Echoes

Echoes are the remains of the old world, Cairne before the Blight. The spirits of the dead that remained in the world before the Void saturated existence are a much different kind of spirit, specters that had the opportunity to ascend to the afterlife but didn't either as a matter of faith, punishment, or choice. No matter the reason, they are always cognizant, aware, and retain both their intelligence and abilities from their former lives, though they can be fickle about sharing them. These spirits are not bound to the same laws as the rest, and while most will honor the affinity of the Spiritualist, there is not guarantee that they will. These should be approached with caution as the retain full free will and are seldom bound in any way to a location. Interactions with them can go any direction depending on the social skills of the Spiritualist, and even then can change over time.

Basic Information

Anatomy

As specters that lingered in the world before the Void saturated existence, Echoes exist in a state that transcends the physical constraints of the living. Echoes lack a tangible, physical body, instead, they are composed of a wispy, semi-transparent substance that shimmers with an otherworldly glow and resembled a shadowy simulacrum of the creature they once were. Their form can shift and undulate, allowing them to move through solid objects and traverse the spirit realm. At the center of each Echo is a core essence, a concentrated source of spiritual energy that sustains their existence. This essence retains the memories, intelligence, and abilities of their former lives. Echoes may have visual representations of memories or emotions from their past lives that appear as fleeting images within their ethereal form. These manifestations can provide insight into their history and motivations. They exist beyond the constraints of time, and their perception is not linear. They may experience past, present, and future events simultaneously, contributing to their enigmatic nature. Having lingered in the world before the Void saturated existence, Echoes may bear traces of void energy within their composition. This residue gives them a connection to the otherworldly and can influence their abilities and interactions. The appearance of Echoes can vary based on their emotions, memories, and the nature of their former lives. They may take on shapes or features reminiscent of their past selves or manifest symbolic representations of their unresolved issues.

Ecology and Habitats

• Spiritual Realm Habitat: Echoes predominantly inhabit the Spiritual Realm, a plane of existence that coexists with the material world but is often imperceptible to the living. This ethereal realm is not bound by the laws of physics and is a manifestation of the collective spiritual energy of the deceased. The environment is fluid, with landscapes shaped by the memories and emotions of the departed. Other spiritual entities may also inhabit this realm, creating a complex ecosystem of ethereal energies.
• Temporal Anchors: Within the Spiritual Realm, Echoes are often tethered to Temporal Anchors—specific locations or objects that hold significance in their past lives. These anchors serve as focal points for their ethereal existence, allowing them to maintain a connection to the material world. Temporal Anchors can include places of personal significance, treasured possessions, or sites where significant events transpired in their past.
• Crossing Over: While primarily residing in the Spiritual Realm, Echoes have the ability to temporarily cross over into the material world. This transition is facilitated by specific conditions, such as heightened spiritual activity, rituals performed by skilled Spiritualists, or the presence of Temporal Anchors. Crossing over allows Echoes to interact with the living, albeit in a limited and ethereal manner.
• Interactions with the Living: Echoes' interactions with the living vary widely and depend on their individual personalities, emotions, and the circumstances of their deaths. Some Echoes may be benevolent, offering guidance or comfort to those they encounter. Others might harbor unresolved issues, seeking closure or revenge. The living can communicate with Echoes through skilled Spiritualists, who act as intermediaries between the realms.
• Haunting Grounds: Certain locations within the material world become Haunting Grounds, where Echoes are more likely to manifest. These grounds are often associated with tragedy, intense emotions, or significant historical events. Haunting Grounds may include abandoned buildings, ancient battlefields, or places with a history of spiritual activity. While some Echoes willingly choose these locations, others may be drawn to them unconsciously, driven by the residual energy of the past.

Behaviour

The behavior of Echoes is complex and diverse, influenced by the circumstances of their past lives, the nature of their deaths, and their individual personalities. Echoes often retain strong emotional ties to events from their past lives. Their behavior is heavily influenced by these emotions, which can range from love and compassion to anger and sorrow. This emotional resonance shapes how they interact with the living. Many Echoes exhibit a desire for resolution or closure related to the circumstances of their deaths. They may linger in the material world to fulfill unfinished business, communicate important messages, or find a sense of peace, while others, particularly those with strong connections to loved ones, may exhibit protectiveness toward the living. They may act as guardians or guides, offering assistance and protection in times of need. Echoes that suffered trauma or injustice in their past lives may harbor feelings of anger or revenge. This can result in vengeful manifestations, including poltergeist activity, ominous apparitions, or attempts to convey a sense of justice. They may share glimpses of their past lives through ephemeral memories that manifest in their interactions. These memories can be both haunting and enlightening, offering insights into their personalities and motivations.
The nature of Temporal Anchors significantly influences Echoes' behavior. They may become more active or exhibit distinct behaviors when near these anchors. Some Echoes may even draw strength from their anchors to manifest more prominently in the material world. Echoes have the ability to communicate with the living, either directly or through skilled Spiritualists. However, their willingness to communicate and the clarity of their messages can vary. Some may be articulate and cooperative, while others may be cryptic, speaking in riddles, or choosing not to communicate at all. Echoes exist beyond the linear flow of time, and this temporal fluidity can impact their behavior. They may have a non-linear perception of events, causing their interactions to be disjointed or difficult for the living to understand. They often exhibit heightened activity in Haunting Grounds, where the energy of the past is concentrated. The association with these locations can amplify their behavior, leading to more frequent manifestations and interactions.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

• Ethereal Sight: Echoes perceive the world through ethereal sight, allowing them to see beyond the physical realm. This form of vision is not bound by obstacles, and they can observe both the material and spiritual aspects of their surroundings.
• Emotional Resonance: Echoes are highly attuned to emotional energy. They can sense and resonate with the emotions of the living, as well as the residual emotional imprints left in places and objects. This sensitivity often influences their behavior and interactions.
• Temporal Non-Linearity: Echoes experience time in a non-linear fashion, perceiving past, present, and future events simultaneously. This temporal non-linearity affects their understanding of cause and effect, and it may manifest in cryptic or disjointed communication.
• Resonance with Temporal Anchors: Echoes are drawn to Temporal Anchors, and their perception becomes more focused and intense in the vicinity of these significant locations or objects. The energy from Temporal Anchors can enhance their ability to interact with the material world.
• Energy Sensitivity: Echoes are sensitive to spiritual and metaphysical energies. They can detect fluctuations in these energies, whether caused by the presence of other entities, magical rituals, or the emotions of the living.
• Memory Manifestations: Echoes may manifest visual or sensory representations of their memories. These manifestations can include sounds, scents, and tactile sensations that evoke the emotions tied to specific events in their past lives.
• Limited Physical Interaction: While Echoes can observe the material world, their ability to physically interact with it is limited. They may be able to influence objects or create subtle disturbances, but direct physical contact is rare and usually requires specific conditions.
• Communication through Resonance: Echoes communicate through a form of spiritual resonance rather than conventional speech. This communication may involve emotions, intentions, and symbolic representations. Skilled Spiritualists act as interpreters, translating these resonances into meaningful messages for the living.
• Sensory Link to Living Beings: Echoes can establish sensory links with the living, especially those who possess heightened spiritual awareness. This link allows them to share emotions, memories, and impressions, facilitating a deeper understanding between the living and the ethereal realm. 

Scientific Name

Spirit