Anima
Anima is the spark of life which grants consciousness. Sometimes called a soul or spirit, this is the part of a sapient creature which continues on past death and advances to some form of afterlife.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Generally, anima is not encountered in its raw state and is only found bound to a human vessel. Anima is invisible to human senses. Certain sensitives can sense the presence of lingering anima, such as a specter, haint, or ghost. At the will of the spirit, it may choose to manifest visibly or audibly, usually without the ability to effect the physical world.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Mercurial in nature, anima avoids close study by humans and other intelligent species. As a result, it cannot be quantified by science and most magical study has been useless. Only necromancers possess the ability to directly handle or manipulate anima and they are exceedingly rare.
Life & Expiration
Anima seldom lingers past the death of its associated body, moving on to whatever afterlife is appropriate to the soul in life. If the anima does linger, it often transmutes into some form of haunting such as a Haint or an Attic Whisperer.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Most people go about their lives completely unaware of their own anima.
Ousiaphages, on the other hand, consume anima much the same way humans consume alcohol or other mind-altering drugs and substances.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Many human cultures possess a tradition around anima, though many of them call it different things and ascribe to it different qualities. Christians call it the soul and believe it the breath of God. The ancient Egyptians called it "ka" and it was the bird that flies away from the deceased.
Refinement
Anima can be refined into a gemstone like substance known as vaimossa. Necromancers with the ability to produce vaimossa are even rarer than their average kin and are considered one of the deepest evils known to the supernatural community.
Type
Metaphysical
Odor
odorless
Taste
tasteless
Color
colorless
Related Species
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