Aegis – A special type of Phoenix outside the Primary’s control. An Aegis can shield themselves against offensive attacks with an electrified shield. Most Aegis have trouble controlling their abilities and are nearly extinct. Because of their shield, Oracles and Seers have trouble locating the Aegis, and, therefore, have trouble seeing their future, penetrating their mind, or predicting their deaths.
Binding/Bond – The bond between an Oracle and Soldier is similar to an arranged marriage. An Oracle does not choose her Soldier and in most cases is not allowed to see them prior to the blinding ceremony. The Primary decides for her and assigns the Soldier whom she believes is a perfect match.
Covenant – The rules and laws of the Phoenix as set forth by the original families.
Fireskin – When phased, a Phoenix can blaze an aura of fire around their body known as Fireskin. It does not damage clothing, but can be used to burn surroundings and enemies when enough concentration is used.
Gentry – Regular Phoenixes with no additional powers. The main function of the Gentry is to support the Oracles, Soldiers, and Scholars and to receive word from Oracles so they may send souls on to be reborn.
Guardian – A protector in the Wraith culture.
Healer – A Phoenix outside the Primary’s control. Healers have extensive medical knowledge and possess abilities that can speed the curative process of wounds inflicted with Morganite.
Morganite – a rare gemstone of the Beryl family known for its rich orange to pink color. Lethal to Phoenixes.
Oracle – A Phoenix originally born as a Seer. At maturity, a Seer is transformed into an Oracle by having their eyes permanently removed so their precognitive powers may grow and in turn, have enough advanced warning to change the future.
Otherside – Be it Heaven or Hell, the place the souls go when they pass on.
Phasing – A process of transformation from one’s resting form to the ethereal. Phoenixes and Wraiths can only ferry souls in their phased form. One’s phased form is dependent on their species, and partial phases are possible depending on the control of the individual. A Phoenix may partially phase in that their Fireskin may emerge alone. A Wraith’s partial could singularly involve the changes to the teeth, talons, or eyes.
Phoenix – A perpetually regenerating creature with an indeterminate life span. Appears human when resting, but when fully phased, displays Fireskin and Wings. They can heal from any and all wounds unless the wound comes into contact with Morganite. They congregate in groups known as Legions, led by a Primary Oracle as their leader. There are different types of Phoenixes with added abilities.
Primary – Among the Phoenix, this is the oldest or most powerful Oracle. The Primary is the leader of the Legion. Presides directly over Oracles and Scholars, cultivating their knowledge for generations to come. A Primary controls what the Oracles under her see. Due to their age, it is possible for the Primary to consult with other ethereal creatures including Witches, sorcerers, mages and the like. After a certain age, a Primary’s power can include the casting of spells, controlling of the minds of her retinue, etc. These actions are against the laws of the Covenant.
Revenant – If a Wraith becomes ill or insane, they can become a Revenant. A Revenant eats the heart of the evil after they have died. As the madness consumes them, they will begin to eat the hearts of any dead soul they come across. Typically, they do not kill for their meals but eat the flesh of the already dead.
Scholar – A type of Phoenix with supreme intellect. They record the Oracle’s visions and analyze patterns to avoid threats to the Legion.
Secondary – The heir to the Primary. Presides directly over Soldiers and performs bonding ceremonies.
Seer – A type of Phoenix who sees visions of death so that they may direct the Gentry Phoenixes to the dead or dying to send the souls on to be reborn. Seers cannot change the outcome of their visions. They are recognized by the milky consistency to their iris and pupil.
Selection – The process of assigning a job to young Phoenixes.
Soldier – A guardian and protector of an Oracle. A Soldier’s role can evolve from protector to lover to husband. During an Oracle’s blinding ceremony, they are bound to a Guardian, thereby nullifying any marriage, and linking the physical and mental from one body to another. If an Oracle is bound and injured, the Guardian is also wounded.
Wings – Phoenixes can fly and display wings when they have phased. Phasing and displaying of wings is initially an agonizing very painful process but loses its agony after full maturity. The wings can damage clothing and nearby objects. Every Phoenix’s wings differ, and bonded mates’ wings usually match. When a Phoenix is sick, near death or if their soul has turned evil, the wings will begin to molt, shedding their feathers rapidly.
Wraith – A perpetually regenerating creature with indeterminate lifespan. A Wraith appears human when resting, but when fully phased the iris and sclera of their eyes bleed to black, they grow talons and fangs and can hiss like snakes. Most Wraiths can move from one place to another on a wisp of smoke after they reach maturity. As they age the distances, they can travel increase. A Wraith’s main function is to ferry the souls of the evil to hell.