Chi

Chi is a term used in the Middle Kingdom to describe the stuff of life itself, the vital energy that drives the universe. Chi also pulses through the world along Ley Lines, coalescing at dragon nests. Although all of the shen of the Middle Kingdom utilize Chi in some manner, they all use different types of Chi which are not necessarily compatible.

Kuei-jin

The Kuei-jin process chi internally, absorbing it from various energies of life (blood, breath, their surroundings) in order to animate their bodies.

Kuei-jin maintain three kinds of chi. Yin chi and Yang chi are the passive and active energies of creation. Yin chi is cold, dark, wet, dead, feminine, passive; it is the energy of the corpse. Kuei-jin who use Yin chi are able to operate for longer periods without burning energy, but they adopt a corpselike mien. Yang chi is hot, bright, dry, alive, masculine, active; by burning yang chi, Kuei-jin are able to masquerade as living creatures, but burn the energy quickly.

Absorbing too much chi for too long results in chi imbalance, where the vampire is subject to permanent changes. Vampires with an excess of Yin become more corpselike, adopting the frightening appearance of a ch'ing shih. Vampires with too much Yang become too lively - a host for diseases and possibly also children.

In addition to Yin and Yang chi, Kuei-jin also have access to Demon Chi, energy provided by their P'o. Demon chi allows potent physical activity, but also risks causing shadow soul if used too much.

When Kuei-jin use disciplines, they are often required to spend chi of a certain type. This is the major use of chi, apart from animating a corpse.

Chi'n Ta

The Chi'n Ta use Chi in its pure state, and are thus able to alter the nature of the Middle Kingdom itself. This form of Chi is known to Western mages as Quintessence, and is the same thing as Gnosis, Sekhem, and Glamour, which is a refined form of Chi, just as diamonds are a refined form of carbon.