Ghosts -- Hides of Horror
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Adopted from the evil mind of Bosac. I decided I just couldn't wait
until Halloween to put out some more of my series, so welcome
to
A ghost is the soul or spirit of a deceased person, taken to be
capable of appearing in visible form or otherwise manifesting
itself to the living. Descriptions of the apparition of ghosts vary
widely: the mode of manifestation can range from an invisible
presence to translucent or wispy shapes, to realistic, life-like
visions. The deliberate attempt to contact the spirit of a deceased
person is known as necromancy, or in spiritism as a séance.
The first and probably most commonly understood type of 'ghost' is
that of the deceased human being—usually of someone known to
the observer such as a friend or family member (though they may
also be strangers or 'historical' figures as well). This type of
ghost appears not only self aware and intelligent, but capable of
interacting within the linear world of time and space; interactions
which may include making itself visible (manifesting), being heard
audibly or telepathically, and even of being capable of touching
the living (tactile capabilities). Some ghosts even seem capable of
manufacturing odors (such as tobacco, perfume, or after shave) that
were associated with them when they were alive. Further, just as
human beings are capable of displaying a whole range of emotions
and temperaments, so too is a ghost. Some may be playful and loving
while others are dark and angry. Often they are described as
brooding, sad, or melancholy, and are seen even to exhibit such
very human emotions as rage, fear and jealousy. In general,
however, ghosts are usually considered harmless and, in some cases,
even beneficial, and should be treated with the respect and dignity
accorded to any human being, be they living or dead.
The second type of ghostly manifestation is known as the
non-interactive personality. Also known as an 'imprint', this type
of manifestation, while apparently human in appearance and
mannerisms, gets its name from the fact that it appears and acts as
though it is entirely oblivious to its surroundings. Further, and
what specifically differentiates the non-interactive personality
type ghost with the interactive—aside from this marked lack
of awareness of others—is their tendency to repeat the same
actions (such as walking down a set of stairs or sitting in on the
edge of the same bed) as though they are actors in play that is
being acted out over and over again. Many who have encountered this
sort of phenomenon often describe it as being akin to watching a
few frames of a movie being played out on a continual loop. And, of
course, any efforts to communicate with such a manifestation or
interact with it in any way is always met by silent indifference,
as though the observer was the one who was invisible and
imperceptible rather than the ghost.
Another extremely rare type of ghost is the 'moment of mortality
ghost' in which the manifestation of a person far away suddenly
appears to a friend or family member at the precise moment of their
death. A woman, for example, suddenly awakens from a deep sleep to
observe her father, whom she knows to be residing at a nearby
nursing home, sitting on the foot of her bed. Though surprised, she
is even more amazed to see him suddenly vanish before her eyes,
filling her with confusion and consternation. Finally persuading
herself she has simply had a strange dream, she finally falls back
to sleep only to be awakened a few hours later by a phone call from
her mother telling her that her father had passed away during the
night. Recalling that her phantom visitor had appeared at a quarter
after two a.m., she asks her mother when father had passed, only to
be told 2:15 a.m.—precisely the moment she had seen him in
her bedroom.
Probably the most famous type of ghost is the poltergeist (German
for 'noisy ghost'). These are the most linearly interactive types
of ghosts known for their tendency to move-and, in many cases,
hurtle-objects about a room, hide small trinkets from the living,
and produce a cacophony of noises (usually loud and persistent
rapping). Though generally harmless, they are also capable of more
dangerous stunts such as pushing people over and even starting
small fires. Though instances of someone being injured by a
poltergeist are rare, their ability to frighten people could lead
to traumatic problems in the more feint hearted or injury in the
cases of people fleeing such entities in panic.
Things to remember when searching for this cache:
1) Some ghosts look to be made of mist or fog, so bring a fog horn
just in case.
2) Not all ghosts are friendly, if you have access to an old priest
and a young priest, invite them along.
3) Ghosts hate crowds, maybe you should bring a friend when
approaching this cache.
Additional Hints
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