Transcendence

Transcending is the process in which a human replaces the blood within their body and fuses with Ivory. This process is regarded as a sacred ritual in which a new Medium is "born" or "chosen". The process involves an individual sitting in an ivory bath for an undisclosed amount of time, and is described as feeling as though one will catch fire.

This process can have one of three results. Normally death is the result, as the entire body wastes away into Ivory and leaves nothing behind. The second result creates a Transcended, otherwise known as a Reborn or those who are the Agents of Mother. These individuals usually lose a body part or two, but gain the ability to use mechanical replacements or augments to supplement the loss, healing abilities, and usually a special power such as Mendeleev's fire ability or Ash's invisibility. As shown in the cut scene in which this process is explained, the colour of hair can change as well, and universally for Transcended, the eye colour appears to be red. However it is noted that these individuals do experience a constant pain and are sickly in appearance. If an individual is able to fuse perfectly with Ivory, they become a Medium. They are marked by their pure white hair and grey eyes. Mediums are those who have no side-effects form the process to Transcending, and gain the ability to manipulate anything with Ivory within. They experience the same loss of their power when in rooms filled with Detritus, the leftover once Ivory has been removed. Depending on the age of the medium as well as their experience, this can be limited. The power of Ivory does not seem to prevent exhaustion or be able to heal it. Royal experiences exhaustion when over-using this power, however Mother, a much older and experienced Medium, is able to create and move entire buildings. City One is described as having been created by Mother and Father, her predecessor, by hand.