Spirit

Spirits in Adaris represent the coalesced consciousness of the elements. As the Primordial Elements and the energies of the Primordial Spirits intertwine, as new beliefs and traditions arise, as language develops, new spirits form. These spirits, in their various stages of development, form the foundational consciousness that shapes all matter and life in Adaris. All things in Adaris, from the smallest creature to the largest mountain, are composed of spirits, each carrying sparks of consciousness derived from Daathir, the first consciousness.

As these spirits coalesce, their consciousness grows and becomes more distinct. Some spirits remain in a nascent state, while others evolve over time, becoming self-aware and powerful. These spirits are categorized into Nascent Spirits, Mature Spirits, Ancestral Spirits, and Primordial Spirits, with the original Primordial Spirits acting as the progenitors of all others.

Types of Spirits[edit | edit source]

Nascent Spirits[edit | edit source]

Nascent Spirits are the youngest and most malleable spirits in Adaris. They exist in a state of pure potential, with limited consciousness and awareness. These spirits are often are the embodiment of minor environmental phenomena, such as flickering lights, gusts of wind, or small elemental creatures barely distinguishable from their surroundings. Nascent spirits are influenced by the beliefs, actions, and environmental changes around them, and their form and function are fluid.

Nascent spirits are the building blocks of the natural world, forming the foundation of all matter. They lack self-awareness but are essential to the functioning of the world, as they coalesce to create more complex spirits. Osiari—practitioners of Osia—primarily manipulate these spirits to influence the elements and physical reality.

Mature Spirits[edit | edit source]

Whereas Nascent Spirits represent transient and undefined moments—such as a gust of wind or the ripple of water—Mature Spirits emerge when those fleeting moments accumulate and solidify into a more lasting concept. Mature Spirits are often born from long-standing natural phenomena, human constructions, or widely accepted ideas, where nascent energies coalesce and evolve over time.

Mature spirits can have a significant impact on the world, influencing natural events and playing active roles in Adarian myths and rituals. While they retain some connection to their elemental origins, their increased consciousness allows them to act with greater autonomy and intent.

Ancestral Spirits[edit | edit source]

Given enough time and cultural recognition, Mature Spirits can evolve into Ancestral Spirits. This occurs when a spirit’s concept becomes deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of Adaris, transforming it into a powerful, godlike being. Ancestral Spirits have grown immensely powerful through continuous belief, reverence, and interaction with their followers. These spirits are often seen as god-like beings, with consciousness far surpassing that of nascent or mature spirits. Ancestral spirits are deeply woven into the culture and religion of Adaris, acting as protectors, guides, or deities for those who believe in them.

Ancestral Spirits often become patrons of communities, regions, or entire cultures, holding immense power over their followers. Ancestral Spirits are so deeply embedded in the world of Adaris that they may even shape the landscape, create realms, or act as protectors or adversaries. These spirits are considered the embodiments of ancient knowledge and wisdom, often outlasting the cultures that created them. Their power is such that they no longer require active worship to maintain their existence, having become fundamental parts of the world.

Primordial Spirits[edit | edit source]

Primordial Spirits are the original forces of creation, born from the chaos of the Primordial Void. These spirits are the most powerful entities in existence, representing the raw, untamed elements of the universe. Daathir, the first consciousness, and Awenlas, the spirit of imagination, are examples of primordial spirits whose influence shaped all of Adaris.

Spirits born directly from the primordial energies, known as the Primordial Elements—fire, earth, water, air, light, and darkness. These spirits possess a heightened consciousness due to their direct connection to the primordial energies that shaped the universe.

These spirits are guardians of the natural world, maintaining the balance of the elements. Though they may interact with Osiari or other beings, their primary focus is on maintaining the harmony of the elemental forces that define Adaris. They are often revered in religious practices and can be invoked for their elemental power., are also incredibly powerful. These spirits, while younger than the original primordial spirits, retain the immense strength and consciousness that comes from being tied to the very origins of existence. They often serve as intermediaries between the primordial forces and the physical world.

The Ratio of Consciousness[edit | edit source]

In Adaris, everything contains a spark of consciousness, from the smallest insect to the tallest mountain. However, the ratio of consciousness varies widely. A thinking humanoid, for example, may be physically small but contains a significant amount of consciousness due to their self-awareness and complex mind. In contrast, a mountain may be massive but composed of many nascent earth spirits, each with limited consciousness.

This balance of consciousness influences how beings interact with the world. While a mountain may be vast and imposing, its lack of complex consciousness makes it less dynamic in its interactions. Conversely, beings with higher levels of consciousness, such as humanoids or Osiari, can manipulate the world around them through their connection to the spiritual and elemental forces of Adaris.

Significance and Worship[edit | edit source]

Spirits are central to the culture and philosophy of Adaris, influencing everything from daily life to religious practices. Many societies revere spirits, from the humble nascent spirits that ensure the fertility of crops to the ancient ancestral spirits that offer protection and wisdom. Temples, shrines, and rituals dedicated to these spirits can be found throughout Adaris, each reflecting the unique relationship between the people and the spirits that govern their world.

The practice of Osia is deeply tied to the understanding and manipulation of these spirits. Osiari are often called upon to mediate between the spirits and the physical world, ensuring balance and harmony are maintained.