Souls

((Quick Writeup of a potential idea))

Certain beings in this world have a soul, although it is not known by exactly what means it is decided which beings have one, and which don't. To be brief though, all beings of human (or comparable) intellect have one, which includes all humanoid races, the giants, the gods, the demons and the dragons, as well as some other magical beasts. The soul is the centre of a being and appears to be direcly interlocked with its mind, although it is less fleeting. The soul is used to manipulate the ether, activate magical items or to channel other supernatural forces.

After death, the soul lingers in the body for a while - the exact timeframe varying from person to person. Usually, the stronger of body and mind someone was, the longer the soul is able to hold on. During this timeframe, multiple things can happen - if the body is revived, the soul simply returns, for example. However, the soul can also be absorbed by a supernatural being - most commonly gods, demons, or dragons and other magical beasts. The soul may also be used in magical rituals, such as necromancy or (as is believed) in orkish bloodsmithing. If the soul is not claimed by any of those, it will leave the body, and either become an etherial being (most commonly ghosts), or (and this is believed to be the most natural course) return to the earth, where it is absorbed into the Aathma, from which it will be reborn some day.

Souls can also be absorbed into other realms, though. Gods sometimes claim their most valiant warriors for themselves, granting them paradise or turning them into powerful angels - or, if a hell portal is nearby, a soul may get drawn into it and get turned into a demon.

It is believed that the Spears of Infractus, when they pierce the heart of a powerful evil creature, are able to release the souls that this creature has absorbed, freeing them from corruption and returning them to the cycle. This is believed to be one of the most important aspects of the Lightbringers by many - they can not only kill the beasts, but they can also release the tortured souls from their prison, and give them the hope of rebirth.