Power Systems

Overview
Within the multiverse of the Rising of the Shield Hero universe, there are three main power systems. These systems allows the users to increase their stats and gain unique abilities which people who do not use these power systems cannot use. While these three power systems are independent they can be used together (such as through Liberation-class magic) to generate an even larger effect. The three main power systems are Magic, Skills, and Life Force. Technology and non-magical items do not count as a power system.

Magic
Magic is an incredibly versatile power which is often deeply ingrained in cultures who have access to magic. Magic is what powers the Status Magic System (SMS) which includes the level-up system. The SMS system assigns statistics to individuals such as attack, defense and agility and then improves upon those abilities once the individual has gained enough experience to level-up.

Besides the innate magic which exists in certain worlds, magic can also be cast to produce many different effects. However, the details of magic casting may change between different worlds. Casted magic is often given a power class, element (or lack of element), and a certain function. Magic uses magic power (or mana) which comes from either within the caster or the surrounding environment. The medium through which magic can be used can also be varied and include ofuda, jewels, music and the caster themselves. Finally, magic can also be used by a single individual or in tandem with a large group, depending on the desired effect.

Skills
Skills are abilities exclusive to the Legendary Weapons and Vassal Weapons and cannot be used by anyone else. However, some skills of the weapons have been able to have been replicated via magic or life force. True skills utilize a power-source called spirit power or SP. The effects of the skill vary greatly.

Unlike magic or life force where the ability is usually gained via training, skills are obtained by upgrading the user's weapon. The most common methods which gain skills is by unlocking weapon forms either by absorption or weapon copy but they can also be obtained by mastering and awakening their weapon. Similar skills can be unlocked across different weapons by using the same power-up method.

Life Force
Life force (or chi) is an internal energy source within every person. However, it takes significant training (often years) to understand how to utilize life force and even then, only a few are able to understand the true nature of life force. However, the advantage of using life force is that anyone can utilize it (albeit in an incomplete manner) and that it is versatile. Life force can be infused into any attack, evasion, or defensive maneuver regardless of what equipment is used. This internal energy is completely different to magic power.

Two styles which utilize life force are known - Hengen Muso in Raphtalia's World, and the Freegem Style in Glass' World. There were also practitioners in S'yne's World, but it was destroyed. Hengen Muso specializes in versatility and allowing even the weakest user be able to take down large threats while the Freegem Style imitates the Vassal Fan's abilities. Combat styles utilizing life force were deemed such a large threat to the organization behind the waves that they have made many attempts over the centuries to extinguish these styles.

Combinations
It is possible but difficult to combine the various power systems. Heroes (or people who have SP) often have an irregular flow of life force which makes it harder than most people to utilize. However, once heroes learned how to utilize life force they can utilize it to empower the effects of skills or magic. For example, defense barriers can be infused with life force to make them stronger or attacks can be infused to make them defense-rating attacks. Life force can also be used to empower magic, however, SP is still required to mix the two "oil and water-like" power-systems.

Magic and skills can be combined together, but usually not from the same person. The magic caster usually casts their spell on the user's skill to imbue the spell's effects onto the skill. For example, Raphtalia and Naofumi's Hiding Shield uses Raphtalia's illusion magic to turn Naofumi's Air Strike Shield invisible.

ESPer Abilities
ESPer abilities may be considered a power system but it works differently from the main three power systems. Unlike others, these powers are assigned at birth and are seemingly random. Most people don't receive ESPer powers but others can receive more than one. ESPer abilties are mainly seen in Itsuki's world.