The Shaman

What is a shaman?

Shaman are adept mystical humans, and have been part of our society since man first learned to scribble on cave walls. They are intermediaries between this physical world and the realm of the spirits, using trances and other magics to travel the hidden paths between worlds and planes of existence. From the plains and jungles of Africa, to the caves or pre-Historic Europe, to the coasts and mountains of North America and the jungles and pyramids of South America- shaman (also sometimes referred to as witches, druids, sages, oracles, ect.) have played an important role in our history as the healing and spiritual leaders of humanity. All shamans posses the secret knowledge of healing and health, and many more of them understand the true power of the spirit and soul as the essence of our true selves and inner power.

The most powerful shaman are truly enigmatic, and their powers and abilities vary from person to person. To manifest shamanistic power in this world the shaman draws upon other realms, using his/her soul to draw their power and focus it and manipulate it to his or her will. At its most fundamental, shamanistic magic is rooted in the manipulation of energy at the sub-atomic level.

The magic of the shaman can very from simple to complex, depending on the knowledge and power of the individual. Some may be able to perform simple telepathy or telekinesis; others can morph their bodies or even turn themselves earthreal. Others still may be able to manipulate time around themselves, slowing the energy that comprises every living being, or speeding up their own to perform astounding physical feats. Each of these acts require a tremendous amount of mental and spiritual exertion, so a shaman that can both channel energy into this world and do so for an extended time is extremely rare. It goes without saying that this combination of abilities can make the rare shaman very powerful and dangerous to challenge for both users of magic and the physically gifted. Because of their deep connection to their souls and understanding of the material world, shaman are not very susceptible to charm or other mental attacks. More examples of shamanistic magic are astral projection, pain tolerance or suppression, transmogrification (monster or animal shape-shifting) and prophecy.

Shaman rarely follow a doctrine of belief, though some may pay homage to a favored god-spirit. They are often wise and reclusive, preferring to spend their time traveling other planes of existence in the search for knowledge. More often than not a shaman will reject religious morality, and the duality of good and evil.

Although the image of a wise seeker of knowledge lends itself to the impression of "good" shaman do not often fall into the category of good, or evil. Instead they commonly operate according to their own codes, and cannot be easily defined as good or bad. They tend to take a longer and broader view of the world and life as a whole, since one of their main characteristics is a fundamental understanding that our existence does not begin or end in the material world we know.

What is a trance state and how do shaman reach and use it?

Achieving a trance state is the hallmark of shamanistic power- but what is a trance and how do shaman get there?

A trance state occurs in humans when the brain�s chemistry alters to allow it to "tune in" with the spiritual planes. (Other planes of reality and existence are most easily understood as energy vibrating at a different frequency then our own "real" world) But how does the brain do this? There are a number of ways...

In ancient times, different cultural groups used different methods to achieve the trance state. For example, the San of South Africa used rhythmic dancing until exhaustion to achieve trance. More commonly though, hallucinogenic drugs such as the Liberty Cap mushroom (European), the root Iboga (African), and the plant extract Ayahuasca (South American, AKA "The vine of souls"). Fasting, exhaustion, and other physical stresses can also bring on trance states.

Although any human can achieve a trance state, shamans differ in key ways. Shaman travel into other realms with greater ease, can harness more power and knowledge in the spirit worlds, and may have the ability to naturally slip in and out of trances. During a trance a shaman is vulnerable to all "real" world ills, and will therefore never do battle in the material plane at their strongest- their forms in the spirit world. They can and will do battle in the other planes of existence, especially to defend their people. It is their providence to engage and with harmful spirits who seek to interfere in our world. Shaman can be of any age, race, sex or creed.

And now, who is Caleb?

A young man in his mid twenties, Caleb has turned up without any great fan fare. He looks like any other human, and shows no signs of the shamanistic powers inside him. His story waits to unfold, his secrets wait to be uncovered, and his allegiance will remain a mystery.

Caleb Dyre

Age: 27

Height: 6'3

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Dark Blond

Build: Muscular athletic