Affinity Spirits are the visible manifestations of a Faian’s relationship with their affinity, and by extension, their Deity. Every Faian is immediately linked with one upon unlocking their affinity magic. Affinity Spirits do not produce magic themselves, but rather, they function as companions, providing moral support and guidance.

Lesser Affinity Spirits

When a Faian first unlocks their affinity, a Lesser Affinity Spirit is formed. Lesser Affinity Spirits are the mark of a Faian who is not yet a Mage, but on the path to become one.

• Form: Lesser Affinity Spirits can shift form within limits; they always maintain a translucent, ghost-like body shape. They may sometimes take on features like ears, horns, wings, fins, spines, etc.
• Summoning: Inexperienced magic users are only able to summon their Lesser Affinity Spirit for short time periods. They appear fleetingly, often requiring conscious effort from the Faian, before dissolving and returning to the spirit realm. As the Faian becomes more experienced in magic, they will be able to sustain longer connections with their affinity spirit.
• Bonding: As Faians progress through their magical training, especially within the Mage’s Academy, their affinity spirit trains alongside them. This period is crucial for a Faian to truly bond with their spirit, as a strong bond is the only way for a Lesser Affinity Spirit to transition to Greater.
  
  

Greater Affinity Spirits

The transition of an Affinity Spirit from Lesser to Greater marks a Faian becoming a Mage. 

• Form: A Greater Affinity Spirit can take on any form, and once that form is established, it becomes permanent. This form is often a reflection of the Mage’s personality, affinity, and mastery; no two Greater Affinity Spirits are the same. 
• Summoning: Greater Affinity Spirits can stay by their Mage’s side permanently, without being summoned. They are also able to return to the spirit realm if needed, but this is rare.
• Communication: Unlike Lesser Affinity Spirits, Greater Affinity Spirits are able to communicate with their Mage. They do not speak; all communication happens mentally. At this stage, the spirit typically tells the Mage their name, although some spirits do not remember theirs and must be named instead (perhaps this is an indicator that affinity spirits used to be living entities in the overworld…nobody truly knows where they come from). Greater Affinity Spirits use their wisdom to advise Mages, sometimes even serving as messengers for the Deities.