#in-lore spirits

[thefadecodex]

Spirits reflecting strength, perseverance, and justice are among the most resolute entities in the Fade. These spirits embody qualities often admired by mortals and other spirits alike—leadership, bravery, determination, and moral integrity. While they are primarily drawn to moments of moral or physical conflict, their presence transcends combat and extends into acts of personal sacrifice, leadership, and the pursuit of justice.

Spirits: Command, Duty, Honor, Justice, Rebellion, and Valor.

Note: There is very little information about Strength-Based Spirits in the DA lore. Below are theories surmised from the lore, not necessarily confirmed as canon.

Spirit of Command

Essence: A Spirit of Command embodies authority, leadership, and the innate ability to inspire and direct others. It thrives in situations requiring strategic insight, confidence, and assertive guidance.

Behavior: These spirits are decisive and composed, often taking on a commanding presence in both physical and moral battles. They act as figures of authority, guiding other spirits or mortals to act with purpose and coordination.

Interactions with Mortals: They might manifest in the dreams of military leaders, inspiring strategies or instilling confidence before critical battles. They value individuals who lead with responsibility and clarity.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Command may become a Pride Demon, twisting its authority into dominance and tyranny, demanding obedience at all costs.

Examples of Spirit of Command: We meet a Spirit of Command in Crestwood.

Example Interaction:

A general plagued by indecision might dream of a towering figure with a commanding voice, offering clarity and purpose before a decisive battle.

Spirit of Duty

Essence: A Spirit of Duty embodies obligation, responsibility, and the steadfast commitment to serve a cause or protect others.

Behavior: These spirits are dependable and selfless, often acting as quiet but firm presences in moments of uncertainty. They value those who sacrifice their comfort or safety for the well-being of others.

Interactions with Mortals: They might appear to guards, soldiers, or caregivers, reinforcing their sense of responsibility during moments of doubt.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Duty might become a Despair Demon, overwhelmed by a sense of failure or an inability to fulfill its responsibilities.

Examples of Spirits of Duty: I can't find any in lore at the moment, but Spirits of Duty are listed in the DA wiki.

Example Interaction:

A guard wavering in their resolve to protect a gate during an attack might hear a steady voice reminding them of their duty.

Spirit of Honor

Essence: A Spirit of Honor represents personal integrity, adherence to moral codes, and pride in maintaining one’s values.

Behavior: These spirits are principled and steadfast, often serving as impartial observers or protectors of moral integrity. They value consistency in one's ethics and actions.

Interactions with Mortals: They are drawn to knights, warriors, or leaders who hold themselves to high moral standards, appearing as visions or whispers reinforcing their principles.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Honor might become a Pride Demon, its integrity warping into arrogance and a belief in moral superiority.

Examples of Spirit of Honor: We don't have one, but Merrill mentions Spirits of Honor in DA2 (I have not confirmed this yet)

Example Interaction:

A knight facing a morally complex decision might feel the presence of a spirit reminding them of their oath and responsibilities.

Spirit of Justice

Essence: A Spirit of Justice embodies fairness, moral balance, and the enforcement of ethical principles.

Behavior: These spirits are forceful and deliberate, driven to correct injustices and right moral wrongs. They do not tolerate corruption, exploitation, or cruelty.

Interactions with Mortals: They might inhabit or guide mortals who are actively fighting against oppression or injustice, serving as guiding forces for reformers or protectors.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Justice may become a Vengeance Demon, twisting its righteous cause into indiscriminate and destructive revenge.

Example of Spirits of Justice: Justice as seen first in Dragon Age: Awakening and later in DA2.

Example Interaction:

In Dragon Age: Awakening, Justice, a spirit inhabiting the body of the Grey Warden Kristoff, exemplifies this spirit’s drive to right wrongs.

Spirit of Rebellion

Essence: A Spirit of Rebellion embodies the fight for freedom, resistance against oppression, and the strategic aspects of uprising.

Behavior: These spirits are cunning and strategic, often working in indirect ways to dismantle oppressive systems and inspire uprisings. They thrive in moments of organized defiance against tyranny.

Interactions with Mortals: They might influence rebel leaders, offering clarity in planning or inspiring acts of defiance that spark wider movements.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Rebellion might become a Pride Demon, obsessed with the righteousness of its cause and dismissive of collateral damage.

Examples of Spirit of Rebellion: Only data-mined notes from DATV.

Example Interaction:

A revolutionary leader planning a decisive strike might receive a vision offering insight into an enemy’s weakness.

Spirit of Valor

Essence: A Spirit of Valor reflects courage and honor, particularly in combat or moments of great personal challenge. It thrives on acts of daring bravery and chivalrous conduct.

Behavior: These spirits are noble and bold, exuding confidence and a sense of righteous purpose. They are drawn to moments of heroism and sacrifice.

Interactions with Mortals: A Spirit of Valor might lend strength or courage to a soldier about to face overwhelming odds, or appear in dreams to instill determination before a critical event.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Valor might become a Pride Demon, obsessed with proving its superiority through endless displays of dominance.

Example of Spirit of Valor:

- DAO: During the Mage origins, we meet a Spirit of Valor in the Fade. - DAI: There is a Spirit of Valor in DAI during the quest 'A Spirit in the Lake.' - DATV: There is a Spirit of Valor in Hall of Valor.

Example Interaction:

A lone knight holding a bridge against an advancing enemy might feel a surge of unshakable courage as a Spirit of Valor manifests nearby.

Role in the Fade

Strength-based spirits embody ideals such as courage, honor, justice, and valor, serving as anchors of stability and moral integrity in the chaotic Fade. They create bastions of order, protect weaker spirits and dreamers from corruption, and act as mediators in spiritual conflicts. Drawn to mortal dreams and intense emotional experiences, they offer guidance, clarity, and resilience in moments of doubt or fear. Their presence stands as a reminder that strength and purpose can endure, even in the most turbulent corners of the Fade.

Corruption and Demonic Transformations

When their guiding principles are twisted or taken to extremes, Strength-Based spirits can become some of the most dangerous and domineering demons in both the Fade and the physical world.

Spirit of Command → Pride Demon - Corruption Trigger: When authority turns into obsession with control and dominance, a Spirit of Command becomes a Pride Demon.

Spirit of Duty → Despair Demon - Corruption Trigger: When obligation becomes an unbearable weight or a perceived failure to meet responsibility festers, a Spirit of Duty may turn into a Despair Demon.

Spirit of Honor → Pride Demon - Corruption Trigger: When personal integrity warps into self-righteousness or moral superiority, a Spirit of Honor can become a Pride Demon.

Spirit of Justice → Vengeance Demon - Corruption Trigger: When fairness and moral balance are overtaken by anger or the inability to right wrongs, a Spirit of Justice becomes a Vengeance Demon.

Spirit of Rebellion → Pride Demon - Corruption Trigger: When rebellion transforms into obsession with power or an inability to accept any authority, a Spirit of Rebellion may become a Pride Demon.

Spirit of Valor → Pride Demon - Corruption Trigger: When the pursuit of bravery and honor becomes an endless need to prove superiority, a Spirit of Valor can transform into a Pride Demon.

Mortals' Perspectives

The Chantry: generally regards all spirits with suspicion, including those of strength. Spirits like Justice or Valor  might be seen as noble but inherently dangerous because of their susceptibility to corruption. Any spirit inhabiting a mortal body, such as Justice in Dragon Age: Awakening, would be considered an abomination, no matter the spirit’s intentions.

The Dalish View: The Dalish elves might view strength-based spirits as echoes of their ancient gods or revered protectors. Spirits like Valor or Honor could be interpreted as envoys of gods such as Elgar’nan (god of fatherhood and vengeance) or Andruil (goddess of the hunt). However, the Dalish remain cautious, as spirits can become demons if their purpose is twisted.

[perplexingly]

Spirit companions

[bonus-links]

WOO, finally got this ref chart together! the art's actually kinda old by now (I started this back in february) but I didn't feel like redrawing everything outside outfit changes sooooo,,,,,my apologies 😅 here's the main cast! you can find individual refs in this masterpost

[ruubesz-draws]

Yes, I'm late.

But I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/Holiday!🎅

Shin and Minus One were just excited and happy to see Santa. They a little confused but they got the spirit!

And no, Santa is not dead... Just... frightened :)

[demaparbat-hp]

Izumi of Jang Hui died young. She was sixteen and unwed. A kind child, protective and lonely—thus unfit for this world.

Izumi of Jang Hui was murdered. The Painted Lady was born out of hatred and grief. Her skin is painted red with the patterns of her scars. Her home is the river where the Dark Water Spirit dwells—he who found her, drowned and beautiful.

Build shrines by the river and pray for her good will. Harm her land or people and pray for mercy.

[fluff-e-boy]

“I could crush her head right here, right now”

“If she squeezes her thighs she’s Kira”

[redrobin-detective]

I can't stop thinking about how funny it is that Aang had all this secret lore on Zuko because of the Blue Spirit that he just, didn't share with the Gaang. That boy knew that Zuko was capable of fighting extremely well without bending, was excellent with swords and unnaturally good at infiltration and espionage. And then just never brought it up.

Katara's yelling at Zuko on how he thinks he'd be able to find and break into the Sun Warrior Temple while Aang is fidgeting in the background. Sokka starts giving Zuko a hard time about his swords, asking if a spoiled prince would know how to use them. Aang is vibrating unsure of how to explain that Sokka Might Die if he tried to swordfight Zuko unprepared but now its been too long and it'd be super awkward to bring up.

[paintedkinzy-88]

Blood/Gore warning! Just in case—

My first major post to a new fandom and I brutally kill a main character. Shouldn’t have expected much else from myself, honestly. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

Anyway, context if my subtle background hints weren’t enough (or ya just want a little bit more info):

Post movie, Leo couldn’t be saved, and everyone went home mostly expecting him to be dead. There was very little hope for his survival, really, and they all had injuries to care for themselves. While they did plan on trying to check later on, (at least to get a body), with Donnie building a portal and Mikey trying to unlock his powers, in the end, they didn’t have to.

Within a few days, things started happening gradually around the lair (moving objects, closing doors, flickering lights, etc), until eventually they were getting texts from Leo’s number. No one really wanted to believe it, whether out of fear of what his presence implied or straight up not thinking ghosts were real, but eventually, as Leo texted things only he’d know (and the general acknowledgment of Hamato spirits being a thing), they came to be… open to the idea.

Draxum confirmed that ghosts were fairly common amongst yokai, separate from spirits, and with that Donnie dived head first into researching it, determined to see the ghost and get solid proof that it was, in fact, his twin.

In that research, he came across information on a ghost’s appearance. He didn’t pay much attention to it, or the dread that settled in his stomach. He didn’t care. He didn’t.

But Leo does. Leo really, really does. And that’s two reallys.

[zarla-s]

"that isn't how terastilizing works" look do you want this silly joke or not

i was going to have him say his tera type but i couldn't decide on which one would be the flashiest/fanciest and bother him the most. fairy? psychic? dragon? like being the first human to terastilize wouldn't get him enough unwanted attention as it is.

(clearly kabu has to hide him at his house from the reporters and watch over him and help him get a cure and and and)

[patreon]

[thefadecodex]

Survival-based spirits represent the raw drive to endure, persist, and overcome challenges in both the Fade and the physical world. These spirits are deeply tied to primal instincts, emotional fortitude, and the motivations that push individuals to survive against overwhelming odds. While they are not inherently malevolent, their intense focus on survival and self-preservation can sometimes lead to conflict with mortals or even corruption into demons.

Spirits: Courage, Determination, Need, Passion*, Perseverance, Profit, and Purpose

Note: There is very little information about Survival-Based Spirits in the DA lore. Below are theories surmised from the lore, not necessarily confirmed as canon.

Survival-Based Spirits in Dragon Age Lore

Survival-based spirits embody the primal drive to endure, overcome, and thrive in the face of adversity. These spirits reflect deeply rooted mortal instincts, manifesting around emotions and experiences tied to resilience, ambition, and self-preservation. They are not inherently good or evil but are defined by their purpose—to ensure survival at any cost, whether through inner strength, resourcefulness, or unyielding willpower.

Spirit of Courage

Essence: Represents bravery in the face of danger, embodying the drive to face fear and act despite overwhelming odds.

Behavior: Bold and unwavering, these spirits thrive in moments of crisis. They exude an aura of confidence, encouraging others to push forward when retreat seems inevitable.

Interactions with Mortals: They often appear to soldiers, adventurers, or those facing life-or-death situations, lending them courage or guiding them through paralyzing fear.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Courage can become a Fear Demon, twisting its drive to face danger into an obsession with spreading terror and dread.

Examples of Spirit of Courage: I can't recall meeting one in any of the games; however, it is listed on the Spirit Dragon Age Wiki.

Spirit of Determination

Essence: Embodies perseverance, focus, and the drive to overcome obstacles through sheer willpower.

Behavior: Steadfast and resolute, these spirits are unwavering in their purpose. They are often calm and single-minded, refusing to falter under pressure.

Interactions with Mortals: They may appear to individuals striving toward seemingly impossible goals, offering strength and resolve to push past exhaustion or despair.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Determination can become a Despair Demon, its relentless drive turning into an overwhelming sense of futility and hopelessness.

Example of Spirit of Determination: Spite was a Spirit of Determination before it was corrupted into a Spirit of Obsession.

Spirit of Need

Essence: Represents the drive to fulfill essential desires—be it hunger, safety, companionship, or shelter.

Behavior: Persistent and primal, these spirits are focused on identifying and fulfilling the most immediate and pressing needs of those they encounter.

Interactions with Mortals: They may guide starving travelers to food, help refugees find shelter, or encourage cooperation for survival.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Need might become a Desire Demon, exploiting mortal vulnerabilities and driving individuals to reckless, self-destructive behavior in pursuit of their cravings.

Example of Spirit of Need: We don't have one in game; however, information about Spirit of Need was pulled from data mined notes from DATV.

Spirit of Passion*

Essence: Embodies raw emotion, drive, and fiery devotion to a cause, person, or ideal.

Behavior: Intense and expressive, these spirits are characterized by boundless energy and a strong sense of purpose. They are drawn to moments of heightened emotion, such as love, rage, or devotion.

Interactions with Mortals: They may inspire mortals to act on their feelings, pursue their goals with fervor, or rally others around a shared cause.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Passion can become a Desire Demon, twisting fervor into obsession or unchecked impulsivity, leading to destruction.

*Note on Spirit of Passion: This spirit overlaps with chaos-based, love-based, and strength-based spirits. The key distinction lies in identifying what "fuels" the passion—whether it's emotional intensity, romantic devotion, rebellion, or raw ambition, which is why it was placed in Survival-Based Spirits for classification.)

Spirit of Perseverance

Essence: Represents endurance, resilience, and the refusal to give up, no matter the cost.

Behavior: Quietly unyielding, these spirits act as steady presences, urging others to keep moving forward even under crushing pressure.

Interactions with Mortals: They often gravitate toward individuals in long-term hardship—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—offering encouragement and fortitude.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Perseverance might become a Despair Demon, trapping mortals in endless cycles of struggle without hope of resolution.

Example of a Spirit of Perseverance: In the short story The Next One, we meet a Spirit of Perseverance, who possessed the dead body of the Grey Warden Lawrence because '[Lawerence] wanted to save just one more…" Evka dismissed the spirit, telling it "...If there's anything left in there, tell him I'll rescue the next on." This resulted in the Spirit of Perseverance leaving the body and returning to the Fade.

Spirit of Profit

Essence: Embodies resourcefulness, ambition, and the drive to secure prosperity and success through cleverness and calculated risk.

Behavior: Practical and opportunistic, these spirits value efficiency and adaptability. They are drawn to mortals who seek to improve their circumstances.

Interactions with Mortals: They may subtly guide merchants, entrepreneurs, or ambitious individuals toward opportunities for gain, success, or strategic advantage.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Profit might become a Pride Demon, driven by greed and an insatiable hunger for dominance and control.

Example of Spirit of Profit: We don't have one in game, but information about a Spirit of Profit was pulled from data-mined noted from DATV.

Spirit of Purpose

Essence: Represents the clarity and drive that comes from knowing one’s role, goal, or destiny.

Behavior: Calm, focused, and resolute, these spirits exist to anchor others in a clear sense of meaning or mission.

Interactions with Mortals: They are drawn to leaders, visionaries, or those searching for direction in their lives, helping them focus on their purpose and pursue their goals with clarity.

Potential Danger: If corrupted, a Spirit of Purpose might become a Pride Demon or a Desire Demon.

Examples of Spirit of Purpose: Solas mentions Spirits of Purpose in DAI.

In Practice

Survival-based spirits are most often drawn to moments of extreme crisis, hardship, or transformation. They are found in places steeped in struggle—battlefields, refugee camps, or regions ravaged by famine or plague. They do not often appear uninvited but are drawn by strong emotions tied to survival instincts.

A Spirit of Courage may stand beside a desperate warrior holding the line.

A Spirit of Need might guide a lost traveler to water.

A Spirit of Profit might nudge a clever merchant toward a fateful trade.

Role in the Fade

In the Fade, survival-based spirits are drawn to regions shaped by mortal desperation, ambition, and endurance. These spirits often cluster in areas where mortal dreams reflect intense struggles for survival or success. Their presence might manifest as a calm refuge amidst chaos or as an echoing call urging dreamers onward.

Corruption and Demonic Transformation

When survival-based spirits are corrupted, their singular drive becomes a consuming obsession. Their core essence twists into darker forms, turning them into dangerous demons:

Courage → Fear Demon

Determination → Despair Demon

Need → Desire Demon

Passion → Desire Demon

Perseverance → Despair Demon

Profit → Pride Demon

Purpose → Pride Demon or Desire Demon

Mortals' Perspective

The Chantry: Survival spirits are viewed with suspicion, as their intense focus makes them prone to corruption. Any reliance on them is seen as dangerous, particularly by Templars.

The Dalish: They rarely interact with these spirits directly, viewing them as unpredictable and inherently dangerous.

The Avvar: They might see survival-based spirits as primal gods, embodying essential virtues such as courage, endurance, or purpose.

Tevinter: Mages might attempt to bind survival spirits for their power, particularly those embodying Profit or Purpose.

Rivain: Seers may work with survival spirits carefully, understanding their potential but respecting their intensity.

[juniper-clan]

Moon 14: Birth of Venus

(AKA the twins!)

PREVIOUS l NEXT

[weirdlookindog]

Jaroslav Panuška (1872–1958) - Vodník, c. 1890-1900

[shpepyao]

Character that was born almost 2 years ago when I was feeling low, enraged and helpless Now he has a reference and some lore, perfect before Art Fight, heh I'll just copy here what I wrote for him on AF profile c: Being tainted by wrath. Their true self was lost long time ago, only empty husk remains. He lost ability to shapeshift in feral and humanoid form alongside with his magic, being stuck in true, monstrous look. Wrath is tall, almost 3.5m from toes to tips of horns.

Wrath is the reason behind forest fires on the planet, and since creature can't be killed by normal means, fire only makes him stronger, until he eventually "calms down" (loses all his power and things to burn) and lays down in ashes, dormant. He sleeps for several decades, growing back his fur, overgrowing with plants and moss, until something wakes him up again. Place where he decides to rest always has unnatural warmth and huge amount of greenery around.  Its not guaranteed that he will be enraged again instantly, after waking up most of the time he feels apathetic to everything around him, unless someone\something purposefully threatens him. Just awakened Wrath is slow, tangled in roots and overgrowth, stays in one place for days until he is ready to move on in search of something long forgotten. 

[hinamie]

please any atla gojo lore. anything please im begging on my knees hands pressed together like im praying to god

I really wish I could anon :'> we tried to think of non-spoiler-y lore we could share but turns out every aspect of his character is either a. major spoilers or b. a near-direct echo of canon but make it atla flavoured (ie. his relationships w/ geto/shoko/nanami/haibara; him being The Strongest(tm) in-universe, etc). I guess there's technically the satosugu betrothal but that's already Public Knowledge given that there's art, plus the details are (surprise!) more spoilers

so ...yeah.... unfortunately you'll just have to wait to learn more about him in the fic :"> please accept this compensatory art as apology even though i am Not sorry in fact the pleas of the commonfolk make me cackle

jjk atla!au with @philosophiums

[cherrytraveller]

i don't feel quite like myself turning into someone else

Twitter || Ko-fi || Instagram

deitifies F!Mikey once again to Nothing More's Spirits now with a wallpaper version for desktop!!

[jojaxcola]

Am I Sam? Heh, heh, heh...