Twinned Soul

Twinned Soul or Entwinned Souls is an incredibly rare condition caused by a phenomenon in which two souls have been connected through some means, forming a bond between the creatures bearing those souls. This is commonly referred to as Twinned Souls - the ones affected being called "twinsouls" - due to the most recorded instances of this phenomenon being in biological twins.

Causes

Often caused at the creation of the souls - the nature of which is still mostly a mystery - the actual cause of this phenomenon is unknown. It could be a flaw in the process or a mysterious intentional choice by powers that control the creation of souls.
For those twinsouls whose souls are connected after their creation, a number of factors - often unintentional - could result in the fusing or connecting of souls in a similar manner. Most attempts at intentionally creating a soul-bond are either temporary or dangerous failures.

Symptoms

Twinsouls, due to their innate connection, can share some physical traits and sense the direction or location of their twin as well as their physical or mental wellbeing. Some even have the ability to speak with each other mentally over long
For more solid proof of soul-twinning magical sensors show a visible connection between the souls of the creatures like two threads twisted around each other that run between each other.
Some twinned souls who nurture their bond can go as far as sharing their own physical and mental health - causing potentially improved constitution, immunity, healing and mental fortitude in the pair - or even parts of their intellect or magical and supernatural abilities. Twinned soul arcanists have been known to be particularly talented and powerful in the past.
Those very few who don't nurture the bond but exploit it, leaving their twin in a state of weakness while they overpower and siphon their strength. A known few have even gone as far as assimilating their twin for personal power.

Death and Twinned Souls

In the situation in which a twinned soul dies while the other lives, the twinned souls remain connected. The dead twin soul continues to exist within the Veil as a spirit as their twin continues their life. This can cause the living twinsoul distress as they continue to sense their lost sibling after their passing. In some rare cases, the soul of the deceased can continue to assist the living twin after death as a spirit can, but this generally takes time to manifest significantly and some prefer to sever the bond so the other may pass on rather than linger.

Treatment

For those who want to cut their bond with their twinned soul for any reason would find a solution difficult to come by, however not impossible. The means of severing the bond would be similar to cutting the silver cord of a soul on the astral plane. However, due to the nature of twinned souls, especially ones that are naturally made that way or have retained their bond for long periods, it is not without its risks, and will likely leave both souls without the benefits as well as any detriments to the former bond.

Affected Groups

Any creature with a soul could be a twinsoul, however it most commonly occurs between closely related creatures of the same or similar species (humanoids), often related.

History

In ages past, when dragons were more prominent on Glan'Amar, certain trusted individuals among mortal ancestries would perform a ritual to assist in the growth of young dragons. These dragonsong sages were said to bind themselves to the young dragon to ensure its safety until it matured, though many kept their bond with the dragon long after, some even choosing to be absorbed by the dragon upon their death. Others would bind themselves in service to a dragon or dragons for similar purpose, to protect the dragon, their lair and any children they decided to have. Whether this is a form of soul-twinning is debatable, but the connection between sage and dragon was similar in nature.

Cultural Reception

There are few perceptions of twinsouls as it is difficult for common people to determine whether a suspected pair's souls are twinned. Most who use the word - or in most cases imply it - do so to describe a close relationship between people of like mind or who seem to be able to work exceedingly well together.

Type

Supernatural

Origin

Divine

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare