The Fey and the Wild Ones

In Arcanum Imperium

The Fey and Wild Ones are distinct entities in the lands of Arcanum, each with its own unique characteristics and relationship with the Spirit World:

The Fey:

• The Fey are ancient and mystical beings that inhabit the Spirit World, a parallel dimension that coexists with Arcanum. They are elusive, enigmatic, and closely tied to the essence of magic itself.
• Fey creatures are inherently magical and often serve as the wellspring of magic in Arcanum. They are associated with the natural world, embodying its beauty and wonder.
• The Fey can take various forms, from ethereal spirits to physical manifestations resembling creatures found in nature. They can appear as elegant and otherworldly beings, such as nymphs, dryads, or will-o'-the-wisps.
• They are often viewed as guardians of the Spirit World and the magical energies that flow through it. Some seek to maintain the balance of the Spirit World, while others may be mischievous and capricious.
• Fey creatures do not usually form structured organizations, and their actions are guided by their innate connection to the Spirit World and their whims.

Wild Ones:

• Wild Ones are fey who have entered the Material Plane and take on a physical form . They occasionally form pacts with the people of Arcanum. These pacts are a two way exchange, with the resident of the material plane getting access to fey powers. These pacts grant Wild Ones unique abilities and allow them to draw upon the essence of nature and magic from the material plane.
• While Wild Ones draw power from their pacts, they retain their human forms most of the time in the form of a "glamor". However, they can consciously channel their pact's magic to transform partially or fully into the spirit creature. Their pact-holders can also gain increased attributes of their totem animal, whether powers or characteristics or appearance.
• Wild Ones often act as intermediaries between the Spirit World and the mortal realm. They are protectors of nature, defenders of the balance, and champions of magical preservation.
• Their unique abilities make them valuable allies and formidable foes in the ongoing conflicts within Arcanum, as their powers are rooted in the ancient and primal magic of the Spirit World.

The Bridge Between Worlds

: In Arcanum, the presence of Wild Ones serves as a living link between the human realm and the Spirit World. Their dual nature, straddling the boundaries of both worlds, makes them valuable intermediaries for those seeking to tap into the mystical energies and secrets of the Spirit World. Witches, in particular, form pacts and alliances with Wild One spirits, drawing upon their connection to nature to enhance their magical abilities.

Fylgya:

• Through their pacts, Wild Ones gain the ability to take on aspects of spirit creatures, similar to totems, and even adopt their visage. These aspects may include increased strength, agility, or elemental powers depending on the nature of the pact. These familiar-like creatures are bound to the fate of their pact-holders and are called Fylgya.
• When a witch creates a pact with a wild one or someone creates a pact with a lemurian, the magical companion that results from this bond is often referred to as a "Fylgya." or Fey Friend. A Fylgya is a magical creature that serves as a loyal companion, guardian, and conduit for the natural and mystical energies that flow between the witch or pact holder and the wild one or lemurian. Relationship with the Pact Holder: The relationship between a witch or pact holder and their fylgya is deeply symbiotic. It is characterized by trust, mutual benefit, and a shared connection to the natural and mystical realms. Here are some key aspects of their relationship:
  1. Guardian and Guide: The Fey Friend serves as a guardian, offering protection and guidance to the witch or pact holder. It uses its innate magical abilities to warn of danger, provide insights, and assist in navigating the mystical aspects of their world.
  2. Amplifier of Magic: The Fey Friend enhances the witch or pact holder's magical abilities. It acts as a conduit to the wild one or lemurian's power, allowing the practitioner to draw upon greater magical reserves and cast more potent spells.
  3. Spiritual Bond: The bond between the witch or pact holder and their Fey Friend is spiritual in nature. They share emotions, experiences, and even dreams, deepening their connection over time.
  4. Mutual Growth: As the witch or pact holder grows in magical skill and wisdom, so does the Fylgya. They learn from each other, evolving and adapting to new challenges together.
  5. Physical Manifestation: The fylgya often takes on aspects of its wild one or lemurian counterpart, both in appearance and abilities. This transformation serves as a visible sign of the bond and the power it grants.
  6. Nature's Guardian: In the case of witches, the Fey Friend may also act as a guardian of the natural world, ensuring that the witch uses their magic in harmony with nature and not to harm it. The relationship between a practitioner and their Fey Friend is one of mutual respect and cooperation. Together, they harness the unique magic of the wild ones or lemurians, and this bond plays a significant role in shaping the character and abilities of the witch or pact holder in your world.

In essence, the Fey are the mystical entities of the Spirit World itself, while Wild Ones are humans who have formed deep, magical bonds with these Fey spirits, allowing them to channel their power and take on aspects of the creatures from the Spirit World. Wild Ones serve as a bridge between the two realms, wielding a blend of human ingenuity and supernatural abilities granted by their pacts.