Spirits and Spirit Possession

[The Wild Hunt]

XXXXXXXSPIRITS


The spirits are a bizarre race of creature. They are not human, plant or animal, but something different entirely. Their origins are unknown, but they are immortal and intriguing creatures, far different than all else. It is believed that the spirits are the vessels of cosmic energy, and that they are simply manifestations of the universe. Whether or not this is true cannot be explained. Even they do not know for sure.

The spirits live in the spirit world, which is a plane different from the earth, but is connected to it. There are two portals that tie these worlds together: the portals of the northern and southern water tribes. Because of these portals, many spirits leak out into the physical world, and often become drawn to a certain area within the mortal realm. For example, a spirit drawn to water may come to inhabit a lake, and will preside over it for all eternity afterwards. Damaging the serenity and peace of this lake will then after anger the spirit, and you will draw their wrath. They could then come to hunt you down until you are dead.

Spirits are not malevolent, but ambivalent. They really have little care for humans. Some of them despise humans, believing them to be destructive and primitive. Some of them enjoy humans, and find them to be quirky and entertaining. The average spirit, though, much prefers the quiet of nature.

The Two All-Powerful Spirits

Far beyond the level of the others, the two all-powerful spirits, Raava and Vaatu, represent light and darkness. From the beginning of time, they have struggled against each other in an eternal war for dominance, neither of them ever capable of fully ousting the other. However, the mere existence of the avatar and the peace of the mortal realm is a symbol of Raava's victory in the Harmonic Convergence, which happened almost ten thousand years ago. Every ten thousand years, there is another harmonic convergence, with an uncertain outcome. However, it can be said that the upcoming one is certainly biased in Raava's favor.

This is because the Avatar is in fact a mortal vessel bonded with Raava. Because of the bond between human and spirit, the Avatar is the ultimate power, far beyond human, spirit or animal. Even beyond Vaatu.
 

[The Wild Hunt]

XXXXXXXSPIRIT POSSESSION


Some spirits, especially the more powerful ones, may possess a human body, which will then take on some of their aspects. An example of spirit possession is the Avatar, who has completely absorbed Raava's light spirit and continues to entwine with it for all eternity. However, such a close bond is impossible for any human but one tied to an all-powerful spirit. Regular humans and spirits, while they can merge, will not sustain this bond forever. When the human who has become a vessel for a spirit dies, the spirit is then released from their body and sent back to the spirit world.

An average human cannot survive the possession of a spirit. They will become hideously deformed and shifted by the invader, and will die within moments of possession. However, one who has formed a link to the spirit world may become capable of holding a spirit. Ones extremely close to their spiritual energy may eventually completely merge with a spirit, becoming something similar to the avatar, though weaker (as Raava is certainly more powerful than any of the other spirits).

Another example of spirit possession is Yue, who was given the energy of the moon. That is only the most base form of spiritual possession, however.

It is not possible to obtain extra elements via spirit possession. However, the spirit may gift to you one single aspect of themselves. This aspect will become a mark on your body, that is either visible always or only visible under special circumstances. This can be described simply.



XXXXXXXTYPES OF SPIRIT POSSESSION


There are two different types of spirit possession. The types really depend on the spirit that inhabits you. Simply put, there are Yin spirits and Yang spirits. Yin spirits are connected to a certain aspect of the mortal realm. For example, Tui and La, the moon and ocean. They have long since abandoned the spirit world, and now seek to remain in peace with the earth. Because of their connection to the earth, if they are to possess you, you will always be empowered by them. A tattoo, or marking of them will appear somewhere on your body, and you will be given their strength.

This power is decided by you, the RPer, and is to be applied for in the customs area.

The Yang spirits are connected to the spirit world, and by extension the cosmic energy of the universe. While all spirits hold this connection, they do not abandon it for the mortal realm, and therefore maintain their pure form. Raava and Vaatu are both Yang spirits, as they are permanently tied to the cosmic energy. When possessed by a Yang spirit, rather than a constant power flowing through you, they will give you a burst of energy and power in combat. This power is hard to master, and can be very tiring. However, it gives you something akin to the Avatar state, and is very fearsome to behold.

This power is decided by you, the RPer, and is to be applied for in the customs area.

There are also stages of spirit possession. The further in you go, the more dangerous it is to advance to the next stage. However, mastering all of the stages will shape you into quite a powerful warrior.

All stages are to be learned via quests given by crew.

Stage One: 30% Bond -
For this to be accomplished, the spirit does not even need to enter your body. They must only give you some of their energy. Different types of spirits may do this for different reasons. Some of the more compassionate spirits may do this to cure a deep illness, while some may do it to hurt or corrupt you. Either way, you will gain a fraction of their power. Your physical aspects may also change because of this. For example, your skin or eyes may darken or lighten. Your hair may change color. Etc.

Stage Two: 50% Bond -
The spirit must actually inhabit you at this point. In order for that to work without you being killed, you must have already become physically connected to the spirit world. If the spirits there are in favor of you, they will gift you the resilience required to bond with a spirit. Once they enter your body, you will become one. Your physical form will become their realm that they seek to protect, and so you will gain more of their power. You will also gain a marking somewhere on your body to show this.

Stage Three: 80% Bond -
After what must've been years of peaceful coexistence with this spirit, or perhaps months of constant pain and duress, you have almost completely solidified your connection. They are now greatly a part of you, and will grant you most of their power. In order to create a connection this deeply, you must meditate beneath the Tree of Time and bring your energies fully together.

Stage Four: Merging
This bond is similar to the Avatar's connection to Raava. It is the complete merging of a spirit and man, and is only possible through inner peace and tranquility. Only a powerful bender at the rank of master may go through the merging, at which point they will be changed forever. They must go to the spirit's natural realm and become one with it, whether by consistency or a great vanquishing of the darkness within that area. Even so, once that is finished, you are ready. You will venture into the spirit world and connect your energies together via the spirit portal. It is an extremely painful and often fatal experience, but the lucky survive and become extremely powerful.

With the bond between the spirit and human complete, Yin and Yang become at peace within your vessel. You will change for the better, finding balance within yourself. You will also be given the full powers of the spirit:

You will be given Yin energy and Yang energy, which means you may both enter the spiritual state, as well as receive natural empowerment at all times. At this point, you are a creature beyond either human or spirit, similar to the Avatar.