Spirits

**Spirits** are the human-like residents of Maalja. Consisting of four individual races (Glass, Mirrors, Marbles, and Crystals) with a unique array of abilities, spirits are an incredibly diverse group of people. Though magical in nature, spirits have limited access to their powers, and require a special liquid known as nectar to access these supernatural abilities. Without it, they are no more powerful than your average human.

## Background

Long ago, it was once commonly believed that the modern spirit came about after a great calamity. According to legend, when The Great Glass Maker created her first world and gave it life, she granted those spirits the same powers as she, and filled the planet with nectar. When her creation became greedy and drained their world of any natural resources, The Great Glass Maker became dismayed and destroyed it, and began anew.

When the Goddess tried her hand at creating life again, she was sure to not to make the same mistakes twice. This time, she created four unique races and divided power unto them equally and gifted special artifacts, which are the sources of their power, but also their greatest vulnerability. One race could not accomplish certain tasks without the others, assuring they would work together instead of plotting against one another. Thus the modern spirits were born.

However, this is only a parable, which very few in the modern age still believe.

## Appearance

Spirits are virtually identical to humans in appearance, diverse in skin tone, height, body type, eye color, hair color, etc. The few attributes that set them apart from actual humans are their; elongated, elf-like ears, sharp pointy fangs, and their eyes.

Both ear shape and fang structures have variations universal to all four races and are completely cosmetic. The ear shape offers no advanced hearing, and teeth do not impact a spirits diet. A spirits eyes (specifically pupil shape and color) are unique to their race, also lacking any enhanced capabilities.

## Description

Spirits are primarily characterized by their special artifacts (also known as *soul artifacts*). Each race has an exclusive object specific to them (Glass having glass bottles, Mirrors having pocket mirrors, etc.), that are the source of a spirit's power, and are required in order to use them. Each individual is born with an artifact, which cannot be changed or altered in any way — but can be freely accessorized. Any damage inflicted onto an artifact will reflect onto the spirit as well, and extensive damage or destruction will result in death. Special artifacts are considered as a part of a spirits physiology, and is believed to be their very soul.

Special artifacts are unique to each individual and may differ in size, shape, and design. Some races have more diversity than others, such as mirrors, whose outer covers of their pocket mirrors feature intricate designs and patterns. The glass, meanwhile, have plain smooth bottles that only differentiate in size, shape, and sometimes color. These variations do not typically have any bearing on a spirits abilities, physical traits, or other characteristics.

## Abilities

All four races possess different abilities and powers unique to their race, and sometimes unique to their specific type (as with glasses). The mastery and strength of these powers depends on the spirits usage and requires nectar to harness. Some abilities may be passive, such as water breathing, and others conscious, like telepathy. More impressive displays and move sets require more nectar to accomplish.

While all spirits have powers, not everyone chooses to use them. Some spirits swear off nectar entirely and become pristine, and cracked spirits cannot consume nectar at all. Others are too poor to afford such a lifestyle, as nectar can be quite expensive.

## Notes & Sources

1. ↑ https://www.deviantart.com/tamarinfrog/art/A-World-Inside-A-Bottle-Part-1-Page-12-813589267
2. ↑ https://www.deviantart.com/tamarinfrog/art/A-World-Inside-A-Bottle-Part-1-Page-13-814371724