Generic term for a type of god or spirit

[Wild Gazebo]

How about:

Elemental
Priori
Ideal
Quintessence
Totem
Spirit
Essence
Divine
Honour
Whisper
Constant
Lord
Jasper
Ether
Chime
Grace
Being
Absolute
Keeper
Watcher
Guide
Ancestor

Don't know...make something up?

 

[Aeric]

I am looking for a generic term, from any culture, for a spirit or minor god that controls/lives in/is responsible for a single natural feature like a lake, woods, mountain, cave etc. The closest I can come is the Japanese 'Kami' which does not quite match up. Any suggestions?

Since you're talking about animism , why not use anima?

 

[Nyaricus]

A "power"? That's whatgot stuck in my mind off the bat.

 

[Sejs]

I am looking for a generic term, from any culture, for a spirit or minor god that controls/lives in/is responsible for a single natural feature like a lake, woods, mountain, cave etc. The closest I can come is the Japanese 'Kami' which does not quite match up. Any suggestions?

Anima. *nod* Definitely. Living essence.

Another option would be to adapt Atma from Hinduism, which refers to a soul.

 

[Paradigm]

Orisha is a good one as it sounds exotic and means almost exactly what you want. Manitou and Kami mayl be too commonly known among gamers due to L5R and Deadlands, whereas Nyambe was not as commonly purchased. (Which was unfortunate as it was outstanding)

Otherwise, make up a name. Find a word in a foreign language that sounds good, and then whenever you need to manufacture another term, go to that same language as a source. That way it will all sound exotic, and still sound like it is from the same place.

I would avoid germanic and romance languages as a source as they are too familiar to the ear. Native American and Steppe languages will provide the most exotic sounding words.

 

[Nifft]

IMC, I use "Power" to refer to generic supernatural entities that grant spells / powers / pacts / whatever.

I also use "World" to blur the line between Plane and Planet.

-- N

 

[David E]

The Japanese word "Oni", although it actually refers to spirits/demons of the more malevolent type, might have the right "ring" to it.

 

[Jolly Giant]

...a spirit or minor god that controls/lives in/is responsible for a single natural feature like a lake, woods, mountain, cave etc.

The Vikings refered to such creatures as vettir.(pl.) (sing: vette)

 

[countgray]

I thought vettir was more akin to a gnome (in the elemental sense) or an earth spirit?

Come to think of it, I guess that would be appropriate for a guardian spirit of a place. But I associate vettir with spirits of the land and earth.

 

[Nifft]

The Japanese word "Oni" [...]

Has potential... eeeeevil potential!


"Oh wise spirit, advise me in your oniscience!"

"SPEAK CAREFULLY. YOU ADDRESS ONIPOTENCE."

"Dear Lord, you are the One and Oni. Please give me spells. Amen."

"You think me a mere Advanced Half-Fiend Blackguard Minotaur of Legend?! Rue the day you crossed my path! For I am Bull-Oni!!!"


Ooooh-kay, that hurts even me. Time to step away from the shiny keys.

C, -- N