The Emergence and Monsters
The Emergence
Just a few months ago, the world changed forever. The veil between the realms of material and spirit shattered, bringing forth a surge of spiritual energy that caused immediate and widespread upheaval. Animals, plants, and even the land itself has been changed by this mysterious power.
The once-stable barrier between our world and the realm of spirits has shattered, unleashing energies that have reshaped life as we know it. Animals and plants, touched by this otherworldly power, have mutated into beings of myth and legend, creating a new reality filled with wonder and danger.
What We Know
- When: Approximately six months ago
- What: A cataclysmic event that shattered the barrier between worlds
- Result: Ordinary creatures transformed into mythical beings
- Cause: Unknown (still being researched)
- Scale: Global phenomenon affecting all regions
What We Don't Know
- Where did the spiritual energy come from?
- Why did it happen now?
- Will it happen again?
- Can it be reversed?
- What other effects might still be emerging?
Monsters and Creatures
Creatures in this world are as varied as the elements themselves, each aligned with one (based on current observations) of the six primal elements: Sun, Earth, Moon, Ocean, Sky, and Nature. A seventh element—Aether—has been proposed by some researchers, although most laugh at the idea.
Characteristics
Monsters exhibit traits based on their elemental alignment:
- Physical forms reflecting their element (scaled, feathered, crystalline, etc.)
- Natural abilities tied to their primal source
- Temperaments influenced by elemental nature
- Habitats matching their elemental affinity
Behavior and Intelligence
The creatures that emerged vary wildly in intelligence and behavior:
- Some are bestial and instinctive, operating purely on animal drives
- Others show surprising intelligence, capable of problem-solving and communication
- A few display almost human-level awareness, understanding language and emotion
- Most fall somewhere in between, showing flashes of greater intelligence
The Bond
In the wake of the Emergence, some humans have discovered their ability to connect with these creatures. Once a soul pact has been formed, a human and monster have a shared flow of spiritual energy, creating a symbiosis that unlocks extraordinary potential in both. This connection is a source of awe and, at times, fear, as it defies the conventional understanding of the natural world.
How Bonding Works
The process of forming a bond is not fully understood:
- Mutual choice: Both human and creature must choose each other
- Spiritual resonance: Some compatibility is required, though the nature is unclear
- Moment of connection: Often occurs during crisis, danger, or deep emotional moments
- Irreversible: Once formed, the bond cannot be broken (though it can be severed by death)
Effects of the Bond
When bonded, both partners experience:
- Shared emotions: Each can sense the other's feelings and general state
- Enhanced abilities: Both human and creature become stronger together
- Spiritual link: They can sense each other's location and condition
- Mutual growth: As one grows stronger, so does the other
- Communication: Understanding transcends language barriers
Note: You've only just begun to understand this connection. Who knows what potential it holds?
Why Some and Not Others?
No one knows why some people can form bonds while others cannot. Theories include:
- Spiritual sensitivity: Some humans are naturally more attuned to spiritual energy
- Fate or destiny: The bond chooses people for unknown reasons
- Psychological factors: Openness, empathy, or certain personality traits
- Random chance: Perhaps anyone could bond under the right circumstances
Evolution
Monsters have been observed undergoing transformations through a combination of raw stimuli from their surroundings to grow and transform. Exposure to elemental materials, remnants of other monsters, or heightened states from either combat or other situations act as powerful catalysts, triggering evolutionary changes that are both survival mechanisms and reflections of the environments that shape them.
Wild Evolution
For unbonded monsters, evolution is:
- Organic and unpredictable - No two evolutions are exactly the same
- Environment-driven - Shaped by their surroundings and experiences
- Survival-focused - Adaptations for hunting, defense, or thriving in their habitat
- Elemental reinforcement - Usually strengthens their primary elemental nature
Bonded Evolution
However, for those monsters bonded with a human, evolution takes on a more nuanced and intimate dimension. The deep emotional bonds formed with their human partners become the cornerstone of their growth, imbuing their transformations with attributes that mirror the nature of their relationship.
These evolutions are not solely influenced by external factors but are significantly shaped by:
- Mutual understanding between partners
- Trust and shared experiences
- Emotional resonance and harmony
- Shared goals and values
This symbiotic evolution underscores the potential for monsters to transcend their wild origins, achieving forms and abilities that resonate with the harmony and synergy of their partnership with humans.
Triggering Evolution
Known catalysts for evolution include:
- Elemental materials: Exposure to concentrated elemental energy
- Monster remnants: Consuming or absorbing parts of other creatures
- Intense experiences: Combat, extreme emotion, near-death situations
- Environmental extremes: Prolonged exposure to harsh conditions
- For bonded pairs: Moments of deep connection or shared triumph