attendantseid

Attendantseid is a term used in fantasy and speculative fiction to describe a class of beings that accompany a person, place, or artifact as attendants or guardians. Attendantseids are typically bound to their master or object and provide ongoing support, protection, information, and sometimes guidance or surveillance. The concept often functions as a narrative device to explain why a character or relic benefits from constant assistance beyond ordinary magic or technology.

The word is a neologism that combines “attendant” with “seid,” a reference drawn from Norse seiðr and later magical or ritual practices. In fiction, attendantseids are portrayed as agents of binding or covenant, sometimes created through a ritual or oath. Their nature may be ethereal, mechanical, or a blend of both, depending on the setting.

In terms of mechanics, attendantseids typically have some degree of autonomy but remain tethered to their charge. They can communicate through speech, telepathy, or symbolic signs, and may perform tasks, wards, or information retrieval. Some versions grant enhanced perception, memory buffering, or protective abilities, while others function primarily as loyal companions or custodians.

Variants and usage vary widely across works. They are more common in contemporary fantasy, worldbuilding projects, and role-playing games than in canonical literature. The term often appears in fan wikis, game manuals, and indie publications describing ritual bonds, artifacts, or guardianship systems.