Credit to   Kvirk for the adopt... thanks!

I knew I had to snag this fella when I saw them; Kvirk's new, show some love!!!!

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We all have those aspects of us we often blind ourselves to

dark, shameful secrets or traits

sometimes it's a fundamental need that isn't met

sometimes it's something about ourselves we suppress to look good

sometimes, those aspects can't be caged

the stress of it all could break your soul

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The process behind the creation of a Familiar is not entirely well-understood but most schools of magic and spirituality agree that they arise as an outgrowth of a soul that eventually separates and gains a life of its own. Bonded for life to its original host like a moon to its planet, they come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. In a sense, Familiars are one half of two bodies sharing one soul, but the reality of it is that the Familiar has its own separate identity and consciousness.

Some major distinguishing factors present in Familiars are glowing patterns all over their bodies, particularly the limbs. These are like arcane wards through which they channel their inner magic, and they are a symbol of the bond between them and their host. Another giveaway is that they do not look entirely "real", as if they were merely a character superimposed upon reality, rather than being a part of it. It is a very difficult feeling to describe, but once you have seen one, it becomes immediately obvious that this is no mere exotic pet or soulmate.

The reapers were the first to innovate and utilize their Familiars in combat, by merging them with a weapon that it inhabits like a separate limb. This makes the Familiar extremely powerful and in the hands of a skilled warrior, they fight as one to dispatch the enemy. Kurotatsu Nisshyoku is an example of this, being forged from Skyhawk's own weaknesses and fears turned around into strengths.

Most Familiars die with their host, but sufficiently strong or independent Familiars sometimes outlive their original souls, which is traditionally seen as an aberration, something that goes against the laws of nature. There is good reason for this; the trauma of losing a substantial portion of your identity can be devastating. The aftermath is often one of pain and torment, with the Familiar's mind and personality eventually decaying into an animalistic madness in a process not unlike that of dementia in the elderly. Once they completely decompose to such a condition, they are a threat to everyone around them and it is often the job of many a reaper to end their suffering.