Page "Geneforge" Paragraph 5

Essence is used for both creating creatures and casting spells ; the number, type and strength of creations is limited by the player's essence capacity.

For instance, if a character with 70 maximum essence summons a creature which costs 20 essence, their maximum essence is reduced to 50 until the creation is destroyed, either through combat or being absorbed by the Shaper to regain essence.

A total of 18 different creations are featured in the game, with larger and more powerful creatures costing more essence to create.

The types and strengths of creations can be altered depending on the player's combat style.

Creations accompanying the player receive a percentage of the experience points received for completing quests or defeating foes, levelling up and receiving skill points in the same manner as the player character.

These skill points can be spent to increase creations ' statistics, but every statistic increase costs more essence and reduces the amount of essence available to summon other creations or cast spells.

Essence and health are regained from Shaper-designed pools or by entering a friendly town.