Spirit Born (Gosho'hak)

Once in a very great while, there will be born a dwarf that has an enhanced skill at wielding the essence, or sometimes they are born with a deeply rooted connection with one of the Arkati. How and why this happens is unknown, and these creatures are often viewed with some suspicion by the Dhe'nar. The Khanshael have a different feeling about these dwarves, and often feel they are possessed by the souls of ancestor spirits that have come down to lead the dwarves to a greater glory.

The Magi do not often overlook dwarves that have shown a great skill in wielding essence. Many times they are often whisked away with little notice only to be seen again after many years -- some are never seen again. What happens to these dwarves is unknown, as those that return cannot speak of what they saw or learned. It is speculated by some of the Khanshael that those dwarves that have the power, but cannot master the skills needed to wield, or discipline themselves enough to master, magic have the power blocked somehow, though it’s not always perfect. This results in the occasional Khanshael that can summon small amounts of magic to perform minor feats, such as fixing a broken vase.

The dwarves that do not return are occasionally seen with the dark robed Magi, though they don't make contact with their former friends or family. Their fates and activities are unknown. The Khanshael name these dwarves Hok'hol, or "Those who are lost."

The few dwarves that are born with the ability to manipulate the spirits, or have an affinity to one of the Arkati are not viewed as critically as the essence-wielding dwarves. Though the dwarves have been part of the Dhe'nar empire for many thousands of years, they have still kept to what spiritual heritage they had. They don't necessarily worship a particular spirit; they often call on the spirit that is best skilled in dealing with the task at hand. There is some speculation amongst the Dhe'nar that the spirits these dwarves speak with are in fact the Arkati that simply appear differently in the eyes of the Kin.

Dwarves with these talents are sometimes brought to the Temple caste of the Dhe'nar, to be better trained in their skills, and often serve as advisors to the elders of both the Dhe'nar and the Khanshael. They also make fine warriors, enhancing their natural skill with blessings from the war spirits.

Their training typically follows the same lines as the Kovokan, though they spend time with the Priests of the Dhe'nar, and not the Magi. Dhe'nar Magi sometime take exceptionally proficient spirit wielders under their wings, training them as their assistants. These Magi and their Khanshael assistants are terrors on the battlefield and often leave huge swathes of destruction in their wakes.