vaevaks

Vaevaks are a class of supernatural entities that appear in various fantasy works and tabletop role-playing games. They are typically depicted as psychic predatory beings that thrive on negative emotions, especially fear and despair, and that can influence thoughts and memories of living beings. The name appears in multiple settings with no single canonical origin; writers treat it as a proper name rather than a term with fixed etymology.

Appearance and physiology: Vaevaks are described as non-corporeal and shadow-like, often manifesting as flickering motes, wisps, or shifting silhouettes. They lack a stable physical form and can inhabit dreams, sleep, or phantom spaces between worlds. They have no known biological limits and are thought to feed on emotional energy rather than material matter.

Behavior and ecology: Vaevaks tend to be solitary, but small clusters can occur in regions of collective distress. They infiltrate minds during sleep or high-stress situations, amplifying fear and creating illusions to trap victims in a feedback loop. Some traditions propose that light, music, or ritual wards can deter or expel them, while persistent exposure can corrode a victim's mental resilience.

In gaming and fiction, vaevaks are often used as antagonists representing psychological danger rather than brute force. They may be banished with magical seals, exorcisms, or ritual cleansings, and certain artifacts or trained practitioners can bind or control them for limited periods.

Note: Because vaevaks appear across different works, details such as appearance, abilities, and weaknesses vary by setting; no single authoritative source defines them.