Metaphysical energy is something of a sixth sense, hard to register to the other five senses until something is done with it. This sixth sense is different for each species - psychics, vampires, and weres, that is. Humans have no internal grasp of this energy. Furthermore, the sensation of using this energy varies between individuals - it may feel like goosebumps, or muscle tension, or maybe gastric distress! Across the board, however, reaching into this energy comes with a change of the character’s eye color. (This eye color change is optional for weres and vampires of intermediate level or higher.)

Psychics

For psychics, this energy lends itself to supernatural powers. Like physical energy, it is a limited source, but just how limited it may be for an individual - and how much fuel it needs - is up to the player! Psychics have the capacity to use this metaphysical energy (without using their power) to get a feel for people around them - specifically, whether or not other people have a supernatural aura. How psychics register these auras varies; some may feel it, and others might even see it. This is largely up to the player. Psychics can, with practice, learn to sense when they are in the presence of vampire, were, or another psychic, but they will not be able to tell which is which (unless they're a part of a pact, and have honed this skill!)

Vampires

For vampires, this energy lends itself to psychic powers, the power of suggestion, and shapeshifting! Similarly to psychics, these energy sources are limited, and overuse may lead to bloodlust as a means to stay “alive.” A vampire will come to know when their suggestions succeed or fail and will also learn when they have no more magic left in them for further suggestions. The higher a vampire’s level, the stronger their connection is to these energy sources, which means better chances of utilizing any of their abilities with increased control and success. Vampires are also able to sense if other vampires are in a group or not, and know inherently who is in their own group. (Exception: Vampires in a nomadic group will be sensed as rogues by any vampire not in their group.)

Weres

For weres, this energy is the presence of the inner beast. While it lends itself to physical senses like sight and smell, the only way for it to become something outwardly tangible is by taking over its host’s body - AKA, shifting! A change in eye color for weres signals that the beast is close to the proverbial surface, whether it be because something has caught its attention, its hosts emotions are high, or it feels threatened. The higher a were’s level, the stronger their connection is to this beast, and the easier it is to communicate with and control their animal side. Weres are also able to sense if other weres are in a group or not, and know inherently who is in their own group. (Exception: Weres in a nomadic group will be sensed as rogues by any were not in their group.)

Metaphysics and the moon

Metaphysical energy and changes within it are often tied to the moon. Weres grow more tense nearer to the full moon, while vampires suffer similarly as the new moon approaches. At times, the metaphysical rules that bind these species change in time with these moon phases. (Out of character, that means that big changes in lore or species mechanics will often be released in time with a full or new moon!) Eclipses can also cause strange fluctuations in power, and if your character is an experienced were or vampire, they may have heard or experienced strange changes to their powers on lunar or solar eclipses in the past.

Interspecies Sensing

As mentioned above, psychics can sometimes flex their metaphysical energy to tell when someone around them is a little more than human. If they join a pact, they can (with practice) tell what kind of non-human they're dealing with! Psychics cannot determine if they're in territory claimed by a were or vampire group.

Weres cannot sense when someone is a psychic, though a change in eye color without any indication of an inner beast might serve as a proper tip! Weres can, however, sense when they are in the presence of a vampire, due to the fact that they smell like, well, death! Weres can't determine if a city is claimed by a vampire group.

Vampires can also detect when someone is a were by using their nose, as weres often have some sort of special animal smell about them - whether your vampire has enough experience to put two and two together is up to the player. Vampires also have the capacity to identify someone as a psychic by their sense of smell, thanks to magic abilities giving their blood an extra sweet scent and taste. Vampires cannot determine if they're in an area claimed by were group.

Weres and vampires can also detect vague power signatures between one another's species, though not with the same clarity as when they are picking up that information from someone on their side of the supernatural fence.