so, the lower castes all have powers (animal communication, psionics to help them stay alive. the higher castes also have some, too (mind control, super strength). but mid-tiers... really dont have anything? mainly olives and teals (since jades are important/potentially rainbow drinkers). so, how are they staying alive in a world where everyone else has powers?

The lower caste’s powers aren’t to give them an advantage in surviving, they’re just incidental. If they use it that way, good for them, but the mere fact an Olive is higher in the Hemospectrum than a Rust contributes more to their survival than a Rustblood’s ability to commune with the dead or telekinetic abilities.

Not to say no matter how powerful a Lowblood’s powers may be, they’ll always be naturally outlived by those higher in the Hemospectrum. It also seems that the higher in the Hemospectrum, the more resilient to wounds and blood loss you are.