Editing Cosmology of Adaris (section)

== Introduction of Ascendant Spirits and Realms ==

With the creation of [[Kairos]], the concept of time was introduced to the world of [[Adaris]]. This marked the birth of one of the first '''[[Ascendant Spirits]]'''. The advent of time also brought about the concepts of death and birth, personified by the spirits named '''[[Morum]]''' and '''[[Natia]]''', respectively. This transition marked a shift from an ever-changing but static existence to a dynamic, evolving reality.

Ascendant Spirits are born from the interactions of the primordial elements or from concepts arising from these interactions. For example, sand is created from stone eroded by wind, while forests emerge as a natural development of the primordial spirits' dreams. These spirits are also formed from essential concepts needed to define the world, such as the spirit of time, Kairos, or the spirit of death, Morum.

Like the Primordial Spirits, Ascendant Spirits possess consciousness imbued in their nature. However, unlike the Primordial Spirits, they were not born from the void but rather from the evolving interactions within '''Adaris'''. For instance, the spirit of mud arises from the interplay of water and earth, while spirits representing abstract concepts like shorelines or lakes are formed from the necessity to understand and describe the world. Additionally, some spirits are created to fulfill essential functions, such as the spirit of time, Kairos, whose existence was necessary to introduce the concept of time itself and stabilize Adaris.

=== Ancestral Spirits ===

'''Ancestral Spirits''' differ from [[Primordial Spirit|Primordial]] and*[[Ascendant Spirits]] in that they are born from the consciousness and collective beliefs of societies. These spirits are formed through shared belief, tradition, and language, gaining significance only after the core concepts of the world have been established. They embody the cultural values, myths, and ancestral memories of the people who believe in them.

Ancestral Spirits come into being when a belief is strong enough and widely held, giving it form and consciousness. Unlike the primordial and ascendant spirits, Ancestral Spirits are post-time entities, emerging after the creation of time. They are deeply connected to the societies that create them, often acting as guardians, guides, or symbols of cultural identity.

As societies evolve, new beliefs and traditions can give rise to new Ancestral Spirits, while old ones may fade or become diffuse. A spirit might start as a simple embodiment of a local legend, such as a monster believed to inhabit a cave. If this belief persists over time, the spirit associated with that monster grows in power, becoming more tangible and influential within its realm. 

Conversely, if the belief in a spirit wanes or is forgotten, the spirit may become wayward and lost. Without the continued belief and reverence of the people, these spirits cease to grow stronger and may even start to decompose, returning to their original elements or fading into obscurity. In this way, the existence and strength of Ancestral Spirits are directly tied to the cultural landscapes of [[Adaris]], serving as reflections of the societies that shape them. The cyclical nature of belief and spirit life illustrates the dynamic relationship between the inhabitants of Adaris and their metaphysical counterparts.
=== Stages of Spirit Development ===

* '''Nascent Spirits''': Young spirits are simple and malleable, existing in a state of pure potential. Nascent spirits are akin to the "single-cell organisms" of the spiritual realm. They lack full consciousness and are easily influenced by the beliefs, actions, and environmental changes around them. Nascent spirits are often perceived as minor environmental phenomena, such as flickering lights, gusts of wind, or small creatures barely distinguishable from the natural elements they inhabit. At this stage, their form and function are fluid, often changing based on local myths, seasonal changes, or the presence of stronger spirits.These spirits can often be manipulated by skilled practitioners.

* '''Mature Spirits''': Over time, as belief in them strengthens and their stories become more widespread, spirits grow more distinct and powerful. They begin to develop a sense of self, awareness of their surroundings, and purpose. Mature spirits can interact meaningfully with humans, forming intentions and even forging alliances or rivalries with other spirits. They might take on more defined forms, such as humanoid figures, animals, or elemental beings, and are capable of communicating with Shamans and influencing the physical world in more noticeable ways. At this stage, their powers become more focused, and they often play active roles in the myths, rituals, and daily lives of their believers.

* '''Ancestral Spirits''': Spirits that have existed for centuries and have been continuously believed in become extremely powerful and wise. These spirits possess consciousness that has evolved far beyond that of younger spirits, often acquiring intelligence and knowledge that surpasses human understanding. Ancient spirits are frequently seen as gods, elemental lords, or great protectors and are deeply integrated into the culture, religion, and mythology of those who believe in them. Some ancient spirits outlast the cultures that created them, becoming enigmatic forces of nature, driven by their own ancient purposes. They may no longer need active worship to maintain their existence, having become fundamental parts of the world itself, often guiding or manipulating events from behind the scenes to maintain balance or fulfill their ancient agendas.