Osia

Osia is an ancient and complex discipline centered on manipulating consciousness and the spirits that form the foundation of reality in Adaris. Practitioners of osia, known as osiari, specialize in influencing nascent spirits—young, malleable entities existing in a state of pure potential. While most osiari work within the realm of nascent Spirits, master practitioners may attempt to influence more advanced spirits, though this is exceedingly rare and often perilous.

Osia does not involve commanding supernatural forces but rather attuning to the spiritual flow of the world. An osiari does not impose their will upon reality but instead learns to guide and persuade spirits, aligning their intent with the natural forces that govern existence.

Principles of osia

The hierarchy of spirits

Spirits exist in various stages of development, each with unique traits and levels of consciousness.

1. Nascent spirits (the building blocks of reality)

• The simplest and most malleable spirits, existing in a state of pure potential.
• Comparable to single-cell organisms in the spiritual realm.
• Often manifest as flickering lights, gusts of wind, or ripples in water.
• Can be easily shaped by osiari, as they lack full self-awareness.

Example: An osiari can focus their intent on a group of nascent spirits near a fire, persuading them to increase the flames or redirect the heat to another location.

2. Mature spirits (self-aware and powerful)

• Evolved nascent spirits that have gained consciousness and distinct forms.
• Can manifest as elemental beings, spectral animals, or mythological figures.
• More resistant to manipulation and may negotiate rather than obey.

Example: A skilled osiari might form a pact with a mature spirit of the wind, calling upon its power in exchange for a spiritual offering or favor.

3. Ancestral spirits (the beings of myth and legend)

• Spirits that have existed for centuries, often revered as gods or elemental lords.
• Their power is self-sustaining, no longer requiring belief or worship.
• Many have become fundamental forces of nature, their will shaping the world itself.

While nascent spirits are the primary focus of osia, mature and ancestral Spirits exist on an entirely different scale. Attempting to manipulate them is highly dangerous, and even the most skilled osiari rarely succeed without consequence.

Osia in practice

How osiari shape reality

By aligning their consciousness with the world’s spiritual flow, osiari can influence nascent Spirits to reshape matter, control elements, and even alter perceptions. This process requires focus, attunement, and an understanding of the spirits’ nature.

Examples of osia in use

• A fire-focused osiari can redirect flames, causing them to bend away from allies.
• A healer might stabilize a fading consciousness, keeping a dying soul tethered to the body.
• An illusionist attuned to Awenlasia (imagination) could alter a person’s perception of reality, making them believe they are elsewhere.

Since nascent dpirits exist everywhere, even untrained individuals may unconsciously influence them through strong emotions, rituals, or belief. This is why locations steeped in history or emotion often exhibit subtle spiritual anomalies.

Training and attunement

Becoming an osiari requires rigorous training in:

1. Osial Attunement – Learning to perceive nascent spirits in everyday objects and forces.
2. Elemental Alignment – Focusing on specific elements, such as fire (Tejasia) or wind (Shasia).
3. Spiritual Manipulation – Persuading spirits to align with one’s intent, rather than forcing them.

Mastery of osia: beyond nascent spirits

While most osiari focus on, and indeed are only capable of focusing on, nascent spirits, masters of osia—those who have spent decades honing their craft—may be able to influence mature spirits. This requires immense skill and discipline, as mature spirits possess a will of their own and can resist manipulation.

Theoretically, the most powerful osiari could influence ancient spirits or even primordial entities like Daathir and Awenlas, but this is seen as exceedingly rare and dangerous. The manipulation of such powerful spirits risks destabilizing the balance of reality and could have catastrophic consequences for Adaris

Few osiari ever reach the level of mastery required to influence mature spirits. Those who attempt to manipulate ancestral spirits risk destabilizing reality itself.

Ethics of osia

Because osia directly influences the spiritual fabric of reality, ethical concerns play a central role in its practice.

• Should osiari alter spirits to serve human will?
• Is it right to intervene in a spirit’s natural evolution?
• Does reshaping reality bring harmony or disruption?

Many osiari adhere to strict ethical codes, recognizing that excessive manipulation of spirits—especially the powerful ones—can shatter the balance of nature. Some even believe that abusing osia risks attracting the attention of higher, unfathomable entities that should never be disturbed.

Osia in Adarian culture

The osiari

Osiari are not mere spellcasters but scholars, mystics, and philosophers dedicated to understanding the spiritual framework of Adaris. They are both respected and feared, as their abilities touch upon the very essence of existence.

Many osiari serve as:

• Spiritual guides, helping communities understand their relationship with spirits.
• Mediators, resolving disputes between humans and spirits.
• Researchers, studying the evolving nature of consciousness in Adaris.

Despite their deep knowledge, even the most powerful osiari tread carefully when dealing with the oldest and most powerful spirits—for some things in the world are not meant to be controlled.

Conclusion

Osia is more than a mere practice—it is a philosophy, an art, and a way of life. It bridges the gap between the physical and the metaphysical, offering its practitioners a glimpse into the very fabric of reality. Yet, with such power comes great risk. For those who seek to bend spirits to their will, the question remains:

References

• "The Chronicles of Creation" - A collection of ancient Adarian texts detailing the universe's origin.

• "The Ousiari's Path" - A comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of osia.
• "Beyond the Physical" - A philosophical treatise exploring the metaphysical implications of osia.