Poltergeist
A poltergeist is a type of Gespenst. They are known for their ability to telekinetically affect objects, thereby being one of the most noticeable and well known kinds of ghosts. While they have a sort of amorphous, ethereal body, it is entirely invisible to the naked eye. Unlike many other types of Gespenst, poltergeists are not revenants, meaning that they were never alive to begin with. It is unknown how Poltergeist come to be, though a leading theory states that they are born of instances of extreme negative emotion.
Basic Information
Ecology and Habitats
Poltergeists are drawn to, or simply appear, in places associated with great emotional distress. It is important that the people saw the place itself as part of their negative experiences. Poltergeists also avoid highly populated areas, preferring abandoned and derelict buildings above all else. This combination of things makes them particularly common in abandoned hospitals and schools, abusive homes, or sites of torture.
Dietary Needs and Habits
A popular theory states that Poltergeists and many other paranormal creatures feed on emotional energy. Poltergeists thus seem to be capable of feeding on residual energy in a space they haunt. Should there be an intruder in their space, they attempt to provoke more emotional distress by inducing fear and grief. Whether they consume the energy released directly or by allowing it to seep into their lair becoming residual energy before it is consumed is unknown.
Behaviour
Poltergeists are generally considered to be malevolent. Typically they will try to frighten any intruders into the area it haunts by producing sounds, quietly moving things, or locking doors. However this is not done to incite its victims to flee, but rather the poltergeist nutrition and enjoyment from their torment. In fact, the poltergeist typically prevents escape by blocking any possible exits, though it does not usually have means to magically reinforce these. They will alos attempt to cause tension among victims if there are multiple, though they lack fine tools to do so. Eventually the poltergeist begins directly attacking its victims with telekinetically thrown objects, once again drawing out the torment. It has been observed that they will especially avoid killing multiple victims at once in order to maximise the amount of grief. It is therefore not rare for common people to survive a Poltergeist attack.
