Spirits and the Spirit Realm
Spirits are enigmatic and diverse beings that inhabit the realm between the physical and spiritual worlds. They are manifestations of the primal forces and emotions that shape the world, acting as guardians, guides, or sometimes, adversaries. Each spirit is connected to one of the six primal sources: Sun, Moon, Stars, Earth, Sky, and Ocean, or in rarer cases, other aspects of the world. They embody both the essence and the inherent power of the natural or emotional phenomena they represent.
Forms and Behaviour
Spirits can take on a myriad of forms, ranging from abstract shapes and patterns to recognisable animals or humanoid figures, depending on their nature and purpose. While some spirits are benevolent and eager to aid those who share their values, others can be malevolent, seeking to spread chaos or destruction. Magic-users must navigate these intricate relationships, forging bonds with spirits to harness their power while avoiding the pitfalls of dark bargains or dangerous alliances.
The Six Primal Sources
Sun Spirits
These spirits are associated with warmth, light, and life. They are revered by those living in the cold wastes of the Frontier, providing a crucial source of hope and energy. Sun spirits are often found in areas with geothermal activity or where sunlight is abundant, and they are sought after by Sun mages.
Associated Concepts: Warmth, light, life, passion, truth, revelation, hope
Moon Spirits
Moon spirits are connected to mystery, intuition, and change. They hold sway over the creatures of the night and have a strong influence on the ebb and flow of supernatural power in the world. Moon mages and lycanthropes often form pacts with these spirits for guidance and power.
Associated Concepts: Mystery, intuition, illusion, transformation, duality, secrets
Star Spirits
These spirits represent destiny, knowledge, and cosmic balance. They are elusive and enigmatic, often guiding individuals from the shadows. Star mages rely on these spirits for divination and cosmic power, while some cults dedicated to the Old Ways worship them as celestial guardians.
Associated Concepts: Destiny, knowledge, cosmic balance, foresight, guidance
Earth Spirits
The Earth spirits are tied to the land, nature, and stability. They are protectors of the natural world and hold dominion over the elements of earth and stone. Earth mages and druids forge alliances with these spirits, seeking their wisdom and power to heal and protect the land.
Associated Concepts: Stability, endurance, nature, growth, protection, patience
Sky Spirits
Sky spirits represent freedom, movement, and the untamed forces of air and lightning. They are often found in high mountains or storm-ravaged regions of the Frontier. Sky mages and some shamans seek the favour of these spirits to harness the power of storms and the skies.
Associated Concepts: Freedom, movement, storms, lightning, change, clarity
Ocean Spirits
Ocean spirits embody the power of water, its depths, and its unpredictable nature. They are found near rivers, lakes, and the few coastal regions of the Frontier. Ocean mages and sailors seek their blessings for safe passage and control over the waters.
Associated Concepts: Adaptability, depth, change, flow, mystery, healing
Void Spirits
Void spirits are enigmatic entities that represent the mysteries and the unknown aspects of the universe. They are rare and elusive, often dwelling in the spaces between the primal sources and the unseen corners of the spiritual realm. Void spirits embody the concept of emptiness and the absence of energy, making them stand in stark contrast to the spirits associated with the primal sources.
Void spirits are often characterised by their seemingly contradictory nature, as they can simultaneously represent creation and destruction, beginnings and endings. They are shrouded in shadows, their forms fluid and ever-changing, making it nearly impossible to discern their true appearance. Their presence often brings a sense of unease or disquiet, as they challenge the conventional understanding of the world and its spiritual foundations.
Although void spirits are not inherently malevolent, they can be unpredictable and enigmatic in their behaviour. Their motives and desires are often inscrutable, and their actions can have unintended consequences. Interactions with void spirits should be approached with caution, as their influence can lead to unexpected outcomes and shift the balance of power in subtle yet significant ways.
Lesser Spirits
In addition to the six main types of spirits, there are lesser spirits tied to other aspects of the world, such as emotions, animals, and specific locations. These spirits can still have significant influence over the people and creatures that interact with them, and they may form alliances or conflicts with the more powerful primal spirits.
Possession and Hybrids
Possession
Possession is a rare phenomenon in which a spirit forcefully inhabits the body of a mortal, taking control of their physical form and imbuing them with a portion of its own power. This may occur as a result of a curse, a failed ritual, or simply the whims of a malevolent spirit seeking to wreak havoc in the mortal realm. Individuals who have been possessed may exhibit strange behaviour, display supernatural abilities, or even transform into monstrous forms, depending on the nature of the spirit controlling them.
Flesh-Spirit Hybrids
Flesh-spirit hybrids, like the Beastkin, are the result of ancient pacts made between spirits and their mortal counterparts. These hybrids are a fusion of flesh and spirit, bearing both the physical traits and the spiritual power of their otherworldly ancestors. As living conduits between the mortal and spiritual realms, flesh-spirit hybrids possess a unique connection to the primal forces that govern the world, making them valuable allies or coveted research subjects for those who seek to exploit their abilities.
Corruption
The relentless advance of industrialisation and technology has begun to encroach upon the delicate balance between the physical and spiritual realms. When the lands and primal sources that spirits are connected to become tainted by pollution, deforestation, or other forms of environmental destruction, the spirits themselves are affected, becoming corrupted and potentially mad.
Additionally, when a spirit consumes essence that is foreign or contrary to its own nature, it can result in unpredictable and often detrimental consequences, such as the creation of bizarre and unnatural hybrids. These unstable spirits may possess a combination of powers and traits from the different types of essence they have consumed, making them dangerous to both the spirit and mortal realms.
The Maeljin
The Maeljin, also known as Lords of Wounds, are powerful incarna spirits that rule over evil aspects of the spirit realm. Each of them has its own court of spirits and mortal servants, but all are powerful enough to manifest avatars on both sides of the veil.
The Maeljin are not merely corrupted—they are corruption incarnate, representing the darkest aspects of existence. They are what happens when spirits are driven completely mad by humanity's destruction, or when they embrace the worst aspects of their nature.
Known Maeljin include:
- [To be detailed as they emerge in play]