Sparks Lore

What are Sparks?

Sparks are a mostly humanoid species of creatures that inhabit a world they call "Beacon". They can vary wildly in shape
and size, but never have a mouth or nose (but can have snouts!) and all share bright yellow-orange blood that glows dimly.
They are connected via a light version of a hivemind, knowning name and age of eachother simply by interacting.
This bond can be strengthend if a friendship between two Sparks becomes deeper, allowing them to know feelings and
sometimes even the thoughts of each other.
Sparks are incredibly social and usually seek each other out.

Life of a Spark

While Sparks don't truely know how they come into being, it's strongly believed that they are born from the Mist, based on stories told from Flame Lord Xavier.
They will simply show up somewhere on the world and "awaken" shortly after.
A Flash is what Sparks usually refer to as a Lifespan. Flashes usually last between 80 and 120 years, depending on health and who the Spark is. This is different from Spark to Spark and the only way to know that a Flash is coming to its end is a feeling deep inside of the individual Spark.

Sparks are born already in their fully formed body, often with clothing referred to as their "Birthclothing", which they share a strong attachment to.
When a Spark is born, it takes about a year until they manage speech, usually called "the silent year". Young Sparks, often referred to as Kindlings or Emberlings too, are incredibly curious and eager to learn as much as they can, often imitating or following older Sparks.
It's not unlikely for an entire village to raise an Emberling, though occasionally there will be a Spark that will take in an Emberling as their own child.

Once they reach around 15 years of age, they become what is known as "Seekers", and will venture out into the world to figure out their place within it. This is usually lead onwards by a feeling, that will pull them in the direction they need to go.

Around 18 to 20 years is when they usually reach adulthood, by finding their place in the world.

Death of a Spark

When their time comes, Sparks enter a phase they call "The Pale".
The Pale will cause a Spark to fade in color and seek out a secluded area. Some will even go so far and become aggressive towards others, in order to be left alone.
The Pale will eventually conclude in a "sleep" and they will vanish without a trace once no one is looking, said to be taken back to the Mist that they came from.
If their Birthclothing still exists in any capacity, it too will vanish alongside its Spark.
Strong bonded Sparks will know of the moment of "sleep" and of death of the other.

The Mist

The  Mist, allthough never witnessed by any Spark and merely spoken of by Flame Lord Xavier, is believed to be at both the beginning and end of a Sparks Flash.
It's said to be the origin of their connection to each other, where the essence of Sparks swirl together and form new Sparks after their death. It is also believed that the Mist itself has no agency of its own.

Relationships

Sparks can form deep platonic relationships with each other called Cuddles akin to that of a family.
By nature, every Spark is aromantic/ace and bonds like that of Partners will not establish. Even if two Sparks raise an Emberling together, they do not form a partnership as one would with a romantic partner.

Beasts
Beasts is a term that includes any machinery built by Sparks, that uses a combination of Illuminite and Spark Blood to function.
They can be anything from simple machinery that serves a single function, all the way up to creatures that resemble life themself.
By nature, Beasts are not sentient, though "feral" beasts that have gone wild or otherwise have been abandoned can appear as such.
In most cases, a Beast will cease to function if the Spark that used their blood dies or if their hulls break down. Sometimes incompatibly issues between the Beasts hull and the blood can also bring on a disruption or shutting down of a Beast.

Beasts that ceased function or that are nearing an expiration are easy for Shades to possess.

Shades
Shades are long, ribbon like creatures that come in a variety of colors and sport a starry pattern over their body. Longer, bigger Shades are also capable of folding their bodies into various shapes, not unlike origami.
They sport a rather vile aggression towards Sparks and will either attack on sight or hide away until they get a chance to strike, depending on how powerful they are.
They can also take over Beasts and become an even bigger threat.

Shades are weak to Spark blood however, and especially appear to fear Xaviers fire powers. Some Sparks also carry "Shade Slayer" blades, that are made specifically for batteling Shades.
They are usually hunted at night, if one starts to become a nuisance, due to being easier to spot then.
Their origin is unknown.

Beacon
The continent the Sparks live on, is referred to as "Beacon" and is a lush, warm and deeply forested place.
What it lacks in fauna (Aside Sparks, there are no other sentient beings), it makes up for in flora, with plants that can become quite lethal in some cases.
The city Lord Xavier resides in is known as Hearth and has grown far bigger than he ever wished it to.

Flame Lord Xavier

A  central figure in the world the Sparks inhabit. Xavier is kind, open and caring to all who seek him out for advice and greets every new Spark into the world, often traveling far to empty corners of the world, in order to be there for them. Many Sparks view him as a father figure in a way, given he is usually the first thing they see when they awaken into  the world.
Xavier tries to treat everyone in an equal manner, in order to not upset anyone.

He also battles Shades or takes care of difficult and often times dangerous errands for Sparks.

Sparks aren't entirely sure if he was the first of their kin or just started the  tradition of greeting new Sparks at some point, but all know that he is older than all, his Flash outlasting all of theirs with ease.