Echoe

Echoes are remnants of the deceased that manifest in the Thiel plane. Often mistaken for the 'true' form of Shinmanaokimagi, Echoes are, in fact, fragments of souls left behind after their main essence has moved on to be judged in the Trencoverse. These entities, also known as Ghosts or Spirits, vary greatly in form and power, with a complex hierarchical system governing their existence.

The Nature of Echoes

Echoes are metaphysical entities that are the fragmented remnants of souls. They are created when a soul, en route to the Trencoverse for judgment, leaves behind a piece of itself in the Thiel plane. This fragmentation can occur for various reasons—unresolved emotions, powerful memories, traumatic experiences, or a strong attachment to the material world. Unlike full souls, which move on to be judged and potentially reincarnated, Echoes are incomplete, often embodying specific traits or aspects of their former selves.

The Process of Fragmentation

• Soul Trauma: The most common cause of fragmentation is soul trauma. Souls that experience extreme emotional or physical suffering during their mortal life are more likely to leave behind fragments. This trauma can be due to a violent death, deep-seated regret, or an intense desire for revenge or fulfillment.
• Voluntary Separation: In rare cases, a soul may voluntarily leave behind a fragment as an anchor to the material world. These Echoes often serve as guardians or sentinels, protecting a particular place, object, or person that was of great importance to them in life.
• Residual Energy: Sometimes, the sheer force of a soul’s energy is too great for the Trencoverse to fully absorb. In these cases, the excess energy is shed in the form of Echoes, which then manifest in Thiel.

Conception and Birth

• Soul Fragmentation: When a soul is taken to the Trencoverse for judgment, it is possible for a piece of that soul to be left behind, usually due to unresolved emotions, unfinished business, or traumatic death. These remnants are what become Echoes. Unlike full souls, these fragments are incomplete, often embodying specific aspects of the original person, such as emotions, memories, or desires.
• Pod Formation: Upon separation, the fragment falls into Thiel, where it materializes as a type of pod on the plane's surface. This pod serves as a surrogate womb, replacing the role of mammalian birth. Over several months, the pod nourishes the fragment, allowing it to take shape and eventually split open, revealing a newborn Echo. These newborns do not require sustenance and will grow independently, either developing sapience or remaining non-sentient.

Physical Appearance

• General Appearance: To humans, Echoes appear as semi-transparent, blue-illuminated entities with blob-like silhouettes. A pulsating blue aura emanates from their chest, defining their shape and giving them a ghostly appearance. The intensity of this glow often reflects the Echo’s rank and power.
• Varied Forms: Echoes can take on countless forms, depending on their origin, the emotions that bind them, and their rank within the hierarchy. Some Echoes retain vague humanoid shapes, while others are more abstract, resembling creatures, shadows, or even inanimate objects.

Hierarchy and Society

The hierarchy within Thiel is a complex and multifaceted system, reflecting the diverse nature of the Echoes themselves. This hierarchy is not solely based on power but also on the role that each Echo plays within the plane.

The Hierarchy of Echoes

1. Rank 0: Non-Aware Spirits
   • Behavior: These Echoes are the most basic form of existence within Thiel. They lack self-awareness and wander aimlessly, often mimicking the actions they performed in life. They are little more than echoes in the truest sense of the word—repeating fragments of a once-living being.
   • Purpose: These Echoes often serve as raw material for higher-ranked Echoes to consume or use in rituals. They are also the most common prey for entities that feed on spiritual energy.
2. Rank 1: Newly Self-Aware Spirits
   • Behavior: Echoes at this level have begun to develop a rudimentary sense of self. They can recall fragments of their past life and may attempt to communicate or interact with their surroundings.
   • Role: These Echoes are often the most curious, exploring Thiel and seeking to understand their existence. They may attach themselves to places or objects connected to their past life.
3. Rank 2-5: Minor to Powerful Spirits
   • Behavior: As Echoes ascend through these ranks, they gain more control over their form and abilities. They become more aware of the nature of Thiel and their place within it. Some may begin to develop new abilities, such as telekinesis, minor reality manipulation, or limited possession of objects in the material plane.
   • Role: These Echoes often take on specific roles within Echo Hives, serving as guardians, messengers, or enforcers. They may also begin to form alliances or rivalries with other Echoes.
4. Rank 6: Minor Gods
   • Behavior: At this level, Echoes have attained a significant degree of power and influence within Thiel. They are often worshipped or feared by lesser Echoes and may have followers or servitors who carry out their will.
   • Role: Minor Gods often serve as the rulers of Echo Hives, establishing their own domains within Thiel. They may also seek to influence the material plane, using their power to manipulate events or people.
5. Rank 7: Lesser Gods
   • Behavior: Lesser Gods are even more powerful, capable of exerting their influence across multiple planes. They are often involved in the larger power struggles within Thiel and may have ambitions that extend beyond their own domain.
   • Role: These Echoes are often seen as the protectors or destroyers of Thiel, depending on their nature. They may act as intermediaries between the higher gods and the lesser Echoes, enforcing the will of the most powerful beings in the plane.
6. Rank 8: Higher Gods
   • Behavior: Higher Gods are near-omnipotent beings within Thiel. They are often inscrutable and distant, focusing on the grand design of the plane rather than the day-to-day affairs of its inhabitants.
   • Role: These beings often serve as the architects of Thiel, shaping the plane itself according to their whims. They are rarely seen by lesser Echoes, and their actions often have far-reaching consequences.
7. Rank 9: Greater Gods
   • Behavior: The most powerful beings in Thiel, Greater Gods are entities of immense power and influence. They are often regarded as the ultimate arbiters of fate within the plane, with the ability to reshape reality itself.
   • Role: Greater Gods are the rulers of Thiel, though their rule is often indirect, influencing the plane through their followers and servitors. They are also capable of interacting with other planes, and their actions can have profound effects on the material and spiritual worlds.

Echo Types and Their Roles

Echoes are incredibly diverse, with countless variations and types that reflect the circumstances of their creation and the emotions that bind them. Some of the most notable types include:

• Tarjuk: Non-sentient and lacking any memory, these Echoes are often consumed by higher beings or used as fuel in rituals. They serve as the lowest rung in the Echo hierarchy and are often seen as a resource rather than individuals.
• Enik: These Echoes recall very little of their past lives, often clinging to vague memories or emotions. They are often found wandering near places of significance to their former selves, seeking to reconnect with their lost identity.
• Beiau: Benign Echoes that have no memory but are capable of forming new ones. They are generally peaceful and may even seek out the company of living beings, acting as guardians or companions.
• Miuri: These Echoes retain a portion of their memories, but this often brings them endless suffering. They are plagued by feelings of dread and unease, and their presence can cause similar emotions in those around them. Miuri often linger near places of tragedy or sorrow.
• Cacodeem: Malevolent entities that survive by possessing physical bodies and feeding on the Shin (spiritual energy) of their hosts. Cacodeem are sentient and cunning, often causing chaos and destruction wherever they go. They are considered dangerous predators within Thiel and are feared even by other Echoes.

In the vast and ever-changing plane of Thiel, certain Echoes have risen above the rest, becoming legends known not just within their own realm, but in whispers across other planes as well. These Named Echoes are often the result of particularly powerful or unique fragments of souls, and their stories are woven into the very fabric of Thiel.

Ikruyalli

• Appearance: Ikruyalli is a striking figure, easily recognizable by his volcanic skull, which constantly emits a low, fiery glow. His body is mostly humanoid, but with burnt, charred skin that gives him a fearsome appearance. His most distinctive feature is the ability to summon three semi-transparent golden arms on either side of his body, which he uses in combat.
• Abilities: Ikruyalli wields a single sword and its sheath with incredible skill, channeling his magi into these weapons to unleash devastating attacks. His primary ability involves touching any form of rock-like material and imbuing it with his energy, transforming it into a lethal projectile. This power makes him a formidable opponent in battle, as he can turn the very environment into a weapon.
• Role in Thiel: Ikruyalli is a warrior spirit, often found on the front lines of battles within Thiel. He is fiercely protective of his territory and the Echoes that serve him, acting as both a leader and a guardian. His legend is built on countless victories against those who would challenge his domain, and he is revered as one of the most powerful Echoes in the plane.

Dyslbre (The Dark Queen)

• Appearance: Dyslbre is a pale, almost ghostly figure, draped entirely in black robes that seem to merge with the shadows around her. Her most striking features are her cold, silver eyes and the two cutlasses she wields with deadly precision. Dyslbre’s presence is often accompanied by a chilling aura, causing those near her to feel an overwhelming sense of dread.
• Abilities: Dyslbre is the leader of a group of necromancers who seek to defy the gods and gain ultimate freedom from their influence. Her mastery of dark magi allows her to raise and control the dead, summon powerful wraiths, and manipulate shadows to conceal her movements. She is also known for her ability to drain the life force from her enemies, weakening them before delivering the final blow with her cutlasses.
• Role in Thiel: Dyslbre is the arch-enemy of Ikruyalli, and their battles have become legendary within Thiel. She seeks to overthrow the existing order, believing that the gods of the universe are tyrants who must be deposed. Her followers, known as the Shadow Coven, are fiercely loyal and share her desire to break free from divine control. Dyslbre’s influence extends beyond Thiel, as she often sends her agents to other planes to further her cause.

The Nature of Echo Death and Rebirth

In Thiel, death is not the end but rather a transition to a new form of existence. The fate of an Echo upon death depends on its level of sapience and its actions during its life in Thiel.

Non-Sapient Echoes

• Cycle of Rebirth: If a non-sapient Echo dies, it will typically reform as a new pod within Thiel, restarting its life cycle. This process is akin to a spiritual recycling, where the Echo’s essence is given a chance to grow and evolve into something greater. Each cycle of rebirth offers the potential for the Echo to gain sapience and ascend through the ranks.

Sapient Echoes

• Judgment in the Trencoverse: When a sapient Echo dies, it is taken to the Trencoverse to be judged. This judgment determines whether the Echo will ascend to a higher state of existence, be reincarnated, or face some other fate. The process is similar to that of a full soul, but with the Echo’s fragmented nature adding complexity to the judgment.
• Eaten Echoes: If an Echo is consumed by a higher being—whether a god, demon, or another powerful entity—it becomes trapped within their dominion. There, the Echo is often subjected to torture or servitude until the being who consumed it is judged in turn. This is considered one of the most terrifying fates for an Echo, as it effectively erases their individuality and condemns them to eternal suffering.

Thiel: The Plane of Echoes

Thiel is a unique plane of existence that serves as the home of all Echoes. It is a realm that exists on the edge of the material and spiritual worlds, a liminal space where the laws of physics and reality are fluid and constantly shifting. Thiel is often described as a place of eternal twilight, with the sky perpetually bathed in a dim, bluish light that seems to emanate from the very fabric of the plane.

The plane of Thiel is a place of contradictions, perceived differently by each Echo that resides within it. For some, it is a heaven—a place of peace, where they can exist without the burdens of physical life. For others, it is a hell—a nightmarish realm where they are tormented by their memories and their inability to move on.

Heavenly Aspects of Thiel

• Echo Sanctuaries: Some areas of Thiel are serene and beautiful, serving as sanctuaries for Echoes who seek peace and tranquility. These sanctuaries are often protected by powerful Echoes or Minor Gods who maintain the harmony within these spaces. The Blue Sea, though dangerous, is also a place of immense beauty, where Echoes can feel a deep connection to the energy of the cosmos.
• Echo Communion: In these peaceful regions, Echoes can communicate and share their experiences, forming bonds that transcend their fragmented nature. This communion allows them to find solace and understanding, reducing the loneliness that many Echoes feel.

Hellish Aspects of Thiel

• The Abyss: In stark contrast, there are areas of Thiel that are dark, chaotic, and filled with torment. The Abyss is one such region, a place where the most malevolent Echoes and entities dwell. It is a place of suffering, where Echoes are hunted, enslaved, or consumed by more powerful beings.
• Endless Dread: For Echoes like the Miuri, Thiel is a place of endless dread and unease. These Echoes are trapped in a cycle of fear and sorrow, unable to escape the emotions that bind them to their past. Their existence is one of constant torment, as they are haunted by the memories that they cannot let go of.

The Landscape of Thiel

• Ever-Shifting Terrain: The landscape of Thiel is in constant flux, with mountains, valleys, forests, and deserts appearing and disappearing seemingly at random. This ever-changing environment reflects the transient nature of Echoes themselves, who are also in a state of constant change and flux.
• Echo Hives: Despite the fluidity of the plane, there are certain areas where Echoes tend to congregate, known as Echo Hives. These are places of relative stability within Thiel, where the Echoes can form communities or gather around powerful entities. Echo Hives are often centered around a powerful Echo or an ancient structure that anchors the surrounding area.
• The Blue Sea: One of the most mysterious features of Thiel is the Blue Sea, a vast ocean of liquid energy that pulses with the same blue light that emanates from the Echoes. It is said that the Blue Sea is a remnant of the energy left behind by the first souls to pass through Thiel, and it is both a source of power and a place of great danger. Echoes that venture too far into the Blue Sea risk being absorbed into its depths, lost forever.

Interaction with Other Planes

Echoes are not confined to Thiel alone. They occasionally cross into other planes, either by accident or design, leading to a variety of interactions with the living and other spiritual entities.

Cross-Planar Travel

• Accidental Crossings: Most cases of Echoes appearing in other planes are accidental. These Echoes might slip through the boundaries between planes during moments of heightened spiritual or emotional energy, such as during rituals, intense prayers, or moments of great fear or anger. In these cases, the Echoes are usually disoriented and confused, often harmless unless provoked.
• Deliberate Incursions: Some Echoes, particularly the more powerful and malevolent ones, deliberately seek to enter other planes. These incursions are usually driven by a desire to fulfill some unfinished business, seek revenge, or continue their existence in a new environment. Echoes that choose to torment the living often attach themselves to specific objects or places, creating haunted locations or cursed artifacts.

Perception by the Living

• Ghosts and Spirits: In many cultures, Echoes are mistaken for traditional ghosts or spirits. Their semi-transparent, blue-illuminated forms and their tendency to linger near places of emotional significance lead to frequent misidentification. However, while some Echoes may fit the role of a haunting spirit, others are far more complex, possessing abilities and motives that go beyond simple haunting.
• Possession and Influence: Certain Echoes, like the Cacodeem, possess the ability to take control of living beings. These possessions are usually temporary but can cause significant harm to the host, both physically and mentally. The presence of a possessing Echo can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, blurred vision, and uncharacteristic aggression in the host.

Cosmic Implications of Echoes

Echoes are more than just remnants of souls—they are a key part of the cosmic balance. Their existence raises questions about the nature of the soul, the afterlife, and the connections between different planes of existence.

The Role of Echoes in the Cosmic Order

• Energy Recycling: Echoes play a vital role in the recycling of spiritual energy within the cosmos. By existing in Thiel and undergoing cycles of death and rebirth, they contribute to the flow of energy that sustains the universe. This process ensures that no energy is ever truly lost, but rather transformed and reused in different forms.
• Guardians of the Boundaries: Some Echoes take on the role of guardians, protecting the boundaries between planes and preventing unauthorized crossings. These Echoes are often powerful beings who have been charged with maintaining the balance between worlds, ensuring that the flow of souls and energy remains orderly.

Echoes and the Nature of the Soul

• Fragments of Identity: The existence of Echoes raises profound questions about the nature of identity and the soul. If an Echo can retain memories, emotions, and even sapience, what does that mean for the concept of a "whole" soul? Are Echoes incomplete beings, or are they just as valid as their original forms?
• Judgment and Reincarnation: The process of judgment in the Trencoverse becomes more complex when considering Echoes. If an Echo is judged separately from the soul it was originally part of, what implications does this have for the soul’s ultimate fate? Could an Echo be reincarnated into a new form, or even reunite with its original soul in some future existence?

Trivia

• Nomenclature: The term "Echoes" is used for both singular and plural forms, though some scholars argue for the use of "Echoe" as a singular term. This debate remains largely academic and inconsequential.

• The Debate Over "Echoe": While the term "Echoes" is widely accepted as both singular and plural, some scholars argue for the use of "Echoe" as a singular form. This debate, though largely academic, reflects the broader complexities and ambiguities surrounding the nature of Echoes themselves.
• Echo Myths: Throughout the planes, there are countless myths and legends about Echoes. Some cultures revere them as sacred spirits, while others fear them as malevolent ghosts. These myths often reflect the cultural values and fears of the societies that tell them, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways in which Echoes are perceived.