The Winter Solstice Spirit

Despite how bright it was, it didn't hurt his eyes when he looked straight at it. In fact, all pain faded from his body as he gazed at it. In its place grew a soft warmth spreading throughout his body. No creature in Altairus, no matter how foul-tempered or cold-hearted, could stare straight into the Winter Solstice Spirit and not feel their heart soften at least a little bit.

— Shadow-Paws as he's looking at the Winter Solstice Spirit, "Jack Thunder and the Fragments of Anima - Book 4: Earth"

People on Earth often speak of Christmas Spirit. The Spirit of Christmas is understood to be the feelings of joy and generosity that the holiday season often brings. As important as it is to many people, it is not a force that exists in the literal sense.

In Altairus, though, the Christmas Spirit, or the Winter Solstice Spirit, as it is called, is an actual metaphysical phenomenon that shows itself throughout the year. Centered at Yule City, the Winter Solstice Spirit is a tangible force and a powerful form of the magic that binds Altairus together.

Manifestation

The Winter Solstice Spirit takes on the form of a bright glowing star with a rainbow aura surrounding it. This star is much larger than any others in the night sky. When Yule City is close, the spirit will appear to be directly over the city.

The Winter Solstice Spirit is a manifestation of the spirit of the season in physical form. All of the cheer and goodwill of the beings of Altairus fuels the spirit throughout the year. When it shows itself around the Winter Solstice, it repays the Altairians who gave it strength by bathing the entire world in its power.

Being in the presence of the Winter Solstice Spirit or its energy has a number of positive effects. Looking directly at the Winter Solstice Spirit in the sky leads one to be filled with a joyful and generous spirit. Even the worst curmudgeons of Altairus are powerless to resist the wave of joy the spirit brings. Indirectly, the Winter Solstice Spirit also restores the world's Anima at this time of year and can even restore the sick to health.

Being entirely composed of Undifferentiated Anima, the Winter Solstice Spirit not only restores and enhances the magic of Altairus, but it is a powerful ward against wendigoes. This is the reason why not appreciating the Winter Solstice is such serious business; disdain for the season and what it represents weakens the power of the Winter Solstice Spirit, opening avenues for wendigoes to attack.

Localization

At all times of the year, the Winter Solstice Spirit can be seen hovering above Yule City. For travelers drawing north, it serves as a beacon with Yule City directly below it. For this reason, it is believed that the Winter Solstice Spirit was the direct inspiration for the Star of Bethlehem in Earthen lore.

Starting on the Winter Solstice at the stroke of midnight and lasting for about a week, the Winter Solstice Spirit is visible in all Altairian skies regardless of location.

Many Altairians consider the appearance of the Winter Solstice Spirit in the sky to be a sign of a great miracle. In many Altairian literary works, the Winter Solstice Spirit is used as a plot device to foreshadow a miracle about to happen. Spoilers for "Jack Thunder and the Fragments of Anima"

In "Book 4: Earth," it does indeed herald a miracle for Jack Thunder and his friends. Its appearance weakens the attacking wendigoes and gives all the residents of Ygdrassil's grove the chance to turn the tables on them.

Localization
Yule City

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane

See Also
Winter Solstice