Prod and Pull

As Pharan’s spark grows and develops a sense of self (and self-importance), it begins to obsess over the bonds that others share with it. The spark now fights Pharan’s attempts at severing emotions that target him—whenever this is the envy of a rival or the trust of a close associate doesn’t matter. Even an eventual success is punished by the spark by instilling Pharan with a sense of anxiety over what he did.

While the spark doesn’t make forging new connections easier, it does reward the growth of new and strengthening of existing bonds by sparking a feeling of accomplishment in its host. Bonds don’t need to be affected via empathy—winning an ally over with a string of well-picked gifts is totally acceptable for the spark’s purpose.

At this stage, the spark is indifferent to the nature of the feelings that sustain it and Machiavellian in the approach of its bonds—if love is not an option fear will do alright. This ambivalence can create moments of confusion when Pharan feels excited about someone else’s fear or irritation when someone’s hatred finds a new target. While this is easy to shake off with some concentration, it can add additional stress when already close to overstepping.

(The spark won’t oppose cutting lose from individuals intending (and capable) of hurt it or its host. However, it relies on Pharan’s experience to identify potential threats which does not make the experience entirely fool proof.)

Approved: here