Ringminds

Ringminds
Ringminds are a phenomenon almost entirely exclusive to the Arkannan Material Plane. In general, they are crafted by evil spellcasters for use as a living grimoire, but sometimes they are created with more noble intentions (see: Vobi).

The ritual to create a ringmind is similar to the ritual for creating a lich's phylactery. The being that will become the ringmind is killed, and a spellcaster transfers their soul (before it has time to be claimed by its deity, of course) into the item that will hold it. The item is usually a ring, for sake of convenience and inconspicuousness. Other items such as tomes, earrings/jewelry, or weapons are also possible but not as common.

Once into the ringmind, the being is effectively immortal. They develop total and perfect recall. As they adapt to their new surroundings, they are able to manipulate the "space" they inhabit, and they may develop new abilities and ways to affect the world around them. One researcher (and a ringmind herself) once noted that she was able to impact the appearance of the inside of her ring, and that she currently had it resembling her old dormitory. She also proved that she could still cast some spells- mostly divination.

Ringminds don't sleep, although there are some who do, mostly to pass the time. They can become exhausted from exerting their abilities, in which case they will simply become dormant until they are recovered.

Attunement
Once attuned to the ringmind, the bearer might experience several benefits. Oftentimes, the bearer might be able to understand a language they didn't before, or develop skills not previously possessed. In the case of spellcasters that were imprisoned, they might be able to "teach" the bearer a new spell that they wouldn't ordinarily be able to cast. Some ringminds are able to, with permission, temporarily possess the bearer in order to help them perform a task.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of being attuned to an active ringmind is that they can enter the dreams of the person that they are attuned to. They appear as they did at the time of their death (often with the wounds that killed them evident) in a black smoky spectral space. The bearer is able to interact with them like they would in meatspace.

Notable Ringminds (in canon)

 * Vobi (considered to be The Mother by a lot of ringminds, as she was the first documented one, even though Lorixi predated her by over 1,000 years)
 * Lorixi (I had the privilege of studying under her at Steeplefell Academy, although I wasn't aware of her... status at the time. One of her colleagues maintained a projection of her for every class.)
 * Top Card (aka Card, or Tee. A pleasant gentleman with an unfortunate voice.)
 * Sigrid (I was suprised to learn that Sigrid is still alive. We went to school together.)
 * Jeremy D'Faldihr (now freed, still adjusting to being freed. Still unpleasant and hypermasculine.)
 * Tyshma (An amazing litigator and advisor. She once got the King of Don Faldihr to drop charges against me.)
 * Kutiri (This blacksmith and metalworker created my metal tome and quill- as well as my sword.)
 * Hibble (I never met this one. A frightful little demon by all accounts.)