Mist floods the tent and wisps dance on the ceiling as a wizened orc raises one hand from the body in front of him, calling on his ancestors to lend him their strength and heal the wounded soldier.
A small spectral fox dashes ahead of the young elf, prancing and jumping around an inconspicuous patch of snow on the path, warning the elf just in time of the hidden trap.
When a creature dies, it is not always the case that their spirit is able to move on. Instead some linger. Often these spirits track down those who can perceive them so that they might find peace or carry out vengeful actions.
Shamans are individuals either blessed or cursed to be capable of perceiving those entities and harnessing their power. This perception most often comes in the form of visions, dreams and whispers from the spirits themselves.
Wisdom is a common trait found in shamans. Boasting in some cases multiple lifetimes of experiences, they are often sought out as advisers or spiritual guides.
Spiritual Powers
Shamans gain their magical prowess directly from the spirits around them. Often shamans harbor a deep respect for the dead, and see their gifts as an obligation to help the spirits move on. Many shamans use their powers to influence the living too, either as restorative forces to help, or as wrathful forces acting on revenge.
Usually shamans learn to master their powers by learning from a mentor, or sometimes even being taught by the spirits of shamans before them. There is however no greater teacher than experience which is why most shamans set out as adventurers, often embarking on a spiritual journey.
Most shamans when they embrace their gifts receive a spirit animal that acts as a guardian and guide, often taking the shape of an animal that reflects the personality of the shaman.
Spiritual Journey
An endless number of spirits commune with shamans to seek their aid in moving on towards the afterlife. Some are bound to this world by a regret or a desire to make amends with a family member. Others seek revenge for those we betrayed them in life.
Through these spirits two clear spiritual journeys are laid out. The Journey of Harmony and the Journey of Wrath. At 3rd level the shaman must chose one and undertake their own spiritual journey.
Journey of Harmony
Shamans who undertake a spiritual journey of harmony focus on making amends between spirits and the world. They forge a closer bond with spirits than their other kin, and are rewarded with more powerful spiritual magic in turn.
Journey of Wrath
Shamans who undertake a spiritual journey of wrath believe that some spirits need to be sated in order to move on. Legends say these shaman feel the burning revenge of the dead in their veins at all times.