A poly (plural polies) is a creature created by Vetris or one of her followers. Inherently, they have no souls or ability to function on their own. Instead, they can either be possessed or controlled by another intelligent being (most often a god or high-ranking religious official). The term "poly" refers to the physical body of the creature; the soul always belongs to a different being, even if they have forsaken their original body.
Physicality
A poly can look like anything. The most intricate ones made by Vetris herself are indistinguishable from normal living things. They can take the shape of humanoids, dragons, animals, marine life, plants, and practically every other living thing on Saani. Ones made by mortals usually look like walking dolls or statues, and are much less discreet. If one needs a poly to convincingly hide amongst society, winning favor with Vetris, or stealing one of her creations, is the best way to go.
Methods of Control
Possession
When masters possess their polies, they essentially become them. A master separates their soul from their home body, and transfers it to the poly. If the poly requires nutrients, bodily functions, or other processes necessary to live, then those processes must be performed or the poly body will die. If the poly dies, the soul will disconnect from it. Any pain the poly feels will be felt by the master.
Possession is most often used by mortals and wandering souls who need to hide or disguise themselves. There are many legends of runaway royals and criminals who escape their own bodies to pursue a different life in a poly.
The possessor must have been soul bound in order for this work, otherwise they will simply die upon attempts to transfer. At least one other person, usually a cleric or necromancer, should also be present in order to complete the transfer ritual.
Control
Control is much more intensive than possession. The master's soul stays within their home body, and instead they manipulate the poly with their mind. These polies are not as connected with their masters, so pain is not felt and bodily functions are not needed.
Control is apparently Vetris's favorite method, as she is known to have many "agent clones" doing her bidding in the various corners of Saani.
Alnii’s Polies
Alnii was known to walk among mortals many times before their demise. While the art is currently credited to Vetris, it’s almost certain that Alnii first created polies for this very purpose. Some scholars theorize that the sharing of this knowledge is what brought them and Vetris together, and perhaps what turned Vetris against them many centuries later.
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