yatmas

Yatmas are a term used in a fictional mythos to describe a class of nature spirits associated with water and wind. In traditional lore, yatmas are dual-nature beings that manifest in a daylight form and a nocturnal form, symbolizing balance and the changing seasons. They are believed to inhabit rivers, wetlands, and high passes, where they regulate water flow, protect fish populations, and influence weather patterns.

Origin and name: The concept comes from the River Valleys myth cycle, a corpus of tales in the fictional culture of the Elaran region. The name is from a constructed language, with etymology given as from yat meaning breath and mas meaning being. The tales often describe yatmas as siblings or paired partners.

Cultural role: Communities offer seasonal rites to yatmas at river forks, including waters, bread, and fabric charms. Storytellers say misdeeds or neglect can anger yatmas, causing droughts or floods; proper observance maintains harmony and harvests.

Depictions: In literature and games, yatmas are depicted as translucent, shapeshifting figures with luminescent skin; they appear as humans at day, birds or fish at night, and can influence wind or currents when called.

Modern use: Yatmas appear in worldbuilding, fantasy novels, and tabletop role-playing settings as archetypes of benevolent nature spirits tied to water and climate.

See also: Nature spirit, river spirit, elemental being, myth cycle.

References: Within the River Valleys myth cycle and related RPG sourcebooks.