These mysterious entities have existed alongside Draken and Nyulop since ancient times. They have been recorded in both scholarly texts and fairy tales, being benevolent and malevolent beings, interacting with Draken and Nyulop in many different ways.
Their scientific classification has been documented as Nafshama Spiritus. Although Nafshama, being a proper name, is normally only used by scholars. The more common term used by folks is a simplified "Spirit". These Spirits inhabit the world around Draken and Nyulop, and are more often invisible and incorporeal, but this isn't always the case.
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Habitat
Spirits are known to be totemic in nature. They exist as an embodiment or representation of a location or construct. This means Spirits are associated with specific things. For example, you could have a forest Spirit, a river Spirit, a mountain Spirit, etc. These spirits would live in these areas and be found within or surrounding them. As such, Draken and Nyulop have come to treat many Spirits as emblems, some communities going so far as to declare certain types of or individual Spirits as mascots.
They are, however, elusive beings. They are known to remain fixed to locations and seem to draw energy from them. So, Spirits of the forest would remain attached in a way to the forest, both inhabiting it and feeding off the energy it produces. They are extremely protective of their homes and will perceive the disrespect or mistreatment of it as an attack. Doing so may result in being cursed by a Spirit, which will not only negatively affect the individual, but is frowned upon in most societies, which may lead to being ostracized.
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Depiction
As many people do not often see Spirits, and those who do manage sightings describe a wide array of things, most scholars and spiritualists depict Spirits in a very simplified way. They are often drawn as blackened entities with glowing eyes, with their size and complexity denoting their status on the hierarchy. It is also fairly common to include a sort of halo around the heads of Spirits, which are often colour-coded. Fae Spirits, as they are most associated with lower levels of nature, have green colours. Isochronal Spirits are often associated with a more Draken and Nyulop-like appearance and giving the colour purple to represent them. Guardian Spirits, being considered the largest and most powerful, are given the colour pink as their representative colour.
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Communication
Most individuals cannot naturally see Spirits unless particular circumstances are met. Spiritualist Nyulop are an exception to the rule, but even then, they usually commune with Fae Spirits. Guardian Spirits and Isochronal Spirits must meet specific requirements in order to be seen. Despite this, a fascination with the realm of Spirits has grown, and many methods have been employed in the hopes of making a connection. The use of specific tools are often utilized by Draken and Nyulop in order to open a line of communication with these invisible beings. Spirit Balls and Spirit Boards have been used. Both are only capable of simple yes and no type communication...but many scholars believe these do not truly connect with spiritual beings.
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Hierarchy of Spirits
Spirits are known to be one of three classifications. These categories determine the nature of the Spirit, their strengths and abilities, and how they interact with Draken and Nyulop on the continent of Kladeon.
Fae Spirits
These Spirits are not seen by most folks. They are invisible to the naked eye and require magic to be seen. They live in clusters and protect individual things within a location. A common example of this are Fae Spirits protecting a tree within a forest. They are known to care for and tend to the environmental needs of the location in which they exist and are fiercely protective of their space. They are normally very docile and prefer to avoid conflict, however, so they don't seek out altercations with Draken and Nyulop. They are curious and will watch Draken and Nyulop which travel through their homes.
Isochronal Spirits
These Spirits are unique in that they can be visible to Draken and Nyulop, but only for short predetermined bouts of time. They are active during this select amount of time and can be counted on like clockwork, appearing yearly during this set time frame. These Spirits hibernate when not active, absorbing energy to make it possible to manifest themselves corporeally, and are known to interact with Draken and Nyulop. Often times their true identities are not known as they can appear as anything they choose, their truest form a mystery to those around them. These Spirits often represent concepts more so than a physical place, and being embodiment of these things, their entire self — personality and all — revolves around it.
Known Isochronal Spirits:
Skell | Reynard | The Bestower
The Grand Giver | Topsy Turvy
Guardian Spirits
Alternatively known as Protector Spirits, these beings are similar to their Isochronal counterparts, in that they are capable of manifesting themselves in a physical form which can be seen by Draken and Nyulop without the need of magic. Where they differ is in the circumstances. They are not constrained by time, but instead they appear during particular events. For example, a Mountain Spirit may only be visible to someone when it's snowing on the mountain, and not when it is clear and sunny. It is because of this they have often been dubbed as guardians of their respective locations as they seem to quite literally embody the elements themselves. These beings are larger and more formidable, often appear as massive creatures straight out of myth. For the most part they are benevolent and even known to give their Blessings to those who prove themselves worthy.
Known Guardian Spirits:
Munerith | Samarra | Atmos
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Companion Stones & Spirits
What are Companion Stones?
Companion Stones are very rare types of stone which are imbued with spiritual energy. In fact, it is believed that they stones are inhabited by Spirits, and they draw energy from the world around them in order to manifest a physical form. These stones are often worked into weaponry so the wielder may summon the Spirit from within to help boost their Mana and receive council. These Spirits may act as a second pair of eyes on the field of battle.
There are a variety of known stones which have been documented and which are known to be in the possession of Draken and Nyulop. It is believed, however, that there are still yet to be discovered variations which contain unknown Spirits!
There is still much to be discovered…
How Do I Get A Companion Stone?
Companion Stones, being very rare, are not easily found. It is widely believed that Guardian Spirits may reward heroic actions with these stones.
How Do I Combine A Companion Stone With My Weapon?
Oren will assist with combining Companion Stones at the Forge. He may have his own requirements for doing so!
You can get more details on combining your Companion Stones here!
What Sort Of Boost Do They Give?
The boost each stone can give can be found below, each with their own special buffs!
Known Available Companion Stones
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Channeling with Spirits
What is Channeling?
Channeling is a high level skill which can be performed by a Spiritualist. It is the act of manipulating energy. This energy is one which can be found within all living things, and which a Spiritualist can withdraw, imbue and move on command.
Channeling occurs when energy is moved. This movement can occur in two key ways. Firstly, energy can be moved from one living thing to another. Secondly, energy can be withdrawn from one living thing and imbued within an inanimate object.
Why can Spiritualists Channel?
It is believed that Spiritualists can essentially tap into energies which flow within our realm and the realm of the Spirits. It is a shared energy that encompasses our world. It is energy found in all things: plants, creatures, Draken and Nyulop! It is believed that their connection to the realm of the Spirits allows Spiritualists to harness and move energy as Spirits themselves can. It is said that this is a skill taught to an ancient Spiritualist by an even more ancient Spiritual being.
Can Draken Channel?
This is not a skill Draken can acquire naturally. Much like being able to see Spirits, Channeling and any other Spiritualist related gift must be earned by Draken through Blessings. It is not widely known how or where this mysterious ritual is undertaken, but the inhabitants of Channelium Faith, who train Spiritualists, are the only ones knowledgeable about how acquiring these abilities happen.
Channeling in Culture
Channeling is treated as a very high level and respectable ability. It is a skill not all Spiritualists achieve, and as such, it is highly coveted.
Spiritualists may perform Channeling Ceremonies, known colloquially as Seoirits, in which they draw in Spirits by their energy to better communicate with them. These are often hosted as parties and many onlookers watch as the Spiritualists perform.
Grounding
This is a term which refers to the act of a Spiritualist Channeling a collective amount of energy. This one Spiritualist acts as a singular point to which all surrounding energy is drawn in, usually in an effort to bolster power or to imbue something. With the consent of all those around, the Spiritualist will pull energy and transfer it either into themselves or into another living being or object. This act often times boosts Mana, physical strength and all other essential stats if transferred into a living being.
Spirit Flowers
Alternatively known as melanchnia, this unique flora is documented as growing in locations where high concentration of energies can be found. They will grow on the ground beneath the feet of those Channeling, regardless of environment and temperature, remaining bloomed all year round.
When inactive, the flowers can be found in a bell-like shape, their petals pointed downward. When active, the flowers point upwards, a ball of blue glowing energy spawning in the center and glowing buds growing from the stem. Normally these flowers do not have leaves. It is unknown how they remain alive.
Spirit Rings
Spirit Rings refers to the phenomena in which clusters of Spirit Flowers form a circular patch on the ground. Within these rings nothing beyond grass grows. It is said that when you step within the ring you can feel an odd sensation...tingling...like electricity pulsating through your body. Some find this unsettling, while others are known to meditate within rings.
In the evening, these rings produce a faint blue glow that draws living things in. It is unknown why this occurs, as there are no further effects upon approaching the flowers. They simply glow faintly until the sun rises.
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