Lembi

Lembi is a term used in the fictional universe of Aranel to denote several related concepts rooted in fire and memory. The most common reference is to a class of semi-sentient fire-spirit beings believed to inhabit volcanic regions. Descriptions vary by author, but lembi are typically depicted as luminescent, shapeshifting entities that emerge during eruptions or deep within lava tubes. They are often portrayed as guardians of communal memory, capable of recalling events from a culture's past when summoned by ritual.

In many stories, lembi also designate magical artifacts associated with these beings. Lembi stones are carved from obsidian or volcanic glass and etched with sigils that anchor a lembi's presence to a specific place or memory. When activated by a ceremonial rite, a lembi stone can either bind a lembi to a memory or release a stored memory into the present. The relationship between lembi and objects is frequently used as a plot device to explore themes of heritage, trauma, and reconciliation.

Etymology traces lembi to the Old Aranel root lem meaning spark and bi meaning life. The term has several dialectal variants and appears in myths, literature, and role-playing games within the Aranel setting. Because different authors reinterpret the beings and artifacts, there is no single canonical portrayal of lembi across all works.