Vessels

Fowldyr are said to be born of spiritual energy that has condensed in a single point in space over a period of time. The object or location where the energy accumulates is known as the vessel of the fowldyr. Vessels are often treasured relics, family heirlooms, and sacred locations. As humans expend spiritual and emotional energy directed at a vessel, that energy slowly coalesces over time until the vessel is filled. The collected energy will transform and take the shape of a fowldyr. The birth of a fowldyr is known as its awakening.

Tethers

A fowldyr's soul is housed in its vessel, and the vessel is also where they store their magical energy. Fowldyr are connected to their vessels through an intangible tether. They are able to store energy in their vessels and draw upon that energy when using magic. Fowldyr always know the location of their vessel via their tether - even if the vessel is moved they will be able to find it.

Tether Limitations

If a fowldyr is separated from their vessel by a great distance they experience a dampening effect on their magic. They can still use magic, but they won't be as strong as when their vessel is nearby. This is because the tether becomes strained over vast distances. For this reason, many fowldyr keep their vessels close at hand. If they aren't able to physically move their vessels, they often take a memento with them instead.

Mementos

Fowldyr may have the option to take a small piece of their vessel with them when they travel outside of its vicinity. This is known as a memento. For example...

  • If the fowldyr's vessel is a tree they could take a twig.
  • If it's a pond they could take a small bottle of pond water.
  • If it's a large skeleton they could take just a claw.

A memento acts like an amplifier, boosting a fowldyr's connection to their vessel even if they are a great distance from it.

Core Materials

All fowldyr have what is called a core material. The core is the part of a fowldyr that the vessel is tethered to, and is usually made of a single material that is inherited from their vessel. The core often manifests in the eyes, hooves, and horns, but it can also manifest in other parts of the body. For example, a fowldyr whose vessel is a golden pendant would have a golden core and thus have golden eyes, golden horns, and golden hooves.

 

In rare cases , a fowldyr may have two core materials. This trait is known as having a Dual Core. This causes heterochromia in the eyes, and can cause the hooves and horns to alternate between the two core materials. 

Refilling the Vessel

The moment a fowldyr awakens, its vessel is considered full. Fowldyr gradually drain their vessels over time - either by burning energy through one's daily routine, or by using magic. The vessel's energy can be refilled by absorbing more energy and depositing it in the vessel via the tether. Most fowldyr have a preferred method of accruing energy, here are a few examples...

Absorbing the spiritual energy that is generated by the prayers of others. If a fowldyr is tethered to a sacred object or location, this method of gathering energy often comes naturally to them.

Receiving offerings such as ribbons, bells, dried herbs, gem stones, and other trinkets considered to be sentimental. Some folks leave offerings at a fowldyr's altar to receive their blessing, or to ward off ill fortune. Whatever their reason, the trinkets offered to fowldyr often have a great deal of energy attached to them.

Being in the vicinity of those who are having an emotional reaction to something - such as folks who are listening to a live music performance, watching theatre, or listening to stories, attending a funeral or a wedding, and so on. For this reason, some fowldyr have professional careers tied to sources of strong spiritual and emotional energy.

Being paid for services. Surprisingly, money has a great deal of emotional energy attached to it. People worry about money, stress over it, and getting enough of it often provides people with great relief. For this reason, some fowldyr simply take payment as a way of energizing their vessels. Many fowldyr put their Major Arcana to good use and choose a profession that can take advantage of their magical talents - such as a fowldyr with fire magic becoming a blacksmith.

Fowldyr do not need to eat to survive, but they do enjoy food. Fowldyr have all the senses we have such a taste and smell, and will eat food simply to enjoy the flavours. Food can also have emotional energy attached to it, so while most fowldyr consume food for the sheer enjoyment of it, they can also add a bit of energy to their vessel in the process. A pie made lovingly by a grandma, or a meal curated by a passionate chef would not only be delicious but would be a source of energy for fowldyr.