The Spiritualists

Brief Faction Overview

The Spiritualists, are one of 9 playable factions your character has the options of choosing from. The Spiritualists, can be found living anywhere, but are heavily banded together living in the Colthyr region on the Avarra continent. It's very unoften a Spiritualist should find themselves outside of the Tribe.

This faction is made up of equines who have a connection to the Spirits of the world. No mutations or Magic ( that it is believed so far ) has given them this ability, they're simply born with the ability to see and even communicate with those no longer living. The first equine that was known to have this talent, was the God An. After spending years with the help of Heka learning about his talent, it wasn't long after that Epona had created the Creatio species and more like him started having the same talents. Equines without this ability just weren't capable of seeing the world as deeply as a Spiritualist could, and for reasons among many others, An established a community, creating the Tribe, creating what he called Spiritualists, where he could teach equines like him. These equines were the bridge between the living and the deceased, the Spirits talked to them, some good, some down right evil, also known as Demons, trying to get into the world of the living by corrupting the mind of an equine. Sometimes they would plead for something to be done for them, sometimes they would tell secrets they knew about what's to come, and sometimes they would express their frustration with those still living and the imbalance of their actions it's causing between the two worlds. Eventually, An felt it responsible that every equine with this ability must find a way to keep the peace between the living world and the fade. Everything wasn't just about the physical world, but the actions of the physical world also affected the spiritual world.

Spiritualists have adopted a very unusual way of living compared to how other factions would prefer to live in the kingdoms they reside in. Spiritualists live off the land, taking only what they need, and making sure to use every last bit and piece of everything it is they're taking, whereas others might be very wasteful.

Oddly are not considered to be Mages, even though they use a form of what's considered spiritual magic by many, and arguable among many that it's just like Magic, yet Spiritualists have not been condemned like Mages have.

Mia Ti spent many years with the tribe, learning their culture and ways of life, as well as learning about the Spirits and how very much they're still apart of the living physical world, keeping balance between the two worlds was necessary to avoid more trouble than there already was by those still living, the last thing Terra needed was to have angry rampant Spirits making things harder. She had always preached the importance, and when equines took heed to this, there were noticeable changes, more peace and prosperity was spread among the world with the two worlds at peace with each other. Though when Mia Ti fell pregnant with Thomasteus, Spirits knew his future long before he was born and pleaded with her to terminate the pregnancy before it was too late, his birth would cost Terra greatly, but she ignored their warnings, and as the colt grew into a strong stallion, and eventually filled with a hate and lust for power, as Mia Ti was murdered by her own son the future predicted long ago began to form. Terra was heading for its darkest hours. Although Adam has air in his lungs and continues his quest for power, there is talk amongst the world of the dead that Terra is not yet completely lost and a brighter, united future may be possible.

Spiritualists that are loyal to Adam, live in Viredda or may be rogues on the land undetected and use their gift for conjuring many evil things spreading chaos throughout the lands and gathering information about the Giving Tree seeking to find if Mia Ti really sleeps in slumber in it looking for a perfect opportunity to destroy the tree if they can. They do not necessarily conform to the ways Spiritualists usually follow either which many who have adopted the Tribes ways and lifestyle, don't agree with.

Way Of The Spirits

Religion is very interesting in the Tribe, not only is their patron God An, but they also heavily have a belief based on the spiritual idea that the universe, and all natural objects within the universe, have souls or spirits. This means that equines believe that souls or spirits exist, not only in themselves, but also in the animals, plants, trees, rocks and all natural forces and phenomena such as the rain, sun and moon. Since they have a natural tie to a connection with the Spirits in the world, it is impossible to have them believe otherwise. Because of this lifestyle, equines often have a very deep relationship with the creatures and nature of the world, Spiritualists are also heavily involved with their guides, believing that they will guide them, teach them, and protect them throughout their life.

Abilities

Here's where you'll decide what ability you'd like your character to have! There's a variety to choose from all having their own unique advantages and disadvantages, you may only choose one ability though, so choose wisely !

Empath

The user can fully interpret and replicate the emotions, moods, and temperaments of others allowing them to understand one emotion is actually hiding another. They can attack someone in a personal and emotional way since they know exactly what emotion is flowing through themselves and can use this knowledge to play against them. Some can manipulate emotions on others, and possibly use them to empower themselves.

Limitations

May only be able to receive emotions
- Might get taken over and act on those emotions.
Inexperienced Empaths may find their powers completely useless in a fight.
May experience headaches.
May not be able handle large amounts of emotions at once.
Defenseless against a God/Goddess
May be easily possessed by Spirits, and other things, as they are beings bound with emotions.
May suffer from sensory overload
If Discipline stat is low, user may not be able to decipher if it's their own wants, thoughts, desires & emotions coming through, or from another

Divinator

This is a method for “Seeing and predicting the future” naturally, or through communication in The Fade, from a God/Goddess, a Spirit, or a Demon, or other forms.

Limitations

May need some supernatural assistance to see into the future
May need to use Crystals to see
May need the assistance of a Necromancer to see
May need to be dreaming to have divination visions
May need to use a source of fire to use as a fire reading
Predictions seen cannot be confirmed whether they are false or true to happen because the future is always changing.
User may become paranoid to the point of insanity
If Clarity stats are low, user may not be able to form a connection to the Fade, Spirits, or others

Necromancer

Some Spiritualists may find themselves interested in the Dark Arts and can achieve Necromancy from studying it as they have a natural connection to the Spirits. Necromancers can manipulate the dead by resurrecting them for a certain time for either good or evil purposes. In some rare cases a Necromancer may become even more powerful surrounded by death, and even draw power from the aging and dying suggesting that they may even be able to make themselves appear younger than they truly are from drawing from life forces of others.

Limitations

May be limited by number of deaths they can be strengthened by
May only be empowered by the death the user has caused / others have caused
May only be able to manipulate & resurrect someone they have killed
Manipulation periods may be very brief
May require an object or something that belonged to the character they wish to conjure
If Clarity stats are low, may not be able to cast without the use of a resurrection spell

Possessor

User can possess or take over the body of any living being, whether sentient or not, by stealing their motor functions and senses. Users may or may not have to leave their own body for this to take place. Disembodied users such as spirits may use the body as their own.

Limitations

Overtaken targets may be able to fight back for their bodies.
May only be able to use another's body with the victim's permission.
User can be exorcised
May need to make physical contact with victim to possess
May die if the host is killed.
Cannot possess someone that is immune to it by a potion, or crystal.
Some individuals are immune to this ability naturally
May become trapped in the host or die if body takes detrimental damage, leaving the user's body soulless making it easy access for a Demon or Spirit to take over the body.

Flash

This is especially good for Spiritualists who tend to find themselves in fights, Flash users have the ability to see seconds or minutes into the future before things happen.

Limitations

Useless for long term predictions as the future is always changing
Sometimes is a happen when it happens ability, it cannot always be called upon
May be unable to divert from the event if Tactical stat is low
May become paranoid after its effects
Can easily be fooled by someone who knows how to manipulate this ability
User is unable to predict movements from those that are very unpredictable and indecisive

Mysticism

This is the specialty that the God An had. This is a pure form of Spirit Magic, do not confuse it with a Mages Magic. Mysticism is a pure form of Spirit Magic that can manipulate and mimic objects, spirits, and powers with complete submission and trust of Spirits to be used as the user's disposal.

Limitations

Mages Magic may overwhelm the user of this power
Voids useless against Dream Mages or those with the ability to warp reality through ability, spell, enchantment
Useless against a Possessor
Required to have high Mana and Clarity stats for stronger uses
Cannot be used for Dark Art purposes, this is a White Art type of Magic

Hemomancer

Despite their powerful abilities, Spiritualists are a peaceful Faction unless provoked to use deadly force, this is considered the darkest ability in the entire Spiritualist Faction. A Hemomancer is equivalent to a Mage's Blood Magic as they are the same thing, only Blood Magic in a Mage is a Demons doing, Spiritualists have this ability naturally without the annoyance of a Demon, they remain who they are their entire lives. Hemomancers have the ability to manipulate & control blood and other fluids in another's body, bending them against their will to the users every command. Some magic spells require blood, having this ability allows them to cast those spells that require blood with their own. There is fear in this ability because nobody wants to be in excruciating pain and not be able to control their bodies but also such as this ability allows the victim to become crushed from the inside out, can boil, or turn blood cold killing the host in the process, or can completely dehydrate the body of its water, but there is also good in this ability such as for healing purposes it could be used to keep a wound from bleeding out, preventing blood loss. It could also alleviate blood clots and other life threatening issues pertaining to blood, it could also help those with a heart problem as a Hemomancer would be able to circulate blood in and out of the heart if it were to stop .Hemomancy comes with a personal price however, if losing focus occurs a Spiritualist risks inflicting this ability on themselves which is very painful. Each Hemomancer has their own specific "Touch" (Feeling) that is inflicted upon the victim when it's being performed each different from each other, a feeling they'll remember for the rest of their lives .

Limitations

Endangering to the users mental state as they may get to a point of insanity
May only be able to control the blood in one's guide, or wildlife around them
Useless on those using Blood Magic or those immune
Only able to manipulate the body physically, the mind remains untouched so the victim is aware of what's happening the entire time
Ability does not allow user to use the ability the victim may possess
May lead to blood loss if user uses too much blood in a spell

Titles

Spiritualists do not have a rank structure as they do not rule over one another, but they have mutual respect all around, especially for the elders in the tribe as they have been around the longest, know all & see all so they are deemed the wisest and others will listen to them when they speak. Titles are not ranks in the tribe, as everyone is equal, but more of a job, except of course you're a child. The title your character will be will be determined after they've passed their Rite Of Passage

Elder

Your character will take the role of an Elder when they have put in the long strenuous hard working hours into their jobs, experienced all, done all, and have had a good life as they're reaching the ends of it. Their bones don't support them as well as they used to, they're slow in their steps, and they take their breaths in soft wheezes. Who once supported the young on their backs in their younger years, now those whom are now adults are supporting them, and the cycle goes on and on. Elders are looked to for guidance, to confide in, and teach the young while others are hard at work.

Stripling / Colleen

Stripling and Colleen's are the children of the tribe. Striplings are colts and young male stallions that have not reached the age of 16 yet. Colleen's are fillies and young mares that have not reached the age of 16 yet. When they're reached the proper age, they are no longer considered children and will begin their rite of passage after their guide is revealed to them. The young of the tribe are expected to help the Elders when they need assistance and enjoy their childhood while they have it making friends, while learning about the customs & traditions of the tribe so their culture can continually be passed down through the ages.

Soothsayer

Every Spiritualist IS a Soothsayer to begin with, but not meant to commit to the role of handling Spirits & more day in and day out. Soothsayers are in constant touch with the Fade hearing the Spirits banter and for anything that could be of importance to Terra. They also are capable of healing and making medicines to heal those wounded for whatever the reason. They guide those with the work of the Spirits who are lost in their current paths of life, provide healing for the inner-self, and in times of chaos can provide comfort to the tribe by assuring them that they have spoke with the Spirits and all will be fine..

Hunter ( Stallions only )

Hunter's are very vital to the tribe's survival as they're the ones that go out on hunting expeditions to bring back food for the clan in all kinds of terrain and weather. Hunting expeditions may last days, so they are often away from their families for a period of time. They are excellent archers & when they have made a kill they pray to the Gods and Goddesses for forgiveness for taking an animal's life. Every part of the animal is used when it has been killed, from its meat and fur, down to its bones.

Gatherer ( Mares only )

Gatherer's are mares that collect the fruits and vegetables that are grown as well as collecting berries, nuts, and anything else the clan can eat. Gatherers spend most of their days in crop fields when they're ready to be harvested in the summer and spring months, and during the fall & winter months may look for roots, nuts, etc.

Craftsmen

Craftsmen craft weaponry, make pelts, make houses and can even make jewelry and other items out of the bones of the animals hunted by the Hunters or various other items to make jewelry from, craftsmen are very skillful with the tools of the trade and have extensive imaginations!

Warrior

Warriors are preferred to be stallions for the sake of protecting the women of the clan but mares are not excluded from being allowed to become warriors if that's what's in their destiny. Warriors fight off those who wish to cause harm to the clan, or harm to the Giving Tree. They're constantly on guard often away from the clan for great lengths of time. Warriors are strong, fearless If for some reason mass numbers of warriors are wiped out by other forces, no matter the title all Spiritualists will band together in an effort to protect what's theirs.

Follower

They may not have been born a Spiritualist, but there are equines that choose to follow their lifestyle abandoning whatever faction they came from before. They may have a parent that is a Spiritualist yet show no ability themselves, or simply choose to be apart of the tribe because of their beliefs. Followers participate in every custom and tradition they can achieve.

Customs & Traditions

Guide Ceremony ( Tradition )- Spiritualists do not believe that a guide will be truly revealed to them until they are the age of 16. Sure, guides come at all the ages for other Factions, but a Spiritualist believes their one true guide that is truly meant for them to protect and guide them through their life is revealed to them at the age of 16 when they are transforming into adulthood. This ceremony is bestowed upon the Eldest in the tribe to perform the ceremony, The ceremony will begin at first light, a feast is prepared, chanting, music, dancing, and other planned festivities will take place while the eldest deeply meditates with the transforming group where their guides will be revealed to them, this could take hours for some as they travel into the Fade to find their guide, others days & they must not be touched while they're on this journey, once your guide is revealed to you there is no trading! You may not understand why you got the guide you did, you may be complete opposites of each other, but in time, you will understand. Your guide will protect you with their very lives, since they are apart of you if you should be killed, your guide will die as well, if your guide is killed you will not be affected, in rare cases another guide may call out to you from the Fade and you may be able to embrace them as your new guide.
Astorian Signs & Karma ( Custom )- Astorian signs is the Zodiac system on Terra, and nearly 100% of Spiritualists believe heavily in them, you can find everything you need to know about them in the Codex tab.
Rite Of Passage ( Tradition )- This tradition takes place right after the Guide Ceremony, now that your character is no longer a stripling or colleen, they will finally take their place among the tribe, as one of the people, some may become hunters, some may become scouts, gatherers, warriors, crafters, or soothsayer. Their title ( job ) in life will be revealed to them on this journey, who they are, how strong is the bond between them and their guide as their dreams and fears will follow them on this journey through the Fade taunted by Demons, good Spirits, bad Spirits meant to guide them back home to the real world, and others that wish to trap you for eternity, will you come back? There have been souls that have been lost to the Fade for eternity before.
Meditation & Prayer ( Custom )- Spiritualists spend a lot of their time meditating as it is the most easiest and calming way to connect and talk to the spirits, they prefer to meditate when the sun is rising, and when the sun is setting as these are very peaceful quiet times throughout the day, and while not all prayers are always answered, they constantly pray to the Gods, Goddesses, and Spirits when the rise, and before they sleep, sometimes their prayer is answered in ways they don't understand yet.
Engagements/Marriage ( Custom )- A stallion is allowed to begin browsing for a wife when he has turned the age of 16. A stallion may only become engaged to a young filly when she has had her first bleed. This signifies that she is entering marehood and is fit to become a wife and bear children. If the mare accepts the proposal the stallion will paint his mark on his wife to be, this can be any kind of symbol he wishes to paint on her. The day of the wedding the mare and the stallion will spend hours in deep meditation separate, where the paint they will wear during their wedding will be revealed to them by the Spirits, when the vision has been seen they will begin to paint the patterns they saw, usually the patterns are painted in white, but if not applicable red or blue paint is acceptable as well. A bond in marriage is an extremely important custom to Spiritualists, and very intricate in how their weddings play out.When a couple has married, they will have exchanged their Astorian sign to each other in the form of a necklace made out of whatever material chosen signifying their bond in marriage. The stallion will wear his wife's sign, the mare will wear her newly wedded husband's sign.
Paint, Feathers & Tattoos ( Custom )- A Spiritualist will paint themselves in waring times as not only to represent their tribe, but also to the Spirits and as a tactic to strike fear in the hearts of those that wish to cause harm. They believe painting themselves will give them strength & power from their guides, their astorian sign, and the Spirits to do what they need to do to come out alive by painting themselves they believe they "transform". They also paint themselves in battle to conceal their identity to protect their families and themselves from the descendants of whom they striked down in battle. The history behind painting is very extensive and deep in war, and ceremony, click here to read more! It's also not uncommon to see a Spiritualist decorated in feathers in their mane and tail from various birds, or to have tattoos on themselves.
First Born Ceremony ( Tradition )- Times like this in Terra life is precious, a gift from the Gods, and must be celebrated! When a couple has had their first born child, a feast is held and there's music and dancing and chanting all through the night to celebrate new life. Mothers new and experienced may gather around the fire as they exchange stories about their experiences with parenting while the Father's are usually exchanging banter all around.
First Frost ( Holiday )- The aurora borealis are not visible to the eye in the summer, but when the first day of winter comes the lights return every time, signifying the first frost on Terra. The first night of the winter equinox is celebrated by a night of dancing around the flames while the lights dance in the sky.
Spring Equinox (Holiday)- The winter months can be brutal in the mountains for the tribe, when the frost begins to melt away and the birds begin to sing, and signs of life return to the mountains the preparations to celebrate the warmer days ahead begin. A feast is prepared and wood to burn all through the night while the lights dance is gathered. The Spring Equinox not only celebrates the warm days ahead, but also is in celebration of fertility, many bright paints and colors are worn during this day.
Chanting & Dance ( Custom )- Chanting and dancing is something that is constantly happening through all hours of the day 24/7 there is always some kind of dance and chant going on around a fire. There is a dance and chant for everything, a chant for rain, for love, for peace & prosperity, death, war, there are many chants going on through out the hours as Spiritualists believe the Gods and Goddesses and Spirits are pleased by this act.

Cultural Notes

Etiquette

Education

Food & Clothing

Religion

World Of Terra

The Spiritualists

Brief Faction Overview

Way Of The Spirits

Abilities

Here's where you'll decide what ability you'd like your character to have! There's a variety to choose from all having their own unique advantages and disadvantages, you may only choose one ability though, so choose wisely ! ​

​

Empath

Limitations

Titles

Customs & Traditions

Cultural Notes

Here's where you'll decide what ability you'd like your character to have! There's a variety to choose from all having their own unique advantages and disadvantages, you may only choose one ability though, so choose wisely !