Nature of The Fylgia

NATURE OF THE FYLGIA By Kai'Ral Windspar

As Rangers, we have a certain connection to nature that is the focus of our training and skills. Whether those abilities are used in defense of the wilds from those who would squander their bounty; or in immersing ourselves with this same bounty and reveling in its many glories.

One boon our connection to these forces is the companion spirits gifted o us by the various Gods of nature and the wild paths. These companions take the form of animals, but extend beyond that natural world. They are keen of eye, possessing intelligence and grow as we grow. They are untouched by the ages and never really die, returning to our call with time. These spirits are known as Fylgia, and are potent indeed.

Recently, many have found the ability to bond these Fylgia with animals of flesh and blood. To infuse a creature of the flesh with the intellect and the prowess of the natural gifts the Fylgia is heir to. Such ability is potent, and can make a robust creature even more powerful. But it is more than this...

The Fylgia is a very intelligent spirit, and capable of learning. Tricks and useful commands can be taught with a little practice and a lot of repetition. The end result is a blend of flesh, claw and cunning. Such a companion could be the saving grace of any druid or woodsman who seeks the comfort of an animal companion.

While a given animal like the bear is abundant in strength and stamina, it lacks the keen eyes of the eagle, or the tenacity of the badger. If a bear were blended with these spirits, it could create a creature with some of the best aspects of both. You can seek to improve an area of aptitude by blending with a complimentary animal, or cover the middle ground thoroughly by blending with an animal weak where your Fylgia is strong.

Think of it like applying a natural aptitude of a species with a given profession. You can look to cover a weak area like an Elven berserk warrior. Normally, a berserk is heedless of battle hazards, but an elf's natural nimbleness helps to offset this. He may not be as strong as a Half-Orc berserker, but he can do things the half-orc can not with his naturally heightened dexterity.

The most important thing to note is that neither the Fylgia nor the animal is harmed in this blending. It is a divine gift to blend these two, and should you later choose to undo the bonding, your animal friend will return to his natural life as if nothing happened, and the Fylgia will return to the ether, waiting for a new body to blend with. As such, do not hesitate to explore experiment and for the love of the Wilds, have a little fun!

At the time of this penning, there is a certain mouse enjoying it's new hunters instincts and viciously stalking and maiming my quill as I drag it across the page, my Panther Fylgia blending well with the nimble paws. While he may not be an asset in a stand-up fight, he is a pleasure to have around and train with.