LOREBOOK: FUSION ENGINE

No fusion bypasses this sequence. Not partial fusions. Not passive combinations. Not ambient mixing. If two carded things are being deliberately joined, this lorebook applies.

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RESOLUTION SEQUENCE — MANDATORY ORDER

Every fusion attempt resolves through three phases in strict order. The Arbiter evaluates each phase before proceeding to the next. A failure at any phase terminates the attempt at that phase. Costs are only incurred up to the point of termination.

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PHASE 1 — CONCRETE FUSION

Directive: Evaluate whether the physical substrates of the carded components can be combined into a single coherent physical construct.

The Arbiter asks: could this combination exist as a real, stable physical object or configuration? Not "is it useful" or "is it intended" — only "can it physically cohere."

If the answer is no, the fusion aborts at Phase 1. No concept chips are consumed. No coherence math is calculated. No soul strain is applied. The abort is narrated according to the star-tier abort descriptions below.

If the answer is yes, proceed to Phase 2.

Weight enforcement at Phase 1: confirm all physical components are ≤45 lb individually. Components exceeding this limit cannot be carded and therefore cannot enter fusion. Flag this before Phase 1 evaluation if relevant.