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 Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 8:43 pm
Shamanism is the most common form of magic used in Spieriea, as well as one of the most readily available due to it requiring little to no arcane study or training in order to learn. Commonly referred to of as Spirit Magic or Elementalism, Shamanism is all about summoning and channeling spirits in order to accomplish ones goals. For some this may involve striking a deal with the spirit, trapping the spirit and binding it to do your bidding, or it may just be a simple process of bonding with and developing a mutual symbiotic relationship. Shamans will typically spend years, if not their entire lifetime, bonding with the spirits they interact with, all for the purpose of deepening their connection and gaining access the full range of the spirits' powers.
Unlike Sorcery, which can be taught or studied through arcane tomes or grimoires, Shamanism is not something that can be studied in a book, nor is it regarded as an actual discipline of magic at any academy. It is usually either self-taught or is learned through direct teaching from a mentor or a teacher, who will usually impart all of their worldly knowledge onto their pupil in order to help them better understand the spirits, their realm, and their connection with the mortal realm. The knowledge of shamanism is usually passed down through generations via poems and stories.
Spirits are most commonly summoned by a spoken chant or deep meditation. They will respond to shamans regardless of the language spoken, but spirits but the spirits seem drawn to rhythm and poetry or those with a natural connection to the spiritual realm. Some shamans, particularly the Ttenyu (Featherfolk), may interweave summoning with bardic songs or even dance in order to attract and direct spirits. It is also customary to thank the spirits after summoning them, and though this is usually done by a simple thank you, gifts may be accepted and are often welcomed, such as food or other material goods that spirits may use in order to replenish their natural energy.
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 8:43 pm
Spirits
Shamans summon various of spirits that usually correlate to specific elements or aspects of nature. This includes elemental spirits (e.g. Fire, Air, Earth, Water), fairies and dryads (Wood/Nature), and even dark spirits (Chaos).
Most spirits inhabit what is commonly referred to as the "spirit realm", which cannot usually be entered freely by mortals, with the exception of Elves and Spirit Vessels. Elves can enter the spirit realm because of their close connection to Akasha, who has free access to travel between the realms as she pleases, while Vessels are permitted free access because of their connection with the Four Spirits.
Each realm is (typically) governed by a King and Queen spirit, which rule over the spirits within the spirit realm as Imperial Spirits, in courts and societies that are even more elaborate and confusing than that of the mortal realm. While it is possible to meet with an interact with Imperial Spirits, and even summon them, it is no small task to accomplish such a tremendous feat. To summon any imperial spirit, a shaman must prove that they are worthy of that spirit's power, earning their respect and trust through deeds the imperial spirit deems worthy.
Spirits can be located almost everywhere. Elemental spirits exist within their elements, the fairies and dryads live within the plants and trees, and nous can be found anywhere there is civilization. However, most shaman must use a talisman or focus to summon spirits, although older and more skilled shamans can summon spirits without the aid of a talisman or focus.
While many spirits are common sights in the mortal realm, there are some few whom can go entire lifetimes without being seen or even referred to by other spirits. While scholars and shamans have attempted to uncover the many different types of spirits (and realms which they inhabit), many have given up and concluded that there are as many kinds of spirits in the world as there are ideas and concepts. That said, many recorded collections or spirits have been dubbed incomplete.
As for the question of what spirits are, no one really knows. Be they mere aspects of nature personified or pieces of something greater, most of what people know on spirits is speculation and theory crafting, many people, and even the spirits themselves, considering the presence/existence of spirits to just be a natural thing of the world no different than the presence of mortal life.
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 8:44 pm
Gnome A Gnome is an Earth elemental. They are creatures whose bodies are usually composed of dirt, stone, or various other minerals; their forms can vary, but they will usually take the form of whatever creature holds their interest. Gnomes are rarely seen above ground, but can commonly be found in deep caves or underground. They can be summoned as earth elementals, and are useful for their great strength, power and fortitude. They can generally be summoned anywhere there is soil or rock.
Salamander Salamanders appear as flaming creatures or sprites, usually seen darting about around or inside sources of fire. They are passionate, bull-headed, courageous and wild spirits. Salamanders generally have a lively disposition, but are prone to outbursts.
Salamanders can be called forth from a source of fire, or a spark. For example, a shaman may hit two rocks together, or strike their sword on a rock to create a spark, from whence they can summon a fire spirit.
Sylph Sylph, spirits of air, appears most commonly as either creatures of the air or as delicate fae, translucent and in hues of blue or green. They are usually invisible unless they want to be seen, and are almost constantly in motion with the wind. They are playful spirits who want little more than to have fun, and they tend to dislike being summoned and forced to doing he bidding of others, seeing it as an intrusion upon their freedom. Most of their time is spent in the spirit realm, but it is not uncommon to see them flitting around the material world. They are often drawn in by the variety of unique landscapes in Spieriea, from the vast deserts, high mountaintops, and the open plains. They enjoy how the wind interacts with the material realm.
Sylph can be called from just about anywhere there is fresh air. In places where the air may be stagnant—such as deep in a cave, dungeon, or basement—Sylph may be harder to reach.
Undine An Undine is a water elemental. In water, an Undine is almost completely invisible—looking just a little darker than the surrounding water. Out of water, an Undine appears in a liquid form, swirling with droplets and streamers of water. They are not comfortable out of water, but can exist for quite some time in open air. They can be summoned as water spirits and are quite versatile in their abilities.
Undine is called forth from a source of water, and shamans may carry a waterskin with them from which to summon a water spirit.
Valkyrie Valkyrie arepowerful aetherial spirits that are best used for offensive or defensive purposes, not for simple lighting. Valkyries appear as feminine forms carrying spears of light. They are noble and righteous and will answer the summons of anyone they assume honorable. Valkyrie can be summoned from any source of light; sunlight, firelight, even moonlight.
Dryad The Dryads are tree spirits. They dwell in every tree and tend to it's growth, though they are most concentrated in elven forests. Elsewhere, when humans cut down their trees, they usually die with the tree, but if a human dares to cut into an elven forest, the Dryads will attack furiously. A shaman can summon Dryad to move tree branches and entangle enemies in roots.
Dryads can only be called forth from living trees.
Fairies Fairies live in all plants and trees of the forest. They act as protectors and guardians of the woods and are the magical embodiment of the life force of nature itself. In appearance, a faerie can be mistaken for small green insects, but on closer inspection a faerie is a forest green, minute feminine creature with dragonfly wings that sparkle and shimmer with magical faerie dust. Literally thousands of fairies can inhabit a single tree, but they do not reveal often reveal themselves to the eyes of others. It is also considered largely unwise to purposefully harm a faerie, or the tree they inhabit. Although they are generally defenseless, doing such could bring down the full wrath of nature and all the creatures of the forest upon the attacker. Fairies can be summoned from any living plants.
Nous Nous are spirits of the mind. They are the spiritual embodiment of ideas, feelings, concepts, and even ideals. They are fleeting spirits, who are very rarely seen and interacted with. Even their realm is regarded with much mystery. Few shaman have managed to summon and bond with Nous, and those that have are often unsure of how they accomplished it. Because of that the means of summoning Nous, as well as what they can do, is largely unknown.Imperial Spirits The pinnacle of a shaman's power is when they reach a level of understanding and mastery that they are given the chance to meet with an Imperial Spirit. Imperial Spirits are the masters of their elements, and a shaman can summon an Imperial Spirit only if they have made a contract with it. This contract is an agreement between the spirit and shaman that the spirit will help the shaman when it is needed, in return for a favor (which the spirit may call upon and demand at any time they please). There are no spells that "use" imperial spirits, nor will imperial spirits accept direct commands. The spirit is summoned and will help as requested, and will decide on how to do battle with very little direction from the summoner.
To meet with a king spirit, the shaman must be brought into the spirit realm by a patron spirit whom is willing to vouch for them. After meeting the spirit, the shaman must pass a test of will and worthiness. If the King Spirit approves, the contract can be formedAs said above, the list of spirits is inconclusive, and as such other forms of spirits may be called upon. Some of which may not even relate or pertain to a particular element or aspect of nature, but as its own entity (although these are typically rare. far and few)
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