucking much I love Eragon I love Roran I'm so glad I decided to reread this I'd forgotten how GOOD IT WAS

[nerdherderette]

The Inheritance

Derek Hale, the Viscount Hemming and only son of the Third Earl of Beacon, was London's most notorious rake. His disinclination to appear with the same partner at social events was well-known; his discountenance to wed, even more so. Which is why no one was more surprised than Stiles when the dashing viscount—and Stiles' once childhood friend—presented him with a proposal he couldn't refuse.

[excerpt]: "Is Graceview Hall your only responsibility? What about love? Your family?" Derek jerked back in shock. She, of all people, knew what happened when he last fell in love. "You are four and twenty," Lady Belmont continued. "You cannot remain on your current path, carousing and bedding anyone who catches your eye. Why, even Lord Deucalion wed this past summer, and he was a reprobate of the first order." Derek may have owed his great-aunt what little remained of his dignity. This, however, was asking too much. "I will never enter the marriage mart," he swore.

For the amazing (and incredibly patient) @elisela, who challenged me with several things:

1. To write a historical romance

2. Make it a Sterek arranged marriage

3. Sprinkle in a bit of Marrish

4. And make it Friends-to-Lovers

I cut my teeth on Harlequin romances and this is an utterly self-indulgent homage to the genre. While it took me several outlines (and as many discarded drafts) to figure out how to make a friends-to-lovers scenario work, I finally came up with a story I'm excited to share! Thank you, elisela, for generously donating to FTH and for giving me something so amazing to work with!😘

Part of @fandomtrumpshate 2023. Posting on AO3

Please note: The image used to create the book cover is based on an AI generated image that was subsequently manipulated and then edited to make the cover. It's described in the tags but may be missed, and I don't want people to mistakenly reblog who didn't see the tags and who don't want any AI on their blogs

[good-morzan-inheritance-cycle]

@thearunadragon … so remember how I said I imagined every time you posted that your profile was just a fat dragon waddling over and burping it up before waddling away?

Well I drew him.

His name is Gorb, he is the embodiment of your blog. I drew this with my finger on my phone, and I fear he is the greatest thing I will ever create and will never be able to recreate ever again.

I hope you love him.

[thearunadragon]

which IC character is naughty or nice or Christmas?

ERAGON: Nice list (he is a good boi. A sad boi, but a good one) He wants Santa to bring him his family for Christmas.

MURTAGH: Nice list, and did a double take when he learned this. He doesn’t know how it happened, and he swears it’s a mistake, but he’s very happy with it actually and will fall asleep hugging the paper with the words “Murtagh ~ Nice” to his chest like it is a gift.

ARYA: Naughty list for arson charges. Cursed using the word “Brisingr” while trying to wrangle baby Fírnen and caused significant damage to an elf lord’s gardens. (In the background: “MY CABBAGESSSS!!) She will use the coals in her stocking for magnificent acts of evil against Galbatorix’s followers and will be receiving hand-made gifts from Eragon.

ORIK: Nice list. He’s got a short temper, but he’d do anything for his wife and his foster brother and that makes up for it. He knows Eragon is crafted him some daggers and that Hvedra found him a MAGNIFICENT carved set of dwarven checkers and is ECSTATIC.

NASUADA: Naughty list. Charges: Killing gourd-headed man with a spoon. However, she is unfazed. She just really wants a nap.

ORRIN: Naughty list for terrible tactical and political decisions and attacking Roran. Is very upset and remains as such until Christmas morning when he finds a collection of science items Nasuada sent for him. He mellows out after that.

UVEK: Is just deviously happy that such a thing as a “naughty and nice” list exists and is even happier to see that he was a good Urgal this year. The Urgal version of Santa (perhaps a Ganta?) shall be bringing him good things.

GARZHVOG: Naughty list for manslaughter via stick-throwing contest. Will find mead.

SAPHIRA: Naughty list for vanity, purely so Santa could help Eragon keep that ego in check. (No worries, Eragon made her eggnog and seasoned her a deer and snuggled with her all evening. She had a good Christmas.)

THORN: Is a good boy and is wiggling with emotional happiness. Literally everyone sent him gifts because he deserves them and because I said so because I love him.

FÍRNEN: Nice list. Excited puppy dragon. Had an amazing first Christmas and now owns a dragon-suited fluffy Christmas hat!

BROM: Naughty list for dying literally right before his son’s birthday. Usually on “acceptable” range of nice list though. He’s grumpy but he’s a good guy and he loves his son.

ALÍN: Nice list, and is delighted to a point of squeals over it.

[tonhalszendvics]

I just had a thought instead of working on my thesis lol

In Brisingr, Eragon pulled gold out of the ground to make three balls and then went around and handed out two, and made two rings out of the third.

Since Eragon did that with magic, we can assume that it was 99,9% pure gold, which is soft af. Also, Eragon doesn't know too much about any kind of metalworking (as seen in the chapter when Rhunön made his sword), let alone being a goldsmith, so he probably spent a good chunk of his evening with trying to turn that very soft gold into something useful.

We know that loopholes in spells are a Thing, so just. Imagine Roran's face when he does something and his ring suddenly flattens on one side? And he can't even re-shape it, because the spells on the ring make it impossible?

[tj-crochets]

future project idea: when I find my matching hot glue gun and hot glue sticks, I want to see if I can make some kind of dragon/snake/lizard out of a like crumpled paper base with thumbtack things as the scales (I found a box of shiny metal thumbtacks)

[here-comes-the-moose]

A (probably sacrilegious) concept- a painting of Echo and Omega that is reminiscent of a Madonna and Child painting.

[dark-elf-writes]

Oromis: I love my students Saphira and

Oromis: *checks smudged writing on hand*

Oromis: Ernest

[science-lings]

as a gameplay mechanic, the sages are kind of annoying and they get in the way and aren't there when you actually need them and share a button with the 'pick up items' button which gets chaotic super quickly, for the vibes, however, they are actually interesting to me.

BotW is spent alone, the champions are voices that echo through the halls of their tombs and at most, ghosts that appear for a minute or two before pushing Link away to fulfill their duty. But the sages actually fight by your side, both the real versions and their echoes walk by Links side and make the trek through the world feel less lonely. He has to interact with them to use their abilities; they're their own people with their own stories.

They act as decoys against enemies and make battle so much easier if you know how to work with them, and Link had to adapt to work with them. He's always fought alone and totk changes that in so many ways. He fights alongside the sages and with the monster-control crews and the various traveling Hyrulians defending themselves against the monsters that are everywhere.

Being alone in a post-apocalyptic wilderness was important in botw and it's important in totk that so many people are fighting back now. They're so much more involved with the story, people are looking for Zelda and Link after they went missing and the blood moon guy is getting captured by monster camps instead of just hanging out at a stable and dancing when the moon turns red. The world was never empty but in totk you can clearly tell how much the people have grown.

The champions gifts were a part of Link, they were given to him to use as his own, but the sages vows are avatars of the sages themselves. Link got the champions gifts because as spirits, they couldn't use them anymore, but the sages are alive and protective of Link. They're his friends, they've been his friends for years.

So I always have to have all the sages activated even if I think it's annoying when Yunobo wants to hurl himself at everything whenever I'm just trying to fly around. Those are Link's friends! They're Zelda's friends! They want to find out what happened to her too. They want to keep Link from throwing himself into increasingly dangerous situations, as much as they can while also having their own lives to deal with.

Also it's funny to see them wiggle around when they get grabbed by the gloom hands.

[papa-evershed]

The Denim Shirt™ THE INHERITANCE EP02

[sincerely-sofie]

There’s something unique about the pain of someone you love following in a trail you blazed through suffering, turning themself into a mirror of just how self-destructive you once were. There’s a wretched irony in how they teach you firsthand the pain your friends and family felt as you burned yourself up.

Now you know what it’s like to watch a lamb immolate itself. You can only watch as it dismisses your concerns with lies of how well it is— how completely, utterly, and perfectly fine everything is. You can only watch. You can only remember that you were a lamb just years before, and you taught this one exactly how to martyr itself by your example.

Anyhoo, hey elder siblings, how’s your day going?

[reyreadersblog]

Grayson is more of a giver kind of guy than reciever...gifts i mean!