Vetala

A Vetala is a sinister Ghost variant, feared for its infamous ability to possess the bodies of the living. Often found haunting charnal grounds or places where large-scale death and decomposition occur, these restless spirits are believed to arise from individuals who died violently or were improperly laid to rest. Vetala are more common in the region known as the Realm of Luminara, but can sometimes be found in others regions of Varda.

Appearance and Behaviour

A Vetala is rarely seen outside of a host, but when they are they are a barely visible humanoid figure. Unlike most ghosts, they are not tied to a single location to haunt, and will instead seek out locations where death lingers, especially charnal grounds.

The defining trait of a Vetala is its ability to enter and control living beings. Ghostly possession has been recorded across many hauntings, but it is the Vetala that utilises it the most. Possession can last from a few moments to up to a week, with the victim remaining aware of their actions but powerless to resist the spirit.

This possession serves the Vetala in its purpose on fulfilling some unresolved goal. Revenge, protection of loved ones or a location, and many other tasks left unfinished in life are all sought after by a Vetala. The methods the Vetala uses while possessing a person are rarely benevolent, and violence is often the only means the Vetala sees to these goals.

Signs of Presence

Other than the normal signs of a ghost, the presence of a Vetala may also show other signs:

• A foul, acrid smell of decay, even in clean or open areas.
• Sudden bouts of nausea or headaches among those nearby.
• Unexplained footprints or drag marks near charnal grounds, leading away from burial sites.
• An individual showing signs of possession: distortion of the voice, glazed-eyes, talking in a foreign language or exhibiting knowledge they could not possibly know.

Known Lore (In-World)

Other than the normal superstitions about ghosts, Vetala also have some unique to their own presence in the world. Carrying charms made of bone, salt, or blessed wood is thought to repel them, and many avoid charnal grounds entirely after dark.

True Origins

The following is for world-building purposes only – no Character or mortal found within Varda will be privy to such information (although Divine or Otherworldly Beings may be).

Being a type of Ghosts, a Vetala mirrors that of why a ghost exists in the world. However, the circumstance of their death will influence if a ghost also shares the traits of a Vetala. A soul that lingers due to unresolved trauma is more likely to become Vetala if their body lies unattended, such as in charnal grounds or after a battle.

Type
Medium Undead
Location
All over the world of Varda