ætterni

Ætterni is a fictional concept that appears in certain fantasy literature and role-playing games. It generally refers to a spiritual or ethereal entity that is intrinsically linked to a specific lineage or bloodline. These beings are often depicted as ancestral spirits, guardians, or manifestations of the collective essence of a family's history and power. The nature and influence of an ætterni can vary significantly depending on the fictional context. In some narratives, they might offer guidance and protection to their descendants, while in others, they could be a source of immense power that requires careful stewardship or even a burden that must be overcome. The term itself is often used to evoke a sense of ancient, inherent power and a deep connection to one's ancestry. The exact origin and mechanics of an ætterni are usually explained within the lore of the specific fictional world in which it exists, and there is no single, universally accepted definition outside of these contexts.