Name: Genius loci, local gods, spirits Description: Genius loci are a category of Egregore brought about by the collective belief of a community in a given spirit or god. Their overall appearance is determined by this belief, and can be anything from an animal, to a person, or they may lack a physical form at all. Genius loci also trend towards having certain psionic abilities related to the believed powers of the spirits and gods which they mimic. Behavior: The behavior of genius loci varies wildly, as the belief that creates them determines their overall disposition and actions. Changes in belief will not alter them at a later point; unless they choose to change over time, they will continue to be mirrors of the spirits and gods believed in by a community in characteristics and personality. Tamability: While genius loci cannot be tamed, they can be appeased and offer assistance or even companionship to individuals who provide them with objects of significance or worship. What they accept as an offering depends on the genius loci in question; some may want a home cooked meal, another might want a sapient sacrifice, and some may even desire an entire shrine built for them. Some offering they desire may be unreasonable to provide with any consistency- or at all. Typically, genius loci will exchange one act of assistance for one offering, though this may vary, and some genius loci will become annoyed if called upon too frequently- refusing to assist regardless of however much is provided to them. Where is it found?: In areas where a population of significant amount believes in some variety of spirit or local god. Rarity: Rare. Diet/Method of gaining nutrients and energy: Genius loci passively draw upon small amounts of Flux from beings within their local area, they may draw upon more if a being is consciously directing some form of offer to them- most often, praying. Products?: Genius loci may be able to produce certain objects related to the subject of belief that created them. Some genius loci are even willing to form pacts through evocation. Reproduction: Genius loci form from the collective belief of a community after a significant portion of time. Size: Varies, as the shape a genius loci takes is dependent on the collective belief that they were formed by. Weight: See above. Lifespan: Unless they are deprived of Flux for an incredibly long time, genius loci are seemingly immortal. Abilities: Corporeality: Genius loci, if they have a physical form associated with the subject of belief that they mimic, may manifest a physical body matching it. Associated Powers: Genius loci have certain psionic abilities that match those ascribed to the subject of belief that they mimic. This can be anything from making plants grow faster, to causing rainfall, to bringing disease. Near-Immortal: Genius loci are, practically, unkillable due to their nature as an egregore. At most, you could drive one off by destroying their manifested body or utilizing certain materials. Some however, may have specific circumstances or methods which will send them dormant for a significant amount of time. Flaws: Negative Cuils: Genius loci, like all things associated with anomaly, are unable to survive in an ECF below zero. Additionally, materials such as normantium are one of the few things that can actually inflict significant injury to them. Associated Weaknesses: Much like genius loci gain abilities based on the subject of belief they mimic, they also gain any associated weaknesses ascribed to the subject. These can be anything from mild annoyances, to temporarily lethal, or even ways that they can be forced to comply with whatever is demanded of them. Insulating Material: Flux insulating materials such as salt in significant quantities causes extreme discomfort in genius loci, and in some cases may even be physically harmful. In general, if a given area is surrounded with enough of it, they are unable to act or even enter the location.
