Soul

The Soul, also known as Anima Ego or Warm Breath, is the incorporeal essense of a living person. The soul is the sum of a persons conciousness, thinking, feeling, and perception. It is often contrasted with spirit. The soul is the part of a person that moves on to the afterlife when they die. Rarely, a soul will be unable to pass on and will remain as a ghost, revenant or other undead.
The study of souls and spirits is called Animology. Animologists say that a soul thrives with companionship. Being recognized and loved by others strengthens the soul. Despite claims to the contrary, Animologists say there is no meaningful difference between the souls of different races.

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Origin

Souls are usually either seen as exalted or awakened spirits or as divine essence lended from the creator-god Ea.
It is heavily debated whether or not children are born with souls. The most popular theory is that they are born with soul stuff that eventually matures into a soul. The age at which this happens can range from the acquisition of language, to puberty. Most agree that a person does have a full soul by the time they come of age.

The Soulless

see Soulsickness for those with damaged souls.
It is rare for someone to suffer the loss of their soul, but not death. Those who do have no shadow or reflection, they are weakwilled and cannot preform even simple magics. They are stigmatized and misunderstood by many. The animologist High Cleric Cirin is known as an advocate for the soulless, taking them in to protect them against possession and those who might mistreat them.

Afterlife

Ancestor souls speak little of the afterlife, but assure their descendants that they are well. Both elves and dwarves traditionally practice ancestor worship, binding their souls to their bloodline to guide future generations. Communication with these ancient souls is frequent, and often given as proof of the afterlife.
Conversely, Halflings typically believe in reincarnation. They cannot speak to their ancestors. Which is the cause, and which is the effect, is not known. Only that most halfling souls are not reachable after death.
Experts in Animology say that souls are all eventually reincarnated. As souls become forgotten by their descendants and the world, they are unmade and reborn. Those who already accept this inevitable future seem to be reincarnated much sooner.

Type	Metaphysical
Study	Animology

Soul Magics

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Twin Souls

The elven practice of binding an ancestral soul to a living individual. This is only done in times of great need, to be able to use the knowledge and experience of the elder soul.

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Amulet of Souls

A magical artefact that protects a soul from manipulation and guards it until the individual can be ressurected.

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Phylactery

Phylacteries are containers housing the soul of a lich. It is impossible to destroy a lich without destroying their phylactery. The creation of phylacteries is a well kept, dark secret.

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Breaking the Wheel

Secret rites allow the Animist to keep their soul from being unmade. A broken soul is reincarnated with the memories of their past lives.