Rarely, an adventuring party can stumble upon what is known to be Echoes. These poignant artifacts, known as "Soul Echoes" in Nihm, are infused with a person's final memories or thoughts. Stemming from moments of profound emotional intensity, Soul Echoes often form as an individual transitions from the mortal realm. However, it's not solely the dying whose emotions can birth these artifacts; records have shown that Soul Echoes can also emerge from instances of significant trauma or other overpowering emotional experiences
Echoes are unique in that they are not just objects, but vessels capturing the essence of a person's intense experiences, imbued with the raw energy of their most potent thoughts and emotions. The emergence of a Soul Echo is an uncommon phenomenon, a mystical convergence where spirit, emotion, and matter intertwine, leaving behind a tangible trace of one's existence within the intricate tapestry of Nihm.
Players have the unique opportunity to interact with these Soul Echoes, delving into the remnants of past lives and profound experiences. However, unlocking the essence of these traces is not an instantaneous process. It requires time, patience, and a certain level of attunement to the Echo's frequencies. This intricate process involves more than just physical touch; it necessitates a deep, empathetic connection with the emotional and spiritual imprints left within the Echo. As such, engaging with a Soul Echo is best done during moments of tranquility and reflection, such as around a campfire or in other restful situations where the party can pause and devote the necessary attention and care to this profound interaction. These moments of calm allow adventurers to fully immerse themselves in the experience, ensuring that the essence of the Soul Echo is respected and understood in the depth it deserves.
Echoes manifest in a myriad of forms, each uniquely tethered to our world in its own way. No two Echoes are alike, and their presence and durability vary greatly. Some Echoes are exceedingly fragile, shattering upon the first interaction. However, most Echoes can endure multiple uses before they dissipate. Typically, the physical substance of their artifacts weakens incrementally with each interaction. On average, an Echo can withstand about three interactions before breaking. Yet, there are rare and extraordinarily resilient Echoes that have been known to last up to ten interactions. Each Echo you encounter is a unique and fleeting glimpse into a different reality, its longevity a testament to its inherent strength and the nature of its connection to our world.