The spectral realm

The Other Side

The Spectral Realm exists in the same space as the physical world, overlapping it perfectly. It is the realm of souls and ghosts, where all non-physical entities reside. Though it mirrors the material world in structure, its properties obey a different logic, one shaped by energy, intention, and emotion rather than physics.

Most living beings cannot perceive the spectral world, as their senses are rooted in the physical. But the soul, which always exists partially in both realms, can sometimes glimpse or even enter this hidden layer of reality.

To See

There are ways to perceive or enter the spectral world. The easiest is to die. The harder, more useful ones involve magic.

The Sight
A rare magical ability, The Sight allows individuals to see into the spectral realm without leaving the physical world. Those who possess it can observe ghosts, spirits, reapers, and even the soul-energy of the living. The clarity and detail of what is seen vary from one bearer to another—some see vague silhouettes, others witness blinding auras and detailed forms.

To Die
When a being dies, their soul is severed from the body. It does not move to a different place—it simply becomes unshackled in the Spectral Realm, where it has always partially existed. The dead awaken there fully as spectral entities. Most are left confused, frightened, and forced to wander alone until a reaper arrives to take them to the land of the dead.

Environment

The Spectral Realm is the same world viewed through a different lens. Buildings, landscapes, and even weather patterns are visible, but altered. Light loses its edges. Colors blend and ripple. Time seems to slow, stretch, or fragment. Sound is muffled and distant, like it’s being remembered rather than heard.

Weight and Resistance
Physical matter is denser here. For beings who enter the spectral realm with their body intact, even simple actions like walking or standing require immense effort. Gravity feels stronger, inertia more absolute. This weight makes it difficult to manipulate or affect physical objects from the spectral side.

Souls
Souls are brilliant sources of light in the spectral realm. Every living creature radiates an aura that reflects its vitality, emotions, and magical potential. These lights can be seen from great distances, making it easy to track the living—or to be hunted by what lurks in the dark.

Travel

There are two known ways to enter the spectral realm intentionally:

Spectral Projection
This is the practice of projecting one’s soul into the spectral realm while the physical body remains alive but dormant. The link between soul and body is stretched, not broken, limiting how far or how long one can travel. While projected, the mage is extremely vulnerable: physical injury or interruption can result in the soul being unable to return, which would be the same as dying.

Entrance
A more advanced, dangerous method involves entering the spectral realm with the physical body. This allows for unrestricted movement and longer journeys, but the body is a burden here. All matter is heavier in the spectral realm—muscles fatigue faster, reactions slow, and fine movement becomes clumsy. Only powerful mages or enchanted, magically aided individuals can operate effectively under these conditions.
If one dies while using this method, their body reenters the physical world, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

Dangers

Traveling itself, if done properly, isn't dangerous on its own, but there are beings that dwell in the spectral world that would harm you.
The most dangerous of these are agents of the Ynue, they hunt for lost souls or the recently departed, who have not yet been taken by a reaper. If one of these sees a wandering soul, they might try to take you with them.