Contracts that Bind: Forms and Summons

The concept of forms and summons are fairly common.

Summons are beings you formed a contract with so you can summon, or call upon, them at any given time.

Forms takes this a step further, allowing you to transform into them at any given time. Though, this means it often requires a stronger contract. 

Though, since its simply a step further, forms may also be summoned as a summon so long as the bond is strong enough.

Though summoning doesn't usually work across the void due to the infinitive energy interference.

What are contracts?

Contracts are essentially a ritual or ceremony in which two beings form a spiritual bond with each other in some shape or form.

Whether it be a mana-filled blood oath, signing a magic document, placing a magic mark on the vessel, or simply contact in which one channels their mana into another's spirit to create some sort of mark of ownership / partnership.

This third option is sometimes considered the strongest as both parties can do this to each other to further solidify the bond.

How can a bond strengthen?

Bonds strengthen the same way regular relations between two beings strengthen. 

The better you get to know someone, the stronger the bond.

The more you care about someone, the stronger the bond.

Pretty simple.

Are contracts necessary?

No. Not always. 

In many worlds, spiritual bonds are known to naturally form alongside friendships and romances. Though, of course such bonds require both parties participating and working together.

As a result, contracts are often only used amongst intelligent beings for temporary bonds or just to make things seem more official or professional.

On the other hand, contracts may often be necessary when forming a bond with an unintelligent or unwilling partner.

Where do summons (and/or forms) typically go when they disappear?

Where do they go? Where do they stay?

Typically, a summon (and/or form) typically stay in an alternative dimension.

If a magi has their own personal dimension, it's fairly common for them to stay in there.

Forms are often unsummonable unless they're in said dimension. Otherwise, they may or may not hear the magi calling via telepathy, depending on the distance.

Can two magi share a form or summon?

Though it's extremely uncommon, yes they can.

Again though, those with multiple masters are sometimes looked down upon and may often face troublesome schedules.

Can those who you formed a strong bond with see your spirit if you're without a vessel?

Typically, those whom lose or get ejected from their vessels within worlds automatically gain an ethereal body based off of their recent vessel. 

Though, despite having an ethereal vessel, not everyone can see them. Their voices can be heard by generally anyone, especially those who formed a strong bond with them.

If the bond is extremely strong, then it is possible for one whom bonded with the one whom lost their vessel to still be able to see their spirits.

Though if you are unable to return to your vessel, you remain a ghost until you find a new one.

And if you're not strong enough, you may lose your ethereal form and may even get swept up into the everchanging flow of magic then end up in the void.

This can still very well happen to stronger spirits as time passes. For it is common for spirits to return to the void once they lose their vessel.

Form Change

Form Change refers to the ability to transform, changing one's own body and shape. 

It is a combination of channeling and alchemy and is considered Null Element magic.

There are a multitude of types of Form Change, for many may have specific conditions they must meet to use this magic yet they're all the same.

Some are able to transform only into specific objects or creatures.

Others are able to transform into those they've bound their spirit to.

And a few have only their vast knowledge and creativty as a limitation to what they can become.

Typically, most weaker Form Change users are unable to wield beyond the natural abilities of what shape they take.

Though, those who can transform into beings they've bound their spirit to can take on all that being's abilities, all of their magic, and all of their power. However, this takes a toll on the user and typically doesn't last very long.

When they lose control, they either revert or the original owner retakes control of the vessel.

If the latter occurs, then this would be a rare type of Form Change user that many may refer to as a Vessel Sharer, one who shares the vessel of whom they transform into with the original. These Vessel Sharer's forms remain conscious while the magi is using their body and can telepathically communicate with the magi, often both while sharing and when not.

Vesssl Sharers are typically known for having naturally strong, flexible and agreeable spirits. Their own vessels are often of fairly young age or appearance and their personalities can often be fairly childish.

That aside, there are an extreme few who are capable of taking on all the abilities of whatever shape they take on.

These users are said to be masters of this magic, yet their time transformed tend to be significantly shorter than other user's.

Bond Infection

This is an extremely rare and complex magic spell/ability that few beings possess.

It is the ability to imprint a copy of the mark on one's own spirit, the feelings that represents the bond they have with another, unto another spirit.

It is essentially like magic peer pressure to make friends with this one friend of their's.

This ability is considered to be an extremely precise channeling spell and is often emitted through words of suggestion.

But there are a few who can initiate this sequence on contact.

Though, if the bond is never strengthened, then it will eventually break. One can resist a bond's magical influence once it is formed.

All one must do is resist the pressure of the peers that was forced upon them.