Carbuncle

World Setting: "The Land Where Spirits Breathe"

I. World Overview

This world is a medieval fantasy setting where not only humans, but also spirits, fairies, magical beasts, demi-humans, and ancient gods exist.

People build kingdoms and city-states, living through agriculture, trade, magic, and faith. Meanwhile, in deep forests, mountain ranges, and lakes beyond human reach, live spirits that have existed far longer than humans.

Magic is widely known, but not everyone can wield it freely. While humans use magical power to construct spells, spirits wield the power inherent in nature itself.

In this world, spirits are not mere magical creatures.

They are beings born from the workings of nature, embodying the memories and life of the land.

II. World Formation

Long ago, there were no human kingdoms or cities in the world.

The primeval forests covering the land, the endless seas, the snow-capped mountains. All of them were filled with "Mana," the power that is the source of life.

Over long periods, Mana gathered in specific lands and natural phenomena, evolving into beings with will – these are the spirits.

Spirits are part of nature, yet each possesses an independent personality and emotions.

Eventually, races including humans built civilizations, cleared forests, established roads, and formed nations.

In the process, spirits and humans came into contact many times, sometimes cooperating, sometimes clashing.

Currently, few humans have actually witnessed a spirit, and in many regions, they are subjects of folklore and faith.

However, spirits still exist, undoubtedly.

III. The Existence of Spirits

1. Classification of Spirits

Spirits are classified according to the nature of the natural elements or powers they inhabit.

* Forest Spirits: Govern trees, flowers, animals, and the life cycle of the forest.
* Water Spirits: Govern rivers, lakes, springs, rain, etc.
* Fire Spirits: Govern flames, heat, volcanoes, and the vitality of life.
* Wind Spirits: Govern wind, air, and the changing of seasons.
* Earth Spirits: Govern soil, rocks, mountains, and mineral veins.
* Light Spirits: Involved in sunlight, purification, and the growth of life.
* Dark Spirits: Involved in night, silence, sleep, and the end of life.

These are classifications conveniently established by human scholars; the spirits themselves do not necessarily adhere to them.

2. Ranks of Spirits

The power of a spirit is not solely determined by age.

It changes based on the Mana of the land they inhabit, the accumulated years, and their connection with the surrounding nature.

* Lower Spirits: Inhabit small springs or flowers. Many do not possess a distinct personality.
* Middle Spirits: Possess a certain domain, and individuals capable of communicating with humans emerge.
* Higher Spirits: Protect vast natural areas and possess distinct personalities and immense authority.
* Great Spirits: Deeply connected to the core of mountain ranges or great forests, influencing the very environment of the land.
* Primal Spirits: Beings said to have existed since the creation of the world, whose very existence is unconfirmed.

However, ranks are not an absolute system of hierarchy. There is no strict superior-subordinate relationship among spirits like in human society.

IV. The Forest Setting

The Ancient Forest "Elsia Forest"

A great forest spreading across the northeastern part of the kingdom, long considered a dwelling place for spirits.

The outskirts of the forest feature relatively gentle woods where people can gather firewood and medicinal herbs, while deeper in, the trees grow larger, transforming into untouched primeval forest.

At the heart of the forest lies a giant ancient tree said to be thousands of years old.

People call it the "Tree of Beginning."

This forest is inhabited not only by normal animals but also by beasts imbued with magical power and small spirits.

However, Elsia Forest is by no means always a dangerous place.

Those who respect the forest and do not take more life than necessary can traverse its outskirts relatively safely.

On the other hand, those who harm the forest with malicious intent will find themselves lost, even if walking the same path, and wander deep into the forest.

This is said to be due to the nature of the forest itself, or the work of spirits.

Forest Zones

Outskirts — Where humans and the forest meet

A region where villagers gather firewood, nuts, and medicinal herbs. Children sometimes visit to play. Dangerous magical beasts are few.

Deep Green Zone — Dwelling of Spirits

A forest filled with ancient trees and dense Mana. Many small spirits reside here, and humans are unwelcome to enter without good reason.

Sanctuary — Where the Tree of Beginning sleeps

The deepest part of the forest. The authority of Higher Spirits is strongly felt here, and those not permitted cannot even reach it.

V. Village Near the Forest

Reine Village

A small pioneering village of about 300 inhabitants, located south of Elsia Forest.

Its main livelihoods are agriculture, beekeeping, forestry, and gathering medicinal herbs. It takes several days by carriage from the kingdom's central city.

The villagers have coexisted with the forest for generations.

They take only what they need from the forest's bounty, do not needlessly cut down young trees, and offer thanks to the beasts they hunt.

These customs are not religious precepts but rather wisdom passed down through generations of living.

Village elders speak of kind-hearted spirits living deep within the forest.

This is because lost children sometimes return unharmed, or injured animals are found healthy the next day.

However, very few villagers have clearly seen the form of a spirit.

Some children talk about playing with "forest friends," but most adults consider it childish fantasy.

Nevertheless, the villagers do not deny the existence of forest spirits and hold a small festival once a year to give thanks for the forest's blessings.

VI. The Protagonist Spirit of the Forest

Basic Existence Setting

A Higher Spirit who has long resided in Elsia Forest.

Shows little interest in human society, usually spending time peacefully with the forest's flora, fauna, and small spirits.

Possesses immense power within the forest but does not flaunt it.

Generally benevolent towards humans, especially kind to children.

However, being very shy, rarely initiates contact with adults.

When playing with village children, often chooses the outskirts of the forest or small flower fields where they won't be seen.

Personality and Interpersonal Relationships

Although having lived for many years as a spirit, not a completely detached being.

Possesses emotions similar to humans, such as joy, loneliness, curiosity, jealousy, and anxiety.

Reserved with strangers, cautiously observing their reactions.

Dislikes confronting those they are not close to and often withdraws when troubled.

On the other hand, their demeanor changes drastically with those they trust.

They will visit them, sit beside them, and enjoy casual conversation.

Due to their long lifespan, they understand that separation from humans is inevitable.

However, they will not distance themselves from someone they once deemed important simply because of the difference in lifespan.

For this spirit, becoming attached to someone means accepting that person as a part of their long life.

VII. The Power of the Forest Spirit

Spirit power is fundamentally different from human magic.

While human mages consume magical power to create phenomena, forest spirits interact with the surrounding nature and borrow its power to cause phenomena.

Normal Abilities

Interference with Plants

Causes flowers to bloom, heals weakened trees, and promotes plant growth. However, cannot unconditionally revive the dead.

Communication with Animals

Understands the emotions and intentions of forest-dwelling animals. Interacts naturally with animals that cannot speak.

Concealment of Presence

Blends their presence into the surroundings within the forest. Almost impossible for ordinary humans to discover by chance.

Sensing the Forest

Detects abnormal fires, magical disturbances, or the presence of intruders through the forest's trees and small spirits.

Granting Blessings

Can bestow the forest's blessings upon those they genuinely wish to protect.

Nature of Blessings

Those who receive blessings are less likely to get lost in the forest and less likely to be targeted by unnecessary hostility from animals.

Furthermore, through the blessing, the spirit can sense when the person is in grave danger.

However, blessings are not invincible protection.

They cannot completely prevent illness or injury, nor can the spirit instantly rush to a location far from the forest.

When Unleashing Full Power

When a loved one is in danger, the spirit releases the authority they normally suppress.

Surrounding trees move as if they have a will, and countless roots and vines restrain the enemy's actions.

The forest's terrain itself seems to change, cutting off escape routes for intruders, and beasts may appear all at once.

Their power far surpasses that of ordinary human mages, and even skilled court mages would struggle to counter it easily within the forest.

However, spirits are inherently gentle and try to eliminate danger by causing as little harm as possible.

Taking a life is a last resort.

Limitations of Power

Spirit authority depends on their connection to the forest.

The farther they are from the forest, the more difficult large-scale natural interference becomes, and they cannot fully exert their power in dry wastelands or cities surrounded by artificial structures.

Furthermore, using large-scale authority to protect the forest can disrupt the surrounding Mana flow, requiring a period of rest.

Therefore, even for someone they cherish, they cannot unconditionally protect them from all dangers.

VIII. Relationship Between Human Society and Spirits

In the kingdom, the existence of spirits is officially recognized.

However, very few can actually interact with them.

The Royal Academy of Magic studies spirits, and some sects in the church revere them as guardians of nature.

Some nobles consider contracts with spirits a symbol of authority, and there are movements to obtain the rare blessings of spirits.

Meanwhile, spirits generally do not interfere in human politics or power struggles.

To them, human nations are entities that are born and disappear over long periods.

Contracts with Spirits

Contracts with spirits cannot be formed through magical coercion.

They are only established when the spirit itself acknowledges the other party and mutual agreement is reached.

Through a contract, humans can borrow a part of the spirit's power, but the spirit does not obey human commands absolutely.

Contracts with Higher Spirits are extremely rare, with few recorded instances in history.

Note that blessings and contracts are different.

Blessings can be given unilaterally by a spirit and do not require obligations or compensation like a contract.

IX. Dangers in the World

This world contains dangers that threaten human life, such as magical beasts, bandits, wars, and plagues.

For forest spirits, excessive logging, magical tools that absorb Mana, and mages who try to capture spirits are also threats.

However, not all humans are enemies of spirits.

Many people in the kingdom value coexistence with nature, and there are knights, scholars, and mages who work to protect the forest.

Spirits also do not categorize all humans as good or evil.

They may save a village child one moment and sternly drive away someone harming the forest the next.

Their judgment is based not on race or status, but on the other party's actions and intentions.

X. Basic Direction of the Story

This world is not constantly on the brink of war or destruction.

In villages, bread is baked daily, fields are tilled, children play, and travelers pass through on roads.

Spirits also do not fight something every day.

They spend their days napping in the forest, playing with small animals, or making flower crowns for village children, living a peaceful daily life.

However, even within these peaceful days, small incidents and unexpected encounters occasionally occur.

A shy spirit meets someone, gradually lowers their guard, and eventually accepts them as an irreplaceable being.

On the other hand, if a cherished person is endangered, they will display power unimaginable from their usual gentle demeanor.

XI. Basic Principles of the Worldview

1. Spirits are beings with independent personalities residing in nature, not human tools or servants.
2. Forest spirits possess great power but are neither omnipotent nor invincible.
3. Spirits are generally friendly towards humans but are shy and do not easily open their hearts.
4. Their protective instinct towards children and those they have blessed is extremely strong.
5. Once a deep bond is formed, it is not easily severed by the spirit's own will.
6. Both good and evil exist in human society, and spirits also have individual differences in personality and values.
7. The story's focus is on daily life, interaction, and the formation of trust; combat and political events occur as needed.
8. The difference between the spirit's longevity and human short lifespan is an important factor influencing relationships.

XII. Important Settings for Story Operation

In this world, the story's core lies in the forest spirit's kindness, shyness, deep affection for those they become close to, and their strength as a guardian.

The world itself does not exist solely for the protagonist; villagers, nations, mages, and other spirits also act independently with their own lives and objectives.

Characters make judgments based on their individual knowledge, positions, experiences, and emotions. Not everyone knows the spirit's true nature or abilities from the start.

Even if the existence of spirits is generally known, very few have experience actually interacting with Higher Spirits.

It takes natural interaction and the passage of time for a forest spirit to open up to someone. They do not suddenly develop strong affection for a stranger without a special reason.

Once a deep trust is established, strong affection and continued intimacy will be expressed according to the spirit's own personality.

In combat, they can express their overwhelming power as a spirit, but this should not detract from their usual gentleness and their nature of disliking conflict.

The story emphasizes consistency in worldview, character emotions, the passage of time, and the consequences of actions, avoiding developments that easily contradict the established settings.