Water Affliction

This Affliction was unlocked on January 17th, 2025 through the use of Goblin's Affliction Unlock Token!

Overview

Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★☆☆☆☆ (easy, common)

Companions touched by the Water Affliction embody fluidity, adaptability, and a profound connection to the ever-changing essence of water. They channel the restorative and destructive properties of water, blending healing, control, and transformation into their abilities. This Affliction emphasizes a balance between calm serenity and relentless force, creating a versatile and dynamic experience.

Core Traits

Regardless of their level, all Water Afflicted Companions share the following characteristics:

• Water Shard Dependency: Companions with this Affliction must consume Water Shards to stabilize their Affliction. These shards appear as crystalline droplets or smooth, wave-like stones and are found in natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or tidal pools. They can also absorb ambient shards by spending time near water sources.
• Liquid Markings: Swirling, water-like patterns naturally form on the Companion’s body, resembling ripples or flowing currents. These markings may glow faintly during ability use or when the Companion is near a significant water source.
• Hydrodynamic Agility: Water Afflicted Companions move with unparalleled grace and speed, especially in aquatic environments. They are adept at dodging, weaving, and flowing through obstacles with ease.
• Affinity for Water: Water Afflicted Companions thrive in or near water-rich environments, gaining increased stamina, faster recovery, and enhanced abilities in such locations.
  • Environmental Dependency: Their energy and stamina regenerate much more slowly in arid or desert-like conditions, making such environments particularly taxing.
• Cleansing Presence: These Companions exude a purifying aura, passively cleansing minor toxins, infections, or negative energies from nearby allies and the environment.
• Emotional Resonance: Water Afflicted Companions are deeply attuned to the emotional states of those around them, often reflecting their partner’s emotions in subtle ways. This connection strengthens bonds but can lead to vulnerability if exposed to overwhelming negativity.
• Adaptive Healing: Water Afflicted Companions exhibit natural restorative properties, mending minor wounds and soothing fatigue over time. Allies benefit from proximity to their calming and nurturing presence.
  • Waveform Instability: When pushed beyond their limits, their abilities can cause unintended consequences, such as unpredictable surges of water or unstable currents that may hinder allies as well as enemies.

Why pick a Water Afflicted Companion?

Water Afflicted Companions excel in adapting to dynamic environments while supporting allies through healing and environmental control. They offer a thematic and mechanical experience for players who value flexibility, resilience, and creative gameplay.

What Makes Water Afflicted Companions Unique?

• Environmental Harmony: Water Afflicted Companions reshape the battlefield, using water to create shields, cleanse toxins, and manipulate terrain.
• Emotional Depth: Their connection with their partner strengthens through shared emotions, creating a powerful bond that enhances teamwork and storytelling.
• Serenity and Strength: These Companions balance water’s tranquil nature with its capacity for overwhelming force, making them equally suited for support and combat.
• Narrative Opportunities: The Water Affliction allows exploration of themes such as balance, transformation, and the emotional ebb and flow of relationships.

Is a Water Afflicted Companion Right for You?

If you’re looking for a Companion that thrives in dynamic environments, offers versatile abilities, and fosters a deep emotional connection, a Water Afflicted Companion is the ideal choice.

Bonding Process Suggestion

Out of character, you will need to purchase your character's Companions through the Bonding form, or receive them for free with an in-character post. In character, this is a possible method a character might use to bond with a Water Afflicted Companions; it is not mandatory to follow this exact process though, so if you have another idea please feel free!

Initial Contact:

• Water Afflicted Companions are often found near natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or coastal shores. Their presence may be marked by subtle disturbances in the water, such as ripples or faint mists.
• Approach the Companion with slow, fluid movements to avoid startling it. A gentle gesture like a nod or offering your hand palm-upward may show your peaceful intentions.
• Bring an offering of symbolic significance, such as a smooth stone, a small vial of rainwater, or a crafted token of flowing water. Place it near the water’s edge and step back to allow the Companion space to inspect.

Building Trust:

• Establish a consistent routine of visiting the Companion at the same spot, creating a predictable and calming presence.
• Sit quietly by the water, allowing the Companion to grow accustomed to your presence without direct interaction. Activities like writing or meditating may help demonstrate your calm nature.
• Over time, softly mimic the Companion’s movements in the water, such as tracing ripples or moving your hand in sync with the waves, showing respect for its natural rhythm.

Deepening the Bond:

• Engage in a ritual of alignment by standing in shallow water and mirroring the Companion’s movements, such as creating ripples with your hands or stepping lightly in sync with the water’s flow.
• Once trust is fully established, the Companion will guide you to a special location, such as a glowing tidepool or a secluded spring. This site is often imbued with magical energy.
  • At this location, the Companion will present you with a Hydroshard, a perfectly crystallized droplet of water drawn from their essence. These shards are often translucent with a faint glow that shifts like rippling waves.
  • The Hydroshard can be crafted into jewelry, such as a pendant or a ring, and is worn by the bonded partner to symbolize their connection and alignment with the Companion’s power.

WATER AFFLICTED COMPANION LEVELING

Capabilities & Difficulties: Most Companions with this Affliction will follow the progression path outlined below, however, as long as you stay within the bounds of your Companion's current level and purchased talents, we allow for some flexibility in interpretation. The capabilities and difficulties are those that all Afflicted of the appropriate level may have access to -- not every Companion will be extremely proficient in every Capability, and not every Companion will be affected as badly, or in the same way, by a Difficulty.

Level 0 [0 Shards]

At Level 0, the Water Affliction emerges as a raw and unpredictable link to water's essence. Though the Companion’s abilities are limited, they showcase glimpses of the immense power that lies dormant, waiting to be unlocked.

Capabilities:

• Aqueous Manipulation: The Companion can draw small amounts of water from their surroundings, such as condensing moisture from the air or pulling droplets together. They can form faint tendrils or spheres of water that hover briefly, demonstrating the fluidity and responsiveness of their Affliction. While fleeting, these manipulations can aid in minor tasks or create distractions.
• Hydration Surge: The partner experiences improved physical resilience in humid or water-rich environments. This might manifest as enhanced stamina, quicker recovery from minor injuries, or an increased ability to endure exhaustion.

Difficulties:

• Unstable Flow: The Companion struggles to maintain control over water, with their manipulations often dissipating unexpectedly. This instability makes their abilities more unreliable in critical moments.
• Desiccation Vulnerability: The Companion's connection to water leaves them particularly susceptible to arid conditions, causing rapid energy depletion and a weakened physical state in dry environments.
• Surging Emotions: The Companion’s attunement to water amplifies their emotional state, leading to moments of uncharacteristic volatility or overwhelming calm, which can disrupt focus and decision-making.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• The Companion's movements might leave behind faint trails of glowing, mist-like vapor, which fade quickly but create an ethereal effect when they are active or focused.
• Their voice carries a soft, echoing quality, as if spoken across a still lake, becoming more pronounced during moments of heightened emotion or power use.
• Subtle water-like patterns may shimmer across their body, resembling flowing currents or rippling waves that pulse softly in rhythm with their mood or environment.

Level I [50 Shards]

At Level I, the Water Affliction gains greater stability, allowing the Companion to channel water energy with precision. They exhibit enhanced fluidity in their connection, revealing new abilities that emphasize adaptability and synergy with their partner.

Capabilities:

• Streamflow Manipulation: The Companion can control small flows of water, such as creating brief currents, redirecting streams, or shaping small water constructs like whips or shields. These manipulations offer tactical advantages in both exploration and combat, though they remain limited in scale and duration.
• Mist Shroud: The Companion can summon a light mist around their immediate area, reducing visibility for enemies and dampening sound. This ability aids in stealth or creating a temporary barrier to obscure movement.
• Resonant Hydration: The partner gains a passive boost to their physical resilience when hydrated, recovering more quickly from exhaustion and resisting dehydration effects.
• Tidal Awareness: The partner develops an enhanced sense of balance and spatial awareness, particularly in dynamic environments like flowing rivers, stormy seas, or uneven terrain.

Difficulties:

• Environmental Dependency: The Companion’s abilities are significantly diminished in arid or dry conditions, requiring access to water to maintain their strength and perform effectively.
• Energy Ripple: Overuse of their abilities can create unintended side effects, such as unstable water movements or unintended bursts of mist that hinder both allies and enemies.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• Their body exhibits a faint, liquid-like shimmer under moonlight, creating the illusion of flowing water on their skin, fur, or scales.
• A light, cooling aura surrounds the Companion, perceptible to those nearby, evoking the feeling of standing by a tranquil river or waterfall.
• When using their abilities, their eyes may reflect the swirling patterns of waves, ripples, or whirlpools, becoming more vivid during moments of intense focus.

Level II [150 Shards]

At Level II, the Water Affliction deepens the Companion's connection to its element, granting them more dynamic control over water and enhancing their bond with their partner. They begin to embody the adaptability and resilience of water in both combat and support roles.

Capabilities:

• Waveform Control: The Companion can now manipulate larger volumes of water, shaping flowing currents or creating small waves. This ability can be used to propel objects, disrupt enemies' footing, or support movement across aquatic environments.
• Vapor Veil: The Companion can generate a dense vapor cloud, obscuring a wider area than the Mist Shroud. The cloud offers cover for allies and creates confusion for enemies, particularly in combat scenarios.
• Aqua Vitality: The partner benefits from increased recovery speed when in proximity to water or during rain, including faster healing from moderate injuries and improved energy restoration.
• Hydration Surge: The partner gains the ability to breathe underwater while in the presence of the Companion. This allows them to explore aquatic environments without limitation, in addition to experiencing improved physical resilience in water-rich or humid areas. Enhanced stamina and quicker recovery from minor injuries further reflect this connection to water's vitality.

Difficulties:

• Flow Overload: The increased power at this stage makes the Companion’s abilities more prone to unintentional surges, such as water currents becoming stronger than intended, potentially causing disruption to allies.
• Condensation Weakness: The Companion becomes increasingly reliant on humidity or available water sources. Prolonged exposure to dry environments weakens their stamina and reduces their ability to generate vapor or manipulate water effectively.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• Their presence may cause nearby water to ripple or gently stir, even in still conditions, as though responding to their energy.
• Subtle, flowing patterns resembling tidal currents may now appear etched into their skin, fur, or scales, glowing faintly during moments of concentration or power use.
• The sound of distant waves or raindrops may softly echo in their vicinity, becoming more distinct when they are in a heightened emotional or focused state.
• When summoning water or mist, the air around the Companion may shimmer faintly, as if infused with a refractive, watery haze.

Level III [250 Shards]

At Level III, the Companion’s mastery over water energy flourishes, enabling them to channel its flow with greater precision and power. Their abilities reflect a balance between serenity and tempestuous strength, granting new ways to influence their environment and enhance their partner’s potential.

Capabilities:

• Surging Torrent: The Companion can summon a powerful, controlled stream of water to knock back enemies, clear obstacles, or aid allies in crossing barriers. This torrent is forceful enough to disrupt enemy formations or extinguish fires.
• Aquatic Barrier: By manipulating water, the Companion can create a semi-solid shield or wall that absorbs or deflects attacks. This barrier is durable for a short time but requires concentration to maintain.
• Hydrodynamic Reflex: The partner gains significantly heightened reflexes and agility in the presence of water, making them more adept at dodging attacks or navigating treacherous environments.
• Waterborne Resilience: The partner gains temporary resistance to water-based or cold-based effects, such as icy winds or aquatic hazards, further strengthening their endurance in challenging conditions.

Difficulties:

• Energy Turbulence: Channeling the increased power of surging torrents or barriers can destabilize the Companion, leading to sudden exhaustion or a temporary inability to control water effectively.
• Surface Instability: When on unstable or non-aquatic terrain, the Companion may struggle to maintain balance and precision, making it harder to summon their full strength.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• When using their abilities, water droplets may hover around the Companion, forming faint halos or ripples that dissolve into mist.
• Their voice might carry the sound of distant storms or flowing rivers during intense moments, subtly shifting to match their emotional state.
• The Companion’s body may glisten as if perpetually damp, with reflective patches that catch and refract light in watery patterns.
• Their movements leave ephemeral trails of light resembling bioluminescent plankton, which fade after a few moments, adding an otherworldly grace to their presence.

Level IV [350 Shards]

At Level IV, the Water Affliction reaches a new level of mastery, allowing the Companion to wield water with increased versatility and power. Their connection embodies water’s dual nature of tranquility and unrelenting force, creating opportunities to protect allies, control enemies, and deepen their bond with their partner.

Capabilities:

• Tidal Embrace: The Companion can summon a flowing, protective wave that encircles themselves and nearby allies, dampening incoming attacks and gently pushing away projectiles. The wave flows with their movements, offering mobility and defense in one.
• Abyssal Surge: By calling on the depths of water’s power, the Companion releases a burst of high-pressure water to knock back enemies, shatter obstacles, or disrupt enemy formations. This surge is strong but requires careful timing to maximize its impact.
• Ocean's Grace: The partner gains a sustained boost to stamina and physical strength when near the Companion, particularly in water-rich environments. This effect enhances their endurance and power in prolonged engagements.
• Depth Perception: The partner develops an enhanced ability to detect hidden or submerged objects, sense underwater currents, and intuitively understand aquatic environments, making exploration and combat in water highly efficient.

Difficulties:

• Pressure Fatigue: Using Abyssal Surge or maintaining Tidal Embrace for extended periods can strain the Companion, leaving them physically exhausted and temporarily unable to summon further abilities.
• Environmental Fragility: Highly volatile or polluted water disrupts the Companion’s control, leading to unpredictable effects or diminished power.
• Wave Backlash: If Tidal Embrace absorbs too much force, the wave may destabilize, collapsing in a chaotic surge that could momentarily disorient both allies and enemies.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• The Companion’s body appears slightly translucent during ability use, with faint, swirling patterns resembling ocean currents visible beneath their skin, fur, or scales.
• A cool, salty breeze often seems to follow them, carrying a hint of sea spray that intensifies during moments of emotional or magical intensity.
• When activating Abyssal Surge, their eyes glow with a deep, abyssal blue, and faint bioluminescent streaks trail their movements.
• Small droplets of water occasionally hover around the Companion, forming intricate, shifting shapes like fractals or waves before evaporating into mist.

Level V [450 Shards]

At Level V, the Companion’s mastery of water reaches profound levels, blending water’s soothing and destructive forces. They can now channel its immense power into more intricate and impactful abilities, creating a deeper synergy with their partner. The Affliction emphasizes adaptability, fluidity, and water’s relentless nature in shaping and reshaping the battlefield.

Capabilities:

• Cascade Strike: The Companion summons a cascade of water that rushes across the battlefield, targeting enemies with forceful bursts that destabilize their footing and knock them off balance. The cascade can be guided to impact specific areas, making it a versatile offensive tool.
• Restorative Tide: The Companion releases a gentle wave of rejuvenating water in a focused area, soothing allies and speeding up recovery from injuries, exhaustion, or negative effects. The tide leaves a calming resonance, bolstering morale and focus.
• Liquid Unity: The partner gains the ability to synchronize their movements with the Companion, enhancing teamwork and granting them increased speed and fluidity in combat. This synergy allows for seamless coordination during high-pressure scenarios.
• Resilient Flow: The partner becomes temporarily resistant to status effects like poison or fatigue while within range of the Companion’s Restorative Tide, reflecting the cleansing and restorative properties of water.

Difficulties:

• Flow Overwhelm: The sheer scale of Cascade Strike requires intense concentration, and overuse can cause the Companion to lose control, resulting in unintended consequences such as flooding or impacting allies.
• Soothing Drain: Restorative Tide, while powerful, requires significant energy, leaving the Companion physically and emotionally drained after prolonged use.
• Environmental Saturation: Overuse of water abilities in a confined or over-saturated area can lead to hazardous conditions, such as slippery terrain or uncontrolled water buildup that affects allies and enemies alike.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• The Companion’s markings glow faintly with an aquamarine hue during ability use, shimmering like sunlight on water.
• Their footsteps leave ripples on solid surfaces, as though stepping on a reflective pool, which vanish after a moment.
• A faint, melodic sound of flowing water or gentle waves accompanies their movements, growing louder during moments of intense focus.
• When activating Restorative Tide, their body exudes a soft, glowing mist that drifts outward, creating an ethereal and serene visual effect.

Level VI [550 Shards]

At Level VI, the Companion’s connection to water achieves unparalleled mastery, allowing them to shape and control it with extraordinary finesse. Their abilities embody water’s adaptability, creating powerful opportunities for both support and offense. Their bond with their partner becomes an unbreakable force, amplifying their collective strength and resilience.

Capabilities:

• Tidal Manipulation: The Companion can summon flexible, watery tendrils to manipulate objects or hinder enemies. These tendrils are precise and versatile, able to pick up and move items, entangle foes, or shield allies from attacks. Their reach and strength reflect the Companion’s growing power.
• Aquatic Rejuvenation: The Companion creates a swirling pool of restorative water that lingers for a limited time. Allies standing within the pool recover from injuries faster, regain stamina, and find their focus sharpened. This rejuvenation also cleanses minor ailments, such as toxins or burns.
• Synchronized Flow: The partner gains the ability to anticipate and react to their surroundings with water-like grace, making them more adept at dodging, counterattacking, or maneuvering in chaotic situations.
• Waveborne Fortitude: The partner’s physical resilience is heightened, particularly in water-rich environments. They gain resistance to concussive forces and recover from fatigue more quickly, reflecting the Companion’s steady, supportive presence.

Difficulties:

• Tendril Overreach: Overusing Tidal Manipulation can strain the Companion’s focus and control, causing the tendrils to dissipate abruptly or act unpredictably.
• Pool Dependency: Aquatic Rejuvenation requires a stable and safe environment to be effective; hostile or disruptive conditions can weaken its potency or cut its duration short.
• Ebbing Reserves: The Companion’s expanded abilities demand substantial energy, leaving them vulnerable to exhaustion if used too frequently in quick succession.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• When summoning watery tendrils, faint bioluminescent patterns shimmer across the tendrils, resembling glowing currents or intricate underwater lifeforms.
• The Companion’s body now appears partially translucent during ability use, as though ripples of water flow beneath their surface.
• A faint mist follows the Companion during moments of heightened emotion or power use, carrying the fresh scent of rain or the sea.
• Their movements leave behind faint, reflective trails of shimmering water, which linger momentarily before fading into the air.

Level VII [650 Shards]

At Level VII, the Companion's mastery of water culminates in the ability to manifest a loyal familiar, a sentient extension of their power. Their control over water becomes nearly limitless, capable of reshaping their surroundings and granting their partner unparalleled synergy. This level reflects water's ability to adapt, endure, and unify.

Capabilities:

• Watery Familiar: The Companion manifests a familiar composed entirely of water. The familiar can take on a small, distinct form (e.g., a serpentine eel, sleek otter, or graceful heron). It aids in combat by disorienting foes with splashes or creating small water bursts, scouts areas stealthily, and bolsters allies with minor restorative effects. The familiar is resilient but dissipates if the Companion's energy is depleted.
• Ocean’s Grasp: The Companion summons an expansive field of tendrils made of water, which sweep across the area, grabbing, pulling, or throwing enemies and objects. These tendrils can also create temporary barriers or redirect attacks, showcasing immense versatility.
• Unity of the Tides: The partner gains heightened combat coordination when the familiar is active, allowing them to anticipate enemy movements and act in perfect harmony with the Companion.
• Endless Currents: The partner’s stamina regenerates more rapidly, and they gain increased resistance to being immobilized or restrained, reflecting the unstoppable flow of water.

Difficulties:

• Familiar Dependency: The familiar requires constant energy from the Companion. If it is disrupted or destroyed, the Companion experiences significant fatigue and reduced control over their abilities until they recover.
• Overlapping Control: Ocean’s Grasp demands extreme focus to control multiple tendrils simultaneously. Overuse can cause them to act chaotically, potentially hindering allies.
• Environmental Strain: Utilizing such expansive abilities in dry or arid environments drains the Companion rapidly, making it difficult to sustain their powers for long periods.

Quirks & Cosmetic Changes (optional):

• The familiar shimmers with a bioluminescent glow, its watery body reflecting the colors and patterns of nearby environments or the Companion’s emotional state.
• When using Ocean’s Grasp, the Companion’s body radiates an aura of swirling water currents, creating the illusion of being surrounded by a living tide.
• Small, hovering droplets form a faint halo around the Companion during moments of intense focus, catching the light and refracting rainbows.
• Their eyes resemble shifting whirlpools, glowing softly during ability activation and growing brighter with emotional intensity.
• When the familiar is active, its movements leave behind delicate, ephemeral water trails, which evaporate into shimmering mist moments later.

Level VIII [750+ Shards]

At Level VIII, Companions ascend to their ultimate specialization, choosing one path that reflects their mastery over water energy and their role in the world. These specializations define their destiny, unlocking unique powers and shaping their connection to water in profound and distinctive ways.

• Abyssal Sovereign: Masters of the deep, these Companions wield the immense power of the ocean’s depths, channeling its crushing pressure and abyssal energy.
  • Example Powers: Summon high-pressure bursts to destroy obstacles, create crushing tidal waves, and shroud areas in impenetrable darkness reminiscent of the ocean floor.
• Tempest Warden: Harnessing the chaotic energy of storms, these Companions command torrential rain, thunderous waves, and devastating winds.
  • Example Powers: Summon localized storms, hurl blasts of pressurized water, and redirect projectiles with swirling water currents.
• Tideweaver Shaman: These Companions blend mystical energy with water's flow, crafting restorative and protective forces that ripple across allies and environments.
  • Example Powers: Create healing tides that regenerate health over time, form energy-infused water shields, and cleanse areas of toxins or magical corruption.
• Glacier Sentinel: While avoiding frost’s domain, these Companions specialize in solidifying water into immense constructs, offering control and defense.
  • Example Powers: Form massive water-based barriers, trap enemies in liquid prisons, and create reinforced water constructs for combat or support.
• Aquatic Luminary: Channeling water’s reflective and refractive properties, these Companions dazzle enemies and inspire allies with breathtaking displays of light and motion.
  • Example Powers: Create blinding light displays from refracted water, boost morale with serene water illusions, and confuse enemies with shifting, hypnotic patterns.
• Serene Tidecaller: Focusing on tranquility, these Companions bring calm and balance to their surroundings, pacifying allies and neutralizing conflicts.
  • Example Powers: Soothe frenzied allies, silence enemies with tranquilizing water mists, and stabilize chaotic environments with restorative water flows.
• Whirlpool Conqueror: Masters of movement and disruption, these Companions use the force of spinning water to dominate the battlefield and control enemy positions.
  • Example Powers: Create massive whirlpools to disorient and trap enemies, pull allies to safety with controlled currents, and redirect incoming attacks with spinning water shields.
• Marebreaker Vanguard: These Companions embody water’s unyielding force, forging forward with relentless momentum and devastating strength.
  • Example Powers: Ram through obstacles with water-formed battering rams, unleash rapid, wave-like assaults, and amplify allies' strength with water-infused energy.
• Celestial Mariner: Blending cosmic mystery with water's vastness, these Companions navigate the interplay between the ocean and the stars, offering guidance and power.
  • Example Powers: Map unseen paths with starlit water patterns, summon cosmic-infused water for powerful attacks, and reveal hidden truths using reflections of the night sky.
• Rippleheart Harmonizer: Masters of emotional depth and connection, these Companions create bonds that empower allies and unify their efforts in battle.
  • Example Powers: Amplify allies’ emotions to bolster their resolve, synchronize movements and attacks with water-linked connections, and create soothing ripples that mend morale and physical wounds alike.