Animus

Animas are a type of being defined by a purpose. Physical and embodied, they are considered somewhere between spirits and Incarnations. They are so defined by their purpose as to arguably be incapable of good nor evil.<ref>“The Carmine Beast predated us,” the Aurum said.  “But not the Alabaster Doe.”

“She was an Animus, a walking intent,” the Alabaster said.  “Much as your Dog of War is one.”

“I- I’m not familiar with that.”

“Forces between spirit and incarnation that exist for purpose.  Often

malign, but not always.  Physical.  They are defined by the task they 

accomplish.  The Swordbearer animus exists to find the noble and heroic,

equip them, and send them on their path.  The Dog of War exists to 

perpetuate the senselessness of war.  Muses inspire art.”

“What did she do?”

“Before she was the Carmine Beast, she reminded civilized men who had

come here why their ancestors were so afraid of the deep night,” the 

Alabaster said.  “Henhouses emptied, livestock slaughtered.  Howling that shook hearts, and fangs that took the lives of people who were in the midst of discovering just how dark a forest can be without the torches, candles and lamps of a nearby city.”

“Was she evil?  I know we asked, but- before?”

“She wasn’t good or evil so much as she simply was.  Just as she was the Carmine Beast.  The role precedes all.”

- excerpt from Leaving a Mark 4.1 </ref>

Examples include:

• Dog of War - purpose is to wage/perpetuate/exemplify a particular conflict.
• Swordbearer - purpose is to find heroes, equip them, and send them on their path. 
• Muse - purpose is to inspire art.
• An unnamed beast whose purpose was to remind settlers in North America of the terrors of the wilderness.

References

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