Ethereal Illusions

Within the SpiritQuest world, there are a number of forms of Illusionary Etherea. The following are various forms of etherea known collectively as “Illusions”:
1) Hallucinations (Bardic Method) exist only in the mind of the subject, as suggested/imposed by the crafter (mental visions, dreams, etc.). They will not perceived by anyone but the subject. Such hallucinations are able to inflict psychosomatic damage. Such damage is not “real” but will affect the subject as if it were — for as long as the formula remains in effect. Normal IP are deducted down to a Status = 0, at which point the subject falls unconscious. Upon waking (or the elapsed duration of the effect) the illusionary damage no longer exists.

For example: Through mental suggestion, a person may be convinced that they see a pink elephant in the room. The person will believe the elephant to have form, sound, smell, etc. However, no one else will see the elephant. The vision of a fire would glow and crackle, and feel to the subject as if it gave off heat, but it would not actually melt or burn anything.

2) Sonorants (Bardic Method) are formed entirely by concentrated waves of sound. Not only can such ether be used to imitate various noises and voices, it can be used to create the sensation of force as well. Sonorant illusions are virtually invisible, and are limited to manifestations that are purely auditory and tactile (ie. wall of sound, sonic sword, etc.). They are able to inflict physical damage, and withstand force.

For example: A Bard could create a piercing burst of sound to inflict physical damage (breakage, shattering, etc.), as well as hearing loss. A more experienced Bard may actually produce a resonating bridge of force, able to be crossed, but unable to be seen.

3) Mirages (Illuic/Astric/Visic Methods), have their own existence, as pure energy forms (such as holograms, projections, etc), and are perceived by all around them. They exist as forms of ethereal light, without material substance. As such, they are not able to produce actual/physical force or withstand passage through them.

For example: An Illusionist can create a mirage of a fire, created from moving light, which would be convincing from a distance, but would not produce any heat. Likewise, the mirage of a bridge would appear to all, but would not support any weight. Touching a mirage gives away its true incorporeal nature.

4) Apparitions (Illuic/Astric/Visic Methods) are identical to mirages, except they have a tactile dimension. That is, they are able to create the sensation of texture, temperature, and sound, by purely ethereal means (ie. without physical substance). In such a way, they able to inflict physical damage. Any such damage inflicted — regardless of its illusionary appearance — is the result of ethereal energy burn. Generally speaking, Apparitions are produced by higher Grade formulas than Mirages; they are not necessarily revealed by a simple touch.

For example: An Illusionist can create the apparition of a fire, one that gives off actual heat and is able to burn normally (since heat is a form of energy). On the other hand, an apparition of a sword could inflict a lacerating cut, similar to that of a real sword; but in actual fact, the cut would be created by a laser-like force of energy.

5) Conjurations (Illuic Method) are apparitions that continue without the direct concentration of the crafter, either in a pre-programmed fashion or with individual AI. Like other Illusions, they are not physically “real”, but are made of pure energy — often a combination of light, sound, texture, and heat. The ability to produce Conjurations is difficult; it is usually limited to the highest-Grade Illuic formulas.

For example: A conjured monster would hold its form and function, and could be directed to attack independently of the crafter. Though such monsters are technically not “real”, they are able to inflict ethereal damage. Such creatures vanish when “killed.”