Poltergeist

Poltergeists are a type of ghost known for possessing and inhabiting inanimate objects.

## Background

### Spectral Lament

When the curse struck, some had their physical bodies obliterated while their spirits remained, forever trapped in an incorporeal state. Poltergeists are not inherently evil like other ghosts such as Shadows, but are still restless and scornful. They are unable to communicate verbally and are invisible as one would expect. Some are more resentful than others, and will frighten living things that cross their paths for their own entertainment. Desperate to feel whole again, some Poltergeists possess entire suits of armor, or even clothes.

### Manifestation and Abilities

In addition to possessing physical items, Poltergeists can lift objects of incredible weight and size with little to no strain, and are able to phase through walls. They are spread out across the land, and aren't specific to any one place, though they prefer to live close to people or monsters who they can play tricks on. Despite their more mischievous nature, some Poltergeists can be malevolent, and enjoy more than simply tormenting unsuspecting individuals. A bloodhungry Poltergeist isn't something you want to face; in combat, they are virtually indestructible, as they cannot be harmed with traditional weaponry. Their invisibility and intangibility can make them impossible to locate, but if they are inhabiting a suit of armor they can be more fair to fight. This doesn't mean animated armor is an easy foe however, as they have full control over every individual piece of armor, and if one was to be removed, it could eerily levitate back into place, or float about the room, allowing them to attack remotely. This makes all poltergeists a terror in combat, where any blow made to them is simply set back into place. Tempered and patient, they might make few strikes themselves, instead allowing for their opponent to wear themselves out, granting them quick and easy victories.

### Myths and Weaknesses

Poltergeists are known by the living and there are many supposed countermeasures some employ to ward them off. These can include putting salt on windowsills, carving vegetables into ugly visages to frighten the ghost away, or any amount of apotropaic (protective) incantations. Depending on the region some may paint eyes on the entrances to their homes so as to make the Poltergeist feel as though they cannot slip inside without being noticed, some may splash wine on their jewelry, and others simply hang holy talismans around their homes after burning incense. As Poltergeists are a type of undead, they are indeed repelled by holy artifacts, and can be harmed through use of fire magic.

### Knights of Altefar

In Fanemire, there is the abandoned Fortress of Altefar, an ancient fort of the Guilron Empire which was built to watch the eastern coast. Ornately designed with elaborate stonework and carved reliefs, the fort eventually outlived its purpose, and became a dumping ground for the kingdom of Guiles and Fanemire for those dying of the Red Plague, as well as their personal affects. In time, the fort became piled high with old furniture and belongings that were contaminated by the plague victims. Plans were made to immolate the fortress to be rid of all of the diseased items inside, but this never occurred. Now, no living creature can be found in the fort, aside from rats. Instead, a group of ten Poltergeists calling themselves the Knights of Altefar protect the grounds from intruders and thieves, chasing them off when encountered. They all possess armor, and use different weapons, including swords, polearms, and maces. It is believed the Knights of Altefar are the ghosts of plague victims who have grown attached to their home. Curiously, the spectral knights only ever use their weapons in combat, never resorting to their incorporeal abilities. This suggests they are bound to a code of sorts, or perhaps, they are in denial about their undead state.