Revenant

Revenants exist in the liminal space between life and death, their forms marked by scars that tell stories of struggle and escape. Whether composed primarily of flesh or bone, they embody an unyielding spirit that refused final rest. Though memories of their former lives may bring pain and phantom hunger may gnaw at them, Revenants yearn for life's warmth and connection, proving their enduring link to the world they nearly left behind.

Origins

Revenants emerge when powerful magic—either Divine or Shadow—interrupts the natural transition between life and death. This rare phenomenon occurs when an individual with extraordinary willpower faces death yet refuses to surrender their existence. The magic that preserves them becomes intrinsically bound to their being, creating either Shadow Revenants or Divine Revenants depending on the energy source. Many Revenants awaken in the Afterplane, particularly near Evermore Village where the boundary between life and death thins. Some find their way back to Solaris, often through the guidance of the Death Guard or sympathetic spiritual entities. Their unique condition grants them perspective that spans both realms, making them invaluable mediators between the living and the dead.

Echo of the Past

Revenants can momentarily tap into echoes of their past lives, gaining fleeting access to skills and abilities they once possessed. A warrior Revenant might regain their battle prowess for a devastating attack, while a scholar Revenant could recall forgotten knowledge to solve complex puzzles. This connection to their former identity is strongest in emotionally charged situations or places significant to their past life. However, these powerful echoes are temporary and leave the Revenant drained afterward, requiring careful timing of this ability.

Resilient Essence

Revenants possess a unique connection to the energy that brought them back, granting them enhanced resilience against damage of the same type. Shadow Revenants resist dark magic and necrotic energy, while Divine Revenants withstand holy damage and radiant attacks. However, they remain particularly vulnerable to opposing energies—Shadow Revenants take increased damage from Divine sources, and Divine Revenants are similarly vulnerable to Shadow magic. This polarized nature makes Revenants highly effective against certain threats but requires them to be cautious around opposing energy sources.

Spectral Shift

Revenants can partially shift their form into a spectral state, becoming intangible and able to pass through solid objects. This allows them to evade attacks, scout unseen, or phase through barriers that would stop others. While in this state, however, they cannot interact with the physical world, making them vulnerable if caught off guard or trapped in this form for too long. In the Twilight Forest of the Afterplane, Revenants find their Spectral Shift significantly enhanced, allowing for extended periods of intangibility that would be impossible in the material plane.

Regions & Relations

Revenants can be found wherever the boundaries between life and death have been compromised. Many reside in Evermore Village in the Afterplane, where they serve as intermediaries between the recently deceased and long-term residents. On Solaris, small communities of Revenants exist in Elyndaar City and Harbor City, where they are generally accepted despite their unusual nature. Revenants maintain complex relations with other races—Angels and Divine Revenants often find common purpose, while Demons and Shadow Revenants share certain affinities. Their relationship with Humans tends to be positive, as both groups understand the experience of being displaced from their original existence. Solarians regard Revenants with cautious respect, recognizing their wisdom while remaining wary of the forces that sustain them.

Class Affinities

Revenants excel in classes that leverage their unique position between life and death. Many become Mages, their intimate understanding of spectral energies granting them exceptional control over certain magical disciplines. Those who recall martial skills from their past lives often pursue the Warrior path, combining physical techniques with their spectral abilities for unique combat approaches. Some Revenants, particularly those familiar with the Afterplane, become Hunters specializing in tracking entities that exist between realms. Divine Revenants occasionally become Paladins, channeling their connection to divine energy into protective and healing capabilities.

Magical Affinities

Shadow magic resonates naturally with Shadow Revenants, allowing them to manipulate darkness and spectral energies with exceptional skill. Conversely, Divine Revenants demonstrate strong affinity for Divine magic, channeling healing energies and purifying light. Both types commonly develop connection to Time magic, their experience of interrupted mortality giving them unique perspective on temporal flow. Some Revenants cultivate Water magic for its divination aspects, using it to glimpse fragments of their past lives or communicate with spirits across realms.

Professional Pursuits

Revenants gravitate toward trades that benefit from their unique perspective spanning life and death. Many become Salvagers, their ability to recognize value in what others discard reflecting their own reclaimed existence. Those with connections to both Solaris and the Afterplane often serve as Explorers, mapping the boundaries between realms and identifying points where they intersect. Some Revenants, particularly those seeking to understand their condition, become Scientists studying the forces that preserve them. In Evermore Village, Revenant Enchanters create unique items that function across realms, allowing limited communication between the living and the dead. Those who remember scholarly pursuits from their past lives sometimes become Sigilists, creating inscriptions that bridge the gap between physical and spiritual existence.