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The Gift A Primer on Spirits

As we prepare for the start of the various storylines of "The Gift" I have come to the conclusion that it would benefit readers to have a baseline understanding of the various kinds of spirits, the focus of their powers, benefits and dangers they represent to humans, etc. So, to that effect, we are going to hold a vote to determine which spirit readers would like to present this very important information Kon is going to teach you everything you need to know!

Seeing as Yokai are the closest to humans of all spirits it only makes sense that you learn everything you'll need to know about spirits from me!

If you think you can handle it without giving any misinformation then you're welcome to it, but there will be a Pact involved.

So... I do a great job of explaining spirits and as a reward you'll start me off in my storyline with twice as much power?

No. I will allow you to present the primer to the readers but in return you have to do so accurately and truthfully.

Aww... how is that a reward for me?

The reward is giving you extra time with the readers in exchange for you behaving and giving them useful information.

Can we maybe come to a Bargain in addition to our Pact? *tail swishes*

You already had a Bargain earlier and you BARELY held to it. Now, do we have a Pact or no?

I guess... but only if I can educate these lovely mortals without Author Notes.

I will only interrupt if you're being deceptive.

How deceptive is TOO deceptive?

So I take it we DON'T have a Pact?"

I'll behave. Yes. We have a Pact.

Then enjoy-- and that goes for you readers too.

Oh... I will... I will... hee hee

So... where do we start? Hmm... actually, I think the Esteemed Author has already given us a good starting point. We should discuss ways that Spirits can interact in an official capacity with humans, and that involves Accords , Bargains , Pacts , and Duty.

_ Accords are binding agreements that Spirits enter into with mortals that guarantee both parties involved won't do something. For example, there is a lasting Accord between humans and Spirits that do not (usually) let us enter someone's home unless invited. There are exceptions, of course, but in general this holds true for (almost) all spirits. Accords that are long-lasting and widespread like that one are usually named... that one is called "The Sanctity of the Hearth". Most Accords are much more personal, like "I won't steal your soul if you give up eating salami."_

Yon, Spirits can't steal mortals' souls. That's a myth and you know it. Spirits don't have souls and can't affect them.

I was using it as an example... but okay. Right. Spirits can't steal souls regardless of what you heard... but it's the same basic idea. The thing is, with Accords a spirit can't break it, but if the mortal does then the spirit is free to act as they see fit. It's like a contract that one party can get out of at any time, and the other party is only freed if its nullified or a set time passes... like "I'll make your car fall apart if you eat salami in the next thirty days."

Still not the best example, Yon. Only Yokai use Accords to make a mortal do something or risk spiritual wrath... and, so the rumors have it, in the above case the Yokai would probably destroy the car after the human doesn't eat salami for thirty days.

That's racial profiling and I won't stand for--

ANYWAY-- Accords are usually a very FRIENDLY kind of interaction on behalf of a spirit that provides the mortal all the power in the relationship. It's considered a form of casual, non-ritualistic spirit binding and is considered insulting to a spirit unless they proactively offer it to the mortal with whom the Accord is being done though Spirits who have great affection for a mortal usually consider it less of an affront and more akin to a 'honey do' list.

A Honeydew? Bleh. Nowhere near as good as watermelon or Yubari King... mm... I could really go for some Yubari King...

Focus, Kon. You're explaining Accords , Bargains , Pacts , and Duty.

Right! So, a Bargain is a kind of agreement that we spirits use to get something we want from a mortal. It's usually a single event and rarely ever lasts longer than a few minutes, or maybe an hour-- no longer than a day. It's a verbal contract that both sides are expected to honor but only the spirit is penalized for failing to honor the agreement.

That's not entirely true, Kon. The mortal--

Well yeah... mortals get a spirit mark if they don't fulfill their part of the Bargain, but that's hardly a HUGE penalty... I mean, all spirits see them as a Deal-Breaker for a full lunar cycle, but considering there are so few mortals these days who see spirits I'd think most wouldn't care whether a mortal keeps their promises or not so long as they have enough spiritual energy to go around.

In old times, Deal-Breakers were punished by every spirit who encountered them. Bargains were honored as strictly as any business deal between mortals, or even more so since mortals marked as breaking a Bargain couldn't hide their dishonor. Even worse, since mortals didn't travel as much as in modern times spirits would often remember that a mortal went back on a Bargain and continued to pester and abuse them long after the spiritual mark was gone.

Wow... you're REALLY thorough, Senpai.

I'm the author of this story. It's my job to be. If you're going to continue, then go ahead and do so, Kon.

_You bet I will! Let's see... where were we? Oh-- Pacts! Okay, so as far as the different agreements between spirits and mortals are concerned, the bread and butter of official interaction would be a Pact. A Pact binds a spirit and a mortal together equally so that both sides can benefit as part of an agreement. These agreements can last anywhere from a day to a lifetime, and sometimes extend past the lifetime of the mortal who originally made it, passing onto their descendants. _

The shorter Pacts are usually made out of various kinds of mutual immediate gain for both parties and longer Pacts generally involve continued spiritual essence given to the spirit in exchange for some benefit to the mortal or mortal's family like luck, good fortune, good harvest, good health, or any number of things that spirits with a lot of spiritual energy can do. While it may seem like Bargains and Pacts may seem a lot alike when you first look at them it's important to understand that mortals who break their Pact can be punished with far more than a spirit mark of a Deal-Breaker. A spirit who has been the victim of a broken Pact has the right to enact Restitution.

If a spirit enacts a "Rite of Restitution" then the offending mortal will be stricken with a malady in a manner befitting the spirit's contribution to the Pact. For example, a mortal who was receiving spiritually enhanced luck would bleed excess spiritual energy to the wronged spirit, inflicting them with misfortune or a mortal with spiritually granted health will be perpetually sickly. This condition will remain until the mortal's suffering has generated enough spiritual energy to make up for the shortcoming caused by them breaking the Pact. While a Bargain may sometimes be used as a wager between mortals and spirits, a Pact is far too binding for such an arrangement.

*sigh* I wish I would have won OUR bet-based Bargain.

I'm sure you do, but you didn't. Now continue with the primer in accordance with our Pact.

Right. I will! So... we've been over Accords , Bargains , and Pacts , which leaves us with Duty. Uh... most Honored and Knowledgeable Author... Yokai don't do Duty. Could you... maybe... help me? Pleeeeeease? *puppy dog eyes*

Yokai CAN claim a Duty but most don't. A Duty is similar in many ways to a Pact but there is no requirement from the mortal in the deal.

Which is why Yokai don't do Duty.

Yokai CAN, but usually don't. Right. The most common spirits who will claim a Duty are Guardian Spirits , Tribal Spirits , Naturae Spirits who have taken on the roll of a Genius Loci, and, on certain occasions, Spirit Guides. A Duty is a role that a spirit takes on of its own accord and will follow until their purpose for accepting it concludes. A Duty is one of the few ways that a spirit can generate their own spiritual energy, as maintaining adherence and attention to their chosen task creates a small amount of sustenance for them-- which is one reason why spirits with a Duty can maintain their strength even when they are bereft of mortal interaction.

Oh wow... I never knew that. So is THAT why so many temple kami in Japan are still so strong?

In part, I would imagine, Kon, but a lot of the rituals and offerings there also help. Spirits that have a Duty are able to gain spiritual energy in the same ways as other spirits can too.

Neat! ....but I'm still not sure it's worth the drawbacks.

Which is fine, since not every spirit needs to have a Duty and many don't. Anyway, since we started discussing some of the different spirit types, why don't you continue with that? I'm sure the readers would love to learn about what kinds the protagonists of the stories will be encountering.

I love talking about spirits. Sure! The main spirits in this story will be Glamour Spirits , Guardian Spirits , Tribal Spirits , Spirit Guides , Trickster Spirits , Naturae Spirits , Familiars , and of course, yours truly, the resident Yokai. Each type of spirit also has sub-types, but those aren't really all that important.

And yet I plan on briefly explaining them regardless.

You just like making things hard, sekushina kuma.

No, I just like making sure people can have as much information as they'd like.

Okay... well you can do that, and I'll tell them what they need to know so they can help me achieve greatness in my story line.

First of all, it's not YOUR story line, and second, your agreed to educate them accurately and truthfully.

So, like I was saying before I was interrupted by the Okina kuma, there--

Stop calling me a bear.

--there are eight main kinds of spirits. The first are Glamour Spirits. Of all the spirits, they are the most like Yokai in that they are not tied to any one person or group of people or place. Glamour Spirits are usually associated with ideas or concepts or folktales and their main form of spirit energy comes from the way people think. The more mortal-friendly Glamour Spirits can usually do okay just by being around mortals that embody whatever the spirit's purpose or focus may be, but the more violent and nasty ones usually cause a lot of pain and suffering where they go. I met a Holocaust Glamour Spirit , in the '40s for example. Consider THAT for a minute.

Like Kon said, there are numerous kinds of Glamour Spirits and they are one of the most varied of all spirits. Most varieties of Glamour Spirits are able to exist just fine on the latent spiritual energy tied to whatever concept they exemplify, but their power waxes and wanes with the ebb and flow of popular culture, historic events, and the next 'big thing'. Of all spirits, Glamour Spirits are usually the most short lived, though some of the more ruthless ones will find alternate ways to get what they need to survive through any means necessary, making them as dangerous, if not more so, than Feral Spirits.

Ugh... Feral Spirits. *shudder*

So, next on the list are Guardian Spirits. As far as most spirits go, Guardian Spirits are some of the most honor-bound, stuck-up, unchanging ones you can find. They choose a person, place, or thing to champion and then that's pretty much all there is to them. They get their spirit energy off of whatever they're guarding, which seems pretty silly to me since you can't get spirit energy off of a castle, right, Author?

In actuality, Guardian Spirits are a little more complex than Kon makes them sound. While he's right that most Guardian Spirits who had once protected a specific site have long since gone into slumber, that is not always the case. In addition to gaining energy off of their chosen ward, Guardian Spirits are usually bound by a Duty, which provides them a little extra sustenance. In the case of a Guardian Spirits who protects a specific bloodline or a country, they also draw a certain amount of spiritual energy off of the people they consider theirs to protect. Guardian Spirits are usually broken down into one of three categories, which creates some crossover with other spirit types. A Guardian Spirit who protects a specific natural location is considered a "Genius Loci" (identical to a Naturae Spirit tied to a specific location); the protector of a family, bloodline, or nation is known as a "Herald", and a Guardian Spirit that guards knowledge (either secular or religious) has a variety of titles, though the most commonly used one is "Sentinel".

Enough on those sticks-in-the-mud. Next up are-- oh... Tribal-Spirits... the other sticks-in-the-mud. Pretty much the rarest of spirits these days, Tribal Spirits used to be really powerful, and filled in the same roles for nomadic societies as Guardian Spirits did for the ones who considered themselves more advanced. Tribal-Spirits , when you can find em, are usually pretty sad these days since most of their power is tied into groups of people who are pretty much extinct. The ones that are still alive are slowly changing into other spirits... which happens sometimes, you know!

Despite Kon's pretty relaxed view on things, he's pretty accurate in his statement. There are very few Tribal-Spirits left; most have either gone into Slumber or, as Kon said, have transitioned into a different classification. The most common transition for Tribal-Spirits is to either find another cause to Champion (in which case they become a Guardian Spirit), or embrace an element related to their auspice in the tribal culture where they originated (becoming a Trickster Spirit, Spirit Guide, or Naturae Spirits). In a few cases, some sensationalized tribal legends may actually help a Tribal-Spirit to transition into a Glamour Spirit, but this is not a common practice.

Now that we're past all of the boring spirit types we can move onto... oh wait, Spirit Guides are pretty boring too. Well... at least they're not quite as bad as the others. In general, Spirit Guides try to help guide mortals, which is a lot harder in this day and age since mortals can't really see us. Even so, some of the stronger Spirit Guides have enough spirit energy to be able to send portents, dreams, and signs to the especially aware mortals. Even so, Spirit Guides are nowhere near as powerful as they once were, but if one were to gain a mortal mouth piece they could probably become the next big thing... for better or for worse. Anyone here remember the Heaven's Gate Cult? *raises paw* Yeah... the spirit responsible for THAT one gained a HUGE amount of power... lucky kitty. Then again, luck can only get you so far, and the whole Rajneeshpuram thing... well... *giggle* Let's just say that putting a ton of spirit energy into a cult doesn't always bear fruit.

Kon, you're getting DANGEROUSLY close to forbidden topics you know. Anyway, other than going off on a tangent. Kon's presentation of Spirit Guides are fairly straight forward. Of all spirit types, Spirit Guides are the most common to transition into another spirit type or, just as likely, come from a different spirit background, especially in this day and age. While you may suspect that a Spirit Guide would attempt to influence mortals for the better, this is not always the case, as in the examples provided by Kon above. In general, Spirit Guides gain spiritual energy when mortals act in a way that is encouraged by the spirit in question; sadly, more desperate spirits have learned that they can get far more energy when bad things happen than when good things do. Spirit Guides can be broken down into three basic categories and that includes Puppet Masters (ones who manage to get mortals to engage in self-destructive activities), Masterminds (ones who find a way to empower mortals to create a more habitable condition for the spirit in question), and Mentors (currently the rarest of Spirit Guides , who focus solely on the benefit of the mortal or the mortals around them).

Let's see... next are Trickster Spirits or, as I like to call them: Almost Yokai. In general, Trickster Spirits are spirits who like to make mortals think-- usually by exposing them to adverse conditions and watching em squirm. That doesn't mean that Trickster Spirits are malicious, though plenty of em are... they usually just bore easy. Lots of Trickster Spirits are actually really helpful to mortals; just look at all of the myths and legends about the quick-thinking god of 'this', or the sneak-thief hero of 'that' and you'll get the idea. Lots of Trickster Spirits can serve as guardians in more proactive and interesting ways than the old stuff-shirt Guardian Spirits and can provide enlightenment and guidance more creatively than the tired teachings of Spirit Guides. Trickster Spirits are really kind of like the Swiss army knife of spirits and can find ways to gain spiritual energy that blow the mind.

What Kon says about the relation between Trickster Spirits and Yokai is quite true in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. Like Yokai, Trickster Spirits can be beneficial or detrimental to mortals-- on occasion they can be both at the same time! Fortunately, most Trickster Spirits understand that consistent and reliable spirit energy tends to be most plentiful from content and living humans, otherwise they would be truly dangerous hunters. Although some might say that one Trickster Spirit is the same as another, they often have vastly different styles. While it's true that Trickster Spirits don't have subdivisions in the same manner as other spirits, they can be separated into their methodology (which can and does change over time). Trickster Spirits that like to affect the mortal realm by creating sensory input in mortals are called "Poltergeists", while those who mess with dreams or give mortals that 'eerie feeling' are "Spooks". Finally, the Trickster Spirits who find a way to help humans learn something through trials and tribulations are known as "Instigators".

_ Naturae Spirits are some of the weirdest spirits I can think of. Most of them don't really deal with mortals at all, which is the exact opposite of what spirits are supposed to do. I'm still not really sure how, but apparently they manage to get their spiritual energy out of the seventh dimension of some H.P. Lovecraftian tentacle world or--_

That isn't true, Kon, and you know it. No misinformation, remember?

I don't know how Naturae Spirits manage to keep from running out of energy and not go to Sleep, but it probably has something to do with the fact that they don't use up as much energy trying to interact with mortals... probably pretty smart since most mortals can't interact with us these days anyway. So... uh... that's pretty much all I know about these weirdos... what else can YOU add, Senpai? Inquiring minds want to know! *tail swishes*

Naturae Spirits are a common classification for any spirits who have no 'cause' 'duty' (or Duty ), or chosen people to claim as their own. Many Tribal Spirits have since become Naturae Spirits in the modern world. Naturae Spirits have a close, direct connection to the portions of the physical world still unaffected by mortal influence. Think to the last time you were high up on a mountain and overlooked a green valley; the feeling that went through you, assuming you felt it, was likely your contribution to a local Naturae Spirit. Alternately, the supreme horror you feel when considering being way out in the deep sea, assuming you have a phobia of open water, that is also spiritual sustenance for a Naturae Spirit. In general Naturae Spirits fall into one of three categories: an Orphan is a Naturae Spirit who has become one by default, usually losing its tribe, nation, clan, bloodline, etc; a Genius Loci is a Naturae Spirit that has chosen to occupy a specific place, usually of some great fame or draw (The Grand Canyon, The Bermuda Triangle, or Mount St Helens, for examples); a Legacy Naturae Spirit is one that maintains its power due to ancient legends or myths that are still told or dynamic natural events like lightning or tornadoes that were once attributed to divine intervention.

See? This is why it's so helpful to have Senpai around! Wow... I could just listen to him talk all day.

Except I'm typing, not talking. Enough buttering me up, Kon-- let's move onto--

_ Familiars! I like Familiars because they really mix things up a bit, but, other than that, I'm really not sure how to feel about em. I mean, on one tail, they don't tend to cause problems for other spirits, but on the other tail, they only believe in drawing energy off of ONE mortal, and on the other tail---_

You only have two tails still, Kon.

I know... just getting ready for when my story line starts and I get my third one. You promised, remember?

It's not YOUR story line, it's the one in which you appear.

Stop making this about me, orokana kuma, I'm trying to tell these lovely mortals about Familiars!

*eye roll* By all means, please continue.

Anyway, Familiars are different from other spirits because they not only draw all of their spirit energy off of just one mortal, but they also share their spirit energy with their mortal. Familiars gain half of what they need from doing mortal things like eating and drinking or sleeping, and they get the rest by interacting with their mortal. In return, their mortal gains a degree of spiritual prowess and can manifest it in ways that make others call them witches and burn them at the stake. hee hee... a little 18th century humor there.

Okay... I can already see that I need to take control here again.

I like it when you take control, sekushina kuma. *tail swish*

Of the discussion, Kon.

So, Familiars , as Kon said, usually focus on a very specific source of spirit energy, and that can be a single person, or a small group of people (traditionally referred to as a coven). Yes, you may be familiar with these terms as they relate to witches, and, in the past, Familiars have often had a place in the Wiccan faith well before witches were vilified by "Christ worshippers". Unlike other spirits, Familiars are capable of sustaining themselves for a short time on food, water, and sleep as a mortal might. They do this by taking a physical animal form, but this also takes its toll on their spiritual energy, which still requires interacting with humans. Many Familiars occasionally cross over into the realm of other spirits, becoming Guides, Guardians, and, most often, Naturae Spirits during the times they have no close connection with a mortal. Familiars who work to create benevolent effects are sometimes referred to as Fairies, while those who are more maligned are known as Demons.

Alright-- my turn again. It's FINALLY time to discuss Yokai! and who better to do it than me? We Yokai deny classification beyond what we are, but we also have a lot of crossover with other spirit types. We can take a physical form-- kinda like Familiars (and a few rare Naturae Spirits). We love interacting with mortals whenever we can in ways that make em stop and think, a lot like Trickster Spirits. Like Guardian Spirits, we sometimes choose causes and people to champion (but we do it in more interesting ways) and like Naturae Spirits we embody the essence of creation and all the amazing things to see in the world. We're also the only spirits who are what we are-- we don't change who and what we are just because things get difficult.

Actually, Kon, contrary to what you think, it IS possible for a Yokai to become a different kind of spirit.

Yeah, but who would WANT to? Yokai are some of the most amazing spirits because we are most like mortals. Sure, Familiar Spirits can play at being connected to mortals, but we Yokai are the only ones who can actually come together with a mortal and create new life. THAT is the purest right afforded to us, and no other spirit can accomplish that. Personally, I'd say that's proof that we have souls.

Kon, you KNOW that's NOT proof that Yokai have souls. Spirits are comprised of spirit energy and only mortals have souls-- that's why mortals are the only dynamic source of spirit energy.

Sure... when you put it THAT way. hrumph.

There really isn't much more to be said about Yokai as they are so varied and unique that they cannot be easily broken down into any sub-classifications. It IS important to note that Yokai, unlike other spirits are much more dynamic when it comes to the changing hue of their Inner Light , which is one of the main reasons that they can be so dangerous. While mortals familiar with spirit light and eye color know--

Oh come on, Inexhaustible One, this has turned into a LECTURE. Give the poor lovely mortals a break... they've already read so MUCH. We can pick this up another time.

Well... this HAS gone on quite awhile. Alright... we'll start up again next time with more discussions on Inner Light and certain dangers of which spirit-sensitive mortals need to be aware.

Definitely. I will make sure that we pick up with dangers of the spirit world next time. If you let me help out again I'll make a Pact to start with spirit dangers next time!

I'll think about it.

Readers can vote on it!

I was going to have readers vote on which spirit should lead THIS discussion before you interrupted.

They were going to vote for me anyway. I mean, what other spirit can break the fourth wall, Senpai? *tail swish*

You're incorrigible.

I could be out-corrigible too... I'm flexible like that. *tail swish*

GOODNIGHT, KON!

I prefer good morning. *licks muzzle*

*eye roll* Okay, readers-- you are now welcome to ask questions for clarification/education/curiosity.

Oh! And I'LL answer them!

Only if they're directed at you, Kon, and you'll have to enter into an Accord-- you can answer questions directed at you, but you won't interrupt me when answering questions not directed at you.

We have an Accord, Senpai, as long as you don't go overdoing it by answering any questions about Inner Light and spirit eye color before we have a chance to do it right.

Fair enough. We have an Accord, Kon.

I adore you, you know. *purr*

*eyeroll*