Soul-Links

The following is an examination of the phenomena known as a Soul-Link:


Soul-Links (hereby known as 'bonds') are primarily formed at birth. Bonded persons are usually born within a year of each other, although it is not unusual to be up to five years apart in age. The longest known age gap is eleven years. Approximately one third of the human population is suspected have a bond. It is unknown if this type of bond exists for non-human species.

Bonded relationships are not always romantic or even friendly in nature. Bonded romantic relationships, 'soul mates', are typically more loving and enduring. Platonic relationships, 'best friends', are closer and life-long. Adverse relationships, 'rivals', are more stubborn, possibly hateful. Bonded relations may even be familial in nature, often observed between siblings.

Bonded persons may or may not be mages or alters, but if both persons are magical, their aligning elements are always either the same or opposite. For example, an air aligned mage would only be able to have a bond with another air aligned mage or alter, an earth aligned mage or alter, or a non-magical human. Bonds can affect a mage's abilities. A mage using a spell in conjunction with their bond will result in easier and more powerful output than when used alone. This has been observed even in bonds between a mage and an alter. Bonded mages also seem to have the inherent ability to seek out and recognize their bond's magical energy, or 'aura'.

An additional effect of a bond is what's known as Nerve-Link (hereby referred to as simply 'link'). A link can cause occasional dreams, usually a memory the other person has been thinking about recently. Links can sometimes cause bonds to share nightmares as well. Links are known to cause shared pain and emotions as well. Pain experienced by one half of the bond is transferred to the other, although the pain is not a severe and fades quickly. The same can be said of transferred emotions. A temporary ache in one's leg when the other has broken it for example, or a brief wave of sadness when the other is mourning a loss.

While bonds are formed at birth, they may also be broken. There are two methods for breaking a soul link. The first and most common is the death of one or both bonded persons. The second, lesser known method is the Soul-Sever spell. This is an incredibly difficult arcana spell that has been banned by the Magical Society. It was banned due to it's unsavory nature and dangerous side-effects when performed unsuccessfully. Soul-Sever must be cast by one or both bonded persons, but if one of the bonded persons is unwilling, the spell is very painful and sometimes fatal for that one.

It is possible for two persons with broken bonds to form a new bond. However, a person who has willingly broken their former bond cannot form a new one. Both of the newly bonded persons must also be compatible, in spirit and soul. It has been found that bonds formed after being broken are often more resolute than those formed by birth. While the exact reason is unknown, the most commonly accepted theory is that they are formed through hardship and compatibility rather than fate.