* One year of the Survival Guide.

* Spirits and Summoning

* Four Types of Spirits

* A goal in ED4 was to try and make spirits more than just a stat block.

* Spirits are not common, but not unusual.

* Example spirits in the GM Guide show variety.

* Inspiration taken from Werewolf and Mage games from White Wolf.

* Make spirits more than a tool for summoners.

* Lower Strength Rating spirits are more “archetypal”.

* Spirits have their own goals and motivations

* Ally spirits: Often “Spirits of Man”, but also could be other strange astral fauna.

* Beast spirits: “Spirits of Nature”, animals, wild places.

* Elementals: Connected to one of the five elements, often focus on strengthening their element.

* Insect spirits, or Invae: Goal is usually to expand the hive.

* Horrors are astral entities, but NOT spirits.

* Tasked spirits: A spirit called up by a talent or spell to serve a specific function.

* Strength Rating is a guide for how relatively powerful a spirit is. Modifies base game statistics.

* Named spirits are more powerful and harder to control.

* Might get a Name from their summoner, or develop one on their own.

* A diverse array of powers, including access to spells and talents.

* Spirits should be characters

* Summoning

* Ritual process, intentionally not quick.

* If not handled carefully, can overshadow other characters due what the spirit can bring to bear.

* Duration of summon.

* Spirit Talk or Elemental Tongues determines which powers the spirit will use.

* Contest of Wills: Forcing the spirit to do what you want.

* Banishing: Sending a spirit back to its native realm.

* Failed summoning can cause damage.

* GM Advice: Look at the examples and the variety possible for spirits.

* If you have summoners, look at bringing spirits into your story before they get the Summon talent.

* Similar to Beastmaster companions or Cavalryman mounts with regard to group balance and spotlight time.

* Players: Some planning and preparation is using spirits.

* Work with GM to develop a spirit you work with frequently.

* Weird sidebar question about Sorcerer's Apprentice.

* Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden.

* Take inspiration from legend and folklore, especially from other cultures.

* Spirited Away (or Princess Mononoke) by Miyazaki

* Once again: Look at spirits as characters.

* Potential source of plot hooks, key knowledge.

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