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Phantoms.

Phantoms are an odd thing. The Third Order was named after them, after all. Phantoms encompass a very vast number of beings, mostly starting from anything that isn't an animal, but is not quite human either. To this end, several types of Phantoms can be distinguished. These types are not necessarily hierarchical, but some of them are clearly a better option to be in than others.

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Beast Phantoms.


Beastly, inhuman creatures, of varying sizes, going from tiny to gigantic. They lack intellect, and are usually savage, yet also the largest portion of Phantom population. A lot of them tend not to approach human settlements, and rely on instincts to survive. Humans make great use of Beast Phantoms, by hunting them and using various materials, found in their corpses. Beyond that, there isn't much to these creatures.

Lightning tends to deal with them pretty fast, although the biggest and oldest of them, occasionally evolve into Grand Phantoms, fearsome creatures which are on a league of their own. Generally, though Beast Phantoms are overall unimpressive.

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Man Phantom

The most humanoid Phantoms, which were a side evolutionary branch, that was formed from ruling/oppressing humans, and having to live within their communities. To better be understood, and to better command the humans, these Phantoms took on humanoid forms, barring some clear distinction or trait that separated them from the actual humans, such as skin color, teeth, horns, tails, or wings. But for most part, they all possessed a humanoid body structure.

Most importantly, they could interbreed with humans (with few compatibility issues) and create some of the possible varieties of half-Phantoms. However, only the truly human-like ones could actually manage this. They are the Phantom type with the most connection to humans nowadays as well, and the most easily accepted in human society. Among Phantoms, they are above Beasts, but below most other types of Phantom, within their species at least.

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True Phantom

Spirits proper, or fey perhaps, some would place daemons and before they were considered a separate type of being, Stone Men too, in this group. These Phantoms have an ethereal aura about them which separates them from the rest of their kin. True Phantoms are mystical beings, ageless, and possessed of certain supernatural abilities, mostly related to nature. Their looks are widely varied, but the ones seem resemble uncanny humanoids, with wings, or strange ears. Sometimes they are half plant, or covered in shadows, sometimes made of pure fire,but mostly they are just...bizarre.

They can often control the wind, talk to animals and make them obey their commands, have supernatural senses, and can make themselves disappear, or fly. Some say they can play enchanted instruments, and their music has magical properties. But the truth is nobody really knows what or how True Phantoms are. They are a mystery among mysteries, and most people hope they remain so for the rest of the Fourth (Human) Order, or even the end of days.

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Grand Phantoms

Far more famous (some, even becoming prominent in human politics), Grand Phantoms are truly venerable and great beings, often of massive size, but also of age, power or wisdom. The Wyrms count among the Grand Phantoms, which possess the same, if not slightly greater rank than True Phantoms. They are defined by their species, but a Grand Phantom does not gain it's title for nothing. It is only called so, when it comes of age, or crosses another specific threshold.

They are quite rare, and they were so even  back during the Third Order. Grand Phantoms often served as leaders of the many Phantom species. Typically, their forms are rarely if ever human, and usually are quite large and fearsome. Grand Phantoms are a rare sight. The most dangerous ones however, are the ones you won't see, or whose size you will be in no position to comment or complain about, like the Emperor of the Orchid Cluster.

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Mystic Phantoms

The legendary ones, the ones they make folk tales of. These Phantoms usually are one of a kind and have a highly specific ability to their name, and have a highly specific appearance (although mostly human, some are known to be Shifter-Mystics, able to transform themselves). King Mim made extensive use of these, and they can often be of local legends, limited in power, but still overall fearsome. The ones with greater fame, are undoubtedly more potent.

Strong enough, some say, to be able to compete with the Stone Men and even come out on top. The Storm Court has even lent out some of these Phantoms, from the Book of Mim, to Lands and rulers in need of their guidance and aid. They often prove more than capable, and are assumed to be one of the main reasons the Third Order lasted as long as it did, and also the prime reason why it fell when Mim turned the strongest Mystic Phantoms against it.

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These are the main five types of Phantoms. There ARE some more prominent species among them however, which bear note. They are either the most ubiquitous, or famous, or encompass numerous varieties of species under a single term. They will be described below (but are by no means the ONLY Phantoms).


Wyrms:

Grand Phantoms. Serpentine bodies, covered in a large carapace, and with the ability to fly, without the need for wings. They sometimes, have an insect-like pair of fore-limbs, or instead, three pairs, that end in claws. Wyrms are known for possessing high intelligence, but often refusing to communicate with humans or other Phantoms.

Another trait Wyrms seem to possess, is that they are "Lightning Chosen", their breath being actual Lightning, that they use to consume or outright banish foes into the Void. For non-Travelers (of the combatant variety) fighting Wyrms is certainly folly.

Beastmen:

Man Phantoms. Humanoid, largely muscular, often with tusks (or small fangs) to distinguish themselves. Grotesque proportions are also common, as are horns, and slightly odd skin colors (reddish, greenish, but never fully of that color). Generally possess fearsome physical strength, but are usually uneducated. Exceptions do exist.

They make for very good warriors, and are often employed as such by many feudal lords or even organized armies that can afford them. Largely unaffected by alcohol, have higher pain tolerance and stronger immune systems as well. Averse to fire.

Howlers:

Man Phantoms. Like Beastmen, except of smaller stature (still larger than the average human). Usually grow large amounts of hair and are covered in fur. As they grow in age, they also grow tails. Usually have a hard time speaking using human sounds, and thus communicate by growling or howling. However, they have human level intellect.

Howlers possess fearsome agility, and can survive almost any weather. They are also known for entering a state of rage, where their physical output becomes much greater. They have their own culture, language and even their own art. Usually peaceful.

Sirens

True Phantoms. Sirens, mermaids, call them what you wish. Beautiful women, either with the lower half of a fish, or that, and a pair of bird wings (or wings instead of arms) to go with it. Alternatively, fish-scale covered human body. Sirens are confirmed to be a True Phantom species, and they possess an enchanting (literally) voice.

They lure men and even women to join them. Spending too much time, will either get you killed, or get you converted into one of them regardless of your former identity. Rebirth as a Siren has been described as an highly...euphoric affair, however.

Centaurs

Another species cluster (barring reptile-centaurs) they have the lower halves of quadrupedal animals and upper human halves. Considered Man-Phantoms, or Beast-Phantoms depending on species. While the beasts are largely peaceful and hold a high position among their species, the Man Phantoms are significantly more elevated.

Respected and venerated in most cases, in human society, they are seen as very wise and powerful Phantoms, who can dole out proper judgement, and possess knowledge of numerous arts and skills, that are valued among both humans and Phantoms.

Phoenixes

Grand Phantoms (or True?). Large birds with wings of fire, immortal, and transcendent, as their form can never be truly slain. While their intelligence is alien and their power is great, they rarely if ever concern themselves with human issues. TO this end, they are rather reclusive. And humans of course perceive them as mysterious.

Phoenixes are, well...exactly what their name suggests they are. Giant birds. On fire. That revive when they die. Their feathers grant power over fire, and can heal mortal wounds but are limited in that they consume themselves.

Crowmen

Legendary Phantoms. Unlike other phantoms of this type they are a bit more numerous. They appear as tall figures, with cloaks draped over their bodies, and with large crow wings. Often carrying scythes, they are odd...shades, that seem to lurk around areas where death has happened. Usually in large numbers, or a death that is attended by many.

Having a Crow-Man in attendance of a single person's death is often an indicator of their importance in life. However, the species is oddly selective with what deaths it attends, as it shies away from some, and inexplicably visits others.


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Shadows

Beings found only in the Luna Cluster. Unlike Phantoms, or humans, they ascend to power with age. Over time, Shadows become more dangerous, intelligent and defined. Shadows begin as simple beings, made of what seems to be raw darkness, that slowly condense. Eventually they form eyes, mouths, faces and the like.
Shadows usually perform a singular task, many times over and without thought. As they develop intelligence this 'task' grows more complex, and it becomes somewhat of a compulsion, on a less physical level.

This forms the basis of the shadows unique 'ability' or other 'passive' powers they may possess as a result. These abilities can often be supernatural in nature. Shadows coalesce, into almost human forms most of the time, however even that is not enough to permit them to leave the light of Luna. Hence, to do so they must bind themselves with a human or Phantom. This is called Shadow Possessions.

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Stone Men

Stranger even than the Shadows or True Phantoms. These creatures are made of stone... but are decidedly NOT Phantoms. They are older even. While possessed of few qualities other than being made of stone, and being immortal, immune to sickness, age, fire, poison and many...many other things that ail other species, while also being highly reclusive... it has allowed them many years that most species do not have in their entire lifetimes, to master the arts of combat.

They are terribly skilled warriors, and is said they ruled the world before the Phantoms. The Phantoms revere them to this day, and the consensus is that they were, unlike the Phantoms, not overthrown, but simply vacated their role atop the food-chain, as to say. They are difficult to find, difficult to talk to, difficult to get something out of... They are difficult (or hard if you will...they ARE called the Stone Men after all) all in all.