Shamanism

[Goldrim 1422]

(( This is an updated version of the previous Shamanism which had a few misconceptions and mistakes, this version of Shamanism will be more simplified and shall be given some added flavor, everybody please keep in mind that this magic type relies heavily on YOUR imagination, everything new and edited will be marked with a *, enjoy. ))

 

What is a Shaman?

 

Originally, Shamans were characterizations for orcs who had a thinner stature when compared to their brethren. They were thought to be more apt at intellectual arts rather than brutal, physical combat.

It is, in fact, from that characterization that Shamans might have been born. A Shaman, within itself, is an envoy of the spiritual and ancestral planes. They practice rituals to visit and speak to spirits. The Shamans have been around since the early days of Aegis, and their activity has wavered throughout the centuries.

 

There are other types of Shamans, including those who hold the ancient histories of the clan, lore, and look after the cubs. These shamans, sometimes called Clanmothers, are not what we are referring to.

 

Spirits

 

There are three types of spirits that a Shaman may interact with. These are:

 

Elemental: These spirits interact with the physical plane the most, containing spirits such as Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind.

Immortal: These spirits represent the cultural aspects of the orcs, and may also manipulate certain aspects of the world. These contain spirits such as Spirit of the Hunt and the Spirit of Fertility.

Ancestral: These are the literal ancestors of the orcish race, including Krug, his children, and the children after them.

 

To prevent confusion, the Elemental and Immortal spirits are usually referred to plainly as “Spirits”, while the Ancestral spirits are usually referred to as “Ancestors” or “Ancestrals”.

 

Different types of Shamans use these spirits in different ways, which you can read more about under the specific Shaman sub-types. Below, you will find more information on all the types of spirits.

 

Greater and Lesser Spirits

 

Not only are there three different types of spirits, but there are thousands upon thousands of spirits overall. There are an infinite number of spirits of Water, spirits of the Hunt, spirits of Lust, and so on. However, the most powerful spirit of a specific type (like Water or the Hunt) is called the Greater spirit. Every other spirit -- the ones that are not the most powerful spirit of their kind -- are called Lesser spirits.

 

A Greater spirit, as the most powerful spirit of its kind, rules over all other spirits of its kind (almost like a King ruling over citizens of a kingdom). When a Shaman wants to convene with the spirits, the Greater spirit will usually send one of its Lessers to deal with the situation.

The Lesser spirits themselves are always fighting with each other for dominance, but the shift between Lesser spirit and Greater spirit is one that seldom happens. It is very hard for a lesser spirit to gain enough power to challenge the most powerful spirit and take its place.

 

Spirits and the True Blah *

 

The True Blah (also known as the Old Blah) was the original language used by the Orcs during ancient times. It differs greatly from the Blah that Orcs speak now, and few of these Orcs today even know of its existence.

Because the Greater spirits were created back in these ancient times, all spirits speak the True Blah fluently.

 

Elemental Spirits *

 

The Elementals interact directly with the physical, mortal plane. They live in the Elemental Plane, and here, they view our world as the pure elements it is made up of.

The most common (and primary) elements are Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind. Other elements, like Space and Time are beyond a Shaman’s ability and understanding.

 

Primary: Earth, Air, Fire, Water

 

The elements mentioned above are the ones understood and recognized by the Shamanic culture, they are only able to use these four elements.

 

Immortal Spirits

 

The Immortal spirits encompass an entirely different aspect of orcish culture, rather covering the ancient, historical prayers and beliefs that orcs have had since the days of Krug. Whether it be the fabled spirit of the Hunt or the infamous spirit of Fear, there are many aspects of emotions and concepts that have been paired with a spirit.

 

Ancestral Spirits

 

It is said that when the most honorable of Orcs die, they pass through the Spirit Realm, and are put through a mystic trial to see if they are worthy to reside within it. For those that succeed, they live on forever alongside their Orcish brothers, looking down at their Descendants.

These Ancestors include Krug, Lur, Dom. Azog, and most of the other orcish descendants that came after them.

 

The Spirit Realm*

 

Located within an alcove of the Seven Skies, the Spirit Realm (or Frum’Stroh in the True Blah). It is split into three parts: the Elemental Plane (Voga’Stroh, from “Vogaumtar” meaning “Mystic”), the Immortal Plane (Narma’Stroh, from “Nar” meaning “No” and “Matuurz” meaning “Mortal”), and the Ancestral Plane (Stargush’Stroh).

Between all of these planes is an ethereal barrier. This prevents Immortal spirits from warring with Immortals and Ancestors, and so on. Once entered in the spirit realm all your ailments, lost limbs and the like will be healed for the duration, regaining full functionality of your body. Dying in the spirit realm equals eternal limbo.

 

The Elemental Plane

 

The first plane created within the Spirit Realm, the Elemental plane (Voga’Stroh) is a celestial realm. Because the elementals can morph the realm to their liking, it has changed drastically since its creation in early Aegis. One moment, the Earth elementals may be erecting a mountainous temple for them to reside in -- the next, they are living within mounds of the ground. This makes it hard for a Shaman to try to map out the spirit realm, and because of this, many of them have to feel their way around every time they visit.

 

The Immortal Plane

 

The second plane created within the Spirit Realm, the Immortal plane (Narma’Stroh) was created after the elementals requested seclusion. Once they had a plane completely to themselves, the Immortals immediately began warring and fighting. With each Immortal representing a heavy aspect of emotion, culture, or society, it was in their nature to bicker with each other. Nowadays, the Immortal plane is a flurry of warring spirits, hardly ever a restful place for a shaman to visit.

 

The Ancestral Plane

 

The last plane created within the Spirit Realm, the Ancestral Plane (Stargush’Stroh) was created after Krug proved his prowess of mastering and bending the will of the spirits. Here, the most honorable of orcish descendants prosper, living without the drama of war or bloodshed. It is said that sometimes, the greatest klomps in the Ancestral Plane can cause thunderstorms on the mortal world.

 

Totems*

Totems are able to be used in combat to enhance and store a Shaman’s power or abilities for future use, they are receptors where a Shaman can store a spirit’s blessing so that they may throw it down in combat either to directly attack the enemy with a powerfull spell, or to bless the Shaman with greater buffs. Using a totem in combat will require a greater amount of set-up time, but will yield greater reward, this also encourages counter play for they are able to destroyed in order to nullify the effect(s).

 

Totems are made out of any type of wood, usually Shamans draw odd and mysterious symbols on the totems that represent something. (This is where your imagination comes into play.)

 

Shaman Types *

 

Elementalist: Summons spirits from the Elemental plane to manipulate the physical world, and to use their power in devastating combat. They harness the raw power of the elements themselves  which consists of earth, wind, fire and water.

Farseer: Traverse the Spirit Realms in search of more knowledge and understanding of Orcish Culture and the ways of the spirits. By bargaining with Immortal Spirits they can cause alterations in living things in the form of blessings relating with a spirit that represents said blessing.

Lutauman: Invokes the power of the Ancestors to increase their own attributes, rather than the attributes of other things (Such as Farseers do), and communes with these spirits to satisfy their view of Orcish culture.

Witchdoctor: Mixes and boils the force of all types of spirits. They gain the interest of spirits through ritualistic gathering of objects that are linked to an aspect a certain spirit represents, then fuses them together in the form of a potion or a Curse and imbues it with the power of said spirit.

 

Ranks/Titles*

Motsham: The Spiritual leader of the Shamans, this title or rank stands somewhat parallel to that of the Rex, he acts as the Rex’s spiritual extension and advisor, the Motsham stands as a beacon of knowledge and power that every Shaman may turn to for advice.

Andartar: Andartar have an advanced understanding of the Shamanistic ways, usually a heroic act of selfishness helps them achieve this rank but is not required in order to achieve the position of Andartar.

Elder Shaman: These revered Shamans are veterans in the Shamanistic way, they have been present for extended periods of time, guiding Orcs and other Shamans alike in their ways.

Shaman: These are the full-fledged Shaman of the Orcs, they have an adequate amount of knowledge and experience in the Shamanistic ways, this accounts for knowledge and traversing the spirit realm.

Journeyman Shaman: Journeyman Shamans have grown accustomed to the ways of the Shaman, they have completed a fair share of tasks but still have quite the journey ahead of them.

Novice Shaman: Novice Shamans have just been inducted in the ways of the Shaman, this rank signifies the beginning of a great journey.

[๖ۣۜ§osa (E.G.I.E.) 520]

Finally, an informal list people can easily find. Thank you for the post!

[Travista 1361]

(( Bub'hozh guide, 10/10 -IGN ))

[craotor 617]

((Nice job, you should add the  list of all the spirits too this))

[hellfiazz 879]

((There already is one craotor, just search "the spirits" and go to like the last two pages, it's around there somewhere

 

Anyway this a dank guide))

[ToenailTickler 290]

Dark Shamanism is a little bit more than just spirit enslavement.

[Man of Respect 5471]

I like the totem thing, a great read my friend!

Oh yeah, here's the link of a unupdated spirit list, just clicking here will take you to it.

[Tirenas 677]

Always fantastic to see newly updated magic guides. Well done.

[Kahzo1 218]

Good ****

 

edit: sh1t

[The Womping Wizard 400]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.