Image

Images are a type of ghost, spectral entities that have the power to manipulate and torment the minds of those who encounter them.

## Background

### Origin and Existence

Though the reasons for their powers are unknown, it's likely the Images themselves come from the same source as other ghosts. They are malevolent spirits, forever trapped in a limbo between the physical world and the ethereal. Their presence in abandoned temples, shrines, and dungeons can be traced to the high spirituality of these sites in the past.

### Powers and Abilities

#### Spectral Projection

Images are so called for their spectral projection abilities. The mists of their essence can permeate through the air and seep into the subconscious of their playthings. From here, they cast convincing illusions with the intent to confuse, terrify, or paralyze their victims. These hallucinations are not specific to one person either, as they are capable of creating shared visions visible to more than one individual. The kind of illusions they project depends on their purpose; they may try and turn members of a group of intruders against each other for their own entertainment, or they may torment trespassers with visions of departed loved ones. Images tend to prefer to toy with mortals rather than wish to destroy them, though malevolent ones do exist. They enjoy crafting elaborate scenarios and watching their unsuspecting victims fall for it, rarely ever dispensing the most otherworldly and nightmarish imagery right away. When things don't go their way, they become irate, and lash out, telekinetically lifting objects and hurling them around, or outright strangling those they were toying with. Images have a very short temper. While their main goals revolve around sewing confusion, doubt, and fear rather than killing, death is often the outcome of encountering these apparitions.

#### Mind Control

Through misleading and deception, Images are able to craft a false narrative and effectively control their victims. Despite their psionic abilities, even the most wicked Images are thankfully unable to worm their way into the minds of others and directly control their actions. They must first observe their prey before creating illusions that either appeal to them, or horrify them. Some have been known to create personas to interact directly with unassuming adventurers, pretending to be an ally on a similar quest, or an injured child in need of help, only to disappear, or turn on their companions. Images who do this are sometimes called puppet-masters for the way that they string hapless or lost travelers along with imaginary visions of people who don't exist. This may indicate a loneliness or longing for interaction among some Images, or a psychotic want to control others.

#### Weaknesses

Images cannot be harmed physically, but may be harmed through the use of fire magic. They are repelled by holy artifacts and daylight, and cannot effect the blind with illusions at all. Their most notable weakness is through the advanced spell Revealing, an enchanted flame whose light can shine through illusions, unveiling a glimpse of the Image's true form.

### Locations and Hauntings

Images differ from other ghosts in that they tend to be transient, often moving from place to place. They prefer areas with ample darkness, and are averse to sunlight, but can be found outside. Images have been found to populate dense forests, deep dungeons, caves, and other ruins. They dislike open areas, and enjoy plenty of cover to work with.

### Legends and Misconceptions

Images are usually misidentified due to their illusory nature. If a particular Image enjoys projecting the same persona to multiple people, locals may interpret them as a single apparition. One such example is the ghost of Torlerre, the creation of an Image near the ruins of Klipfonte in Guiles that takes the form of a little girl. Torlerre has resided in the ruins for centuries, and has been encountered by many who have passed through the area. Seemingly harmless, this illusion will ask those who find it to help locate it's parents, taking them far off their original course, getting them lost, and then disappearing altogether.