Spirits

in Alkgnir

Spirits are not exactly sentient, nor are they simply geological forces. There is a degree of competitiveness between spirits over territory - but they are not doing this with conscious moves for wealth or power. This is the closest thing to a biological drive a metaphysical force can have.   The nearest analogy would be fungal networks. While many of these networks can span miles, you'll only ever see them in fruiting bodies above the surface. Swap out the network with the spirit and the mushroom with something like storms - and you have an overview.

When talking about the spirits it is important to make a distinction.

  Not all spirits are equal. The spirits are split in two: major and minor. Major spirits are anchored - they are the ones we know. They are the ones who contribute to tribes and argue for territories. They change the physicalities of all born under them.   Then there is minor. They are accessible throughout Alkgnir, and there are hundreds. Any concept - from memory to water, from air to emotions, has a minor spirit attached. They are in everything and can be called upon by anyone. Some can't anchor, some can, and it is often the disruption caused by a minor spirit attempting to anchor that causes storms.