Guide to the Arcane Realm

Spirits

Spirits are a large class of lifeforms, many originating from separate dimensions known as Spirit Realms. They tend to possess powers and abilities that exceed the boundaries and logic of the physical plane of existence. But while their biology is very alien, many species have adapted to the natural setting of the world in various ways.

Spirits are composed of a class of material called subtle matter so they function differently than most corporeal beings. Instead of a defined form, most spirits are nebulous clouds and other irregular masses in their incorporeal forms and native worlds. Majority of spirits are lifeforms composed of a type of subtle matter called teleplasm. Teleplasm does not interact with normal matter, which means corporeal lifeforms cannot usually sense or feel spirits and the spiritual realm around them. Ectoplasm is another type of subtle matter spirits can produce. It acts as an intermediary substance since unlike teleplasm it can also phase in and out of tangiblility and affect physical objects.

Due to the nature of being composed of subtle matter, spirits are unable to use any of the physical senses to perceive their own dimensions by default, so no touch, smell, sight, etc. Instead they normally perceive the world through a set of senses known as extrasensory perception (ESP). Spirits produce and depend on psychic energy in the same way that organisms produce electromagnetic currents and fields. Spirit physiology produces psychic waves that enable them to respond to stimuli in their ethereal environment, move themselves or things around them, navigate the world, and react to psychic energy outside of them.

Spirits normally get energy and structural nutrition from ambient subtle matter, mana, or psychic energy. This means they don't typically need to sleep, eat, drink, or even breathe, although many can make bodies that are capable of doing so if they wish to. While spirits do not require this type of sustenance in the first place, they also produce bodily waste after consuming food if they have a digestive system. Spirits also do not deteriorate or die from the aging process but most can still be killed from injury or die of malnutrition.

The majority of spirits have developed various means of creating a form in the material plane that can interact with the everyday physical world. While most spirit's physical form could be virtually limitless, there are definitely some recurring shapes, like a humanoid form. The reason for it is unknown but some speculate that spirits are somehow memorizing certain body plans from the collective unconsciousness that is propagated in the spiritual realm.

Spirit Species

Djinn

Djinn are one of the oldest lifeforms on Kaf as research suggests their ancestors arrived from another planet. They are spirit beings who forms behave as invisible and immaterial fire. As such they are incorporeal; as such, they can assume whatever physical form they choose and discard it afterward, rather like wearing a set of clothes. Traditionally, Djinn are a long lived race, as they aren't affected by old age.

Djinn have been arguably one of the most influential people on the planet as they have been described to begin its creation. They were one of the biggest empires during antiquity and one of the biggest leaders during the Ghulat Warring Period. However they took a big hit during its end with many individuals being forced into stasis in containers scattered throughout the world, mainly by the Shaytan. Since then as more of them have been released on purpose or by chance discovery, they have their spent time rebuilding their civilization in the modern world as a global power.

Dryad

A dryad is a sapient nature spirit that forms a symbiotic relationship with trees and shrubs. They do this by infusing their consciousness with a tree to become the guardian of it and its native region. This also allows them to take on a physical form using tissue from their plant.  They appear as feminine humanoid women despite being usually being able to produce both male and female flowers.