In the wake of Ultimecia's defeat, one of the sweeping changes to Garden's structure Squall made was the restriction on GF use. With the memory loss aspect more than proven, and unfortunate side effects also seeming to follow, an alternative was needed, with Junction being declared as Garden's last resort-- to be used only when an active Sorceress threat was present.

In its place, Squall and Edea collaborated with Esthar to create 'Extension' technology.

Effectively an external exo-skeleton, the base Extension technology would be installed on top of the user's spinal column, using it to form a connection with the brain. A base line, 'Physical Ability Extension' node is added first, that brings the user to a 'median' between their normal ability and their abilities accessible when fueled by pain, desperation and adrenaline.

Additional nodes, developed to emulate other's abilities or the powers of GFs, can be added afterward. These are known as 'Supplementary Physical Ability Extensions' (S-PAE) and 'Guardian Force Extensions' (GFE).

GFE are developed in conjunction with Garden, and thus can only emulate GFs they have access to. GFEs also follow the same compatibility typing as their GF equivalents, which eases transition for heavy GF users.

The initial prototype variant of Extension technology was tested by a small selection of SeeDs -- Squall, Irvine and Nida. The 1.0 variant cannot be removed, but this testing phase allowed the 2.0 to be more lightweight and removable with a quick (albeit requiring an anaesthetic) procedure.

Esthar scientists are still researching a means of removing the 1.0 variant safely.

Humans are capable of holding an excessive amount of magic energy in their bodies, something that was discovered during Junction's initial testing. Thus, Extension can use that same magic, enabling the ability for humans to draw magic into themselves and then converting it into pure energy for Extension use. This is how GF power is replicated.

Of course, the removal of overall ability enhancements from Junction and the inability to Summon in a pinch meant that many were slow on the uptake, lamenting Squall's decision as overbearing.

In fact, Squall himself had Eden with him when he disappeared in Dollet...

Overview:

• Extensions were developed to replace Guardian Forces, though Guardian Forces are still used by Garden.

• They come in three types: PAE, S-PAE, and GFE.

• Humans can use standard magic energy to power Extensions.

Weapons

Following the Sorceress War, Junk Shops increased their offerings, allowing more modification and user input in developed weapons. Thus was Transport and Delivery conceived (and no, it's not a shipping company.)

Transports (or TSPs) are the base piece of equipment -- think the handle of a gunblade, the chain of nunchaku, or the launcher of a blaster edge. These effect the weapon's handling.

Deliveries (or DVRs) are the blades, sticks, cords of weapons, and these effect the weapon's damage.

TSPs and DVRs can be combined however the user wishes, creating their most optimal weapon.

Accessories

Accessories can add effects and abilities that do not use up precious passive or skill slots, and thus are extremely valuable and extremely rare.




To be updated.



In SLH, dungeons operate on effective co-operation of your player characters. Each member has different abilities that can open new paths, solve puzzles and help you progress. Majority of dungeon exploration in SLH is optional but either way it combines strategy in both field and battle scenes.
Encounters are 'random', however every map has a limited number of mobs and once they have been encountered, the map will be considered cleared. Once a map is cleared, the option to re-clear and increase the encounter rate becomes available. There are also certain bonuses to clear an entire area's maps.



To be updated.