Middin can conjure up small objects called rhopos, and each middin has one favourite rhopos that they will always wear or carry around.
Middin use rhopos for a number of purposes: to underscore their point in a conversation, to make themselves look cool, to pull pranks, and so on. They also distinguish middin from real animals.
Middin usually can’t create anything more than trivial objects, such as pens, hats, toys, etc., unless they are particularly powerful.
Resonance is the mechanism by which middin can become visible and interact with the physical world.
Normally, middin exist on the (fictional) prismawave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Prismawaves are at such a high frequency that middin do not need a physical body to exist here.
Through resonance, Middin can align themselves with other electrical signals. Most notably, they use this power to tune into the electrical impluses of human minds, allowing them to become grounded enough to see, hear, touch, smell and taste all the wonderful things around them, just as a person can.
Teros is the planet on which middin live alongside humans. It is very similar to Earth in size and climate, and it has many analogous locations, cultures, and historical events.
Teros is one of three planets in its solar system. The other notable planet is Oneiron, said to be home to mysterious middin. The three planets revolve around the central sun, Astrum – a star which emits prismawaves.
Tyoma Park
Tyoma Park is a small city on the central plains of the Horizon continent, inspired by Australian and North American suburbia. It is Maia’s hometown and where much of her story takes place.
Middin are ethereal beings, made of energy, that live alongside people on the planet Teros. They can’t interact with the physical world, unless they are near humans (they do this using an ability called “resonance” to align themselves with their brain waves). Middin like to hang around wherever humans are, using their resonance powers to experience all the same things they do – like nice smells, roller coaster rides, and the warmth of the sun. The middin are grateful for this ability, so in return they like to help people in their day-to-day lives (just as well, since humans have a lot of problems).
Sometimes a middin will help a human for just a short while, but often these friendships last longer – even for a lifetime.
When resonating with a particular person’s brainwave activity, middin have something akin to mind-reading abilities – though they are only able to get basic impressions of feelings, rather than detailed thoughts. Being able to feel peoples’ emotions firsthand is why middin sometimes become… overzealous, in trying to help their human friends survive and thrive, resulting in animal instinct behaviours that cause all kinds of problems.
The academic study of middin is called egology. In this discipline, middin behaviour and interactions are studied.
Appearance
Normally, middin are invisible. They use their resonance powers to manifest themselves physically. They take on the appearance of creatures that embody their personality. For example, a middin who is good at helping its human work hard and do well at school or work might look like a beaver.
A middin’s invisible form as seen through an aetherscope, a piece of equipment that can detect prismawaves.
To the naked eye, a middin becoming visible appears to “pop” into existence. Middin can be distinguished from real animals by the rhopos they wear or carry around.
Egregores
There are many myths and legends about powerful middin called egregores, although nobody knows for sure if they ever really existed.
Myrrh helps Maia keep an eye out for cool stuff lying around. If it’s pretty, interesting, or useful, Myrrh will make sure Maia takes it home. Naturally, she loves going to the dump with Maia to scavenge the junk heaps. The only problem is that Maia’s bedroom has practically become a dump, too.
Personality
Magpies are renowned for collecting shiny things.
Name meaning
Myrrh is a golden tree resin. It is used to make valuable perfumes, incenses, and medicines.
Ziggy helps Maia by trying to keep her safe from all the scary things of the world. Only it’s hard when there are just… so many of them. His panicking can seem useless at best and embarrassing at worst, but his keen sense for danger occasionally saves the day.
Personality
Ziggy is some variety of mutt, representing anxiety. He also has an innocent and playful side and is unwaveringly loyal to Maia and his job in protecting her.
Maia is an ambitious young girl with a big heart – although at the beginning of her journey she is a little unsure of herself and can’t quite get a handle on her middin, Ziggy, Fyren and Lillemor, who are always pulling her in different directions.
Life
Maia lives in the suburban town of Tyoma Park with her mother, Cass, and father, Finnian, who are both theater actors. Although they are loving parents, they can be self-absorbed in the dramatic play that is their lives. And their flamboyant middin are even worse – especially if you have to live with them, as Maia does.
Maia goes to Tyoma Park Elementary school where she has just started 6th grade. She strives to do well in her classes to keep her teachers happy. She enjoys science, but most of the other subjects are kind of a drag to her.
In her free time, Maia likes to make models, gadgets, toys, and sculptures out of junk, with the help of Myrrh. They frequent the local dump to find materials for her creations. Her most recent project is trying to build a rocket that can reach the sun.
Lillemor helps Maia to “be good”. “Being good” actually entails a lot of small jobs throughout the day, so you can see why Lillemor is always working diligently. Chores… Keeping teachers happy… Keeping parents happy… Making sure Fyren isn’t being a bad influence… Making sure Ziggy doesn’t do anything weird in front of other people… Homework… Hygiene… Planning for Maia’s career… Planning breakfast……………..
Personality
Bears are the embodiment of motherly love and care. Lillemor’s methods can be fierce – you might even say overbearing – but her sensible and pragmatic approach is a real asset in Maia’s life.
If you mess with Maia, you will have to answer to Fyren. She often uses playful sass and sarcasm to soften her blows, but occasionally she will say what she really thinks – much to Lillemor’s dismay. She encourages Maia to seek out fun and adventure, and to embrace spontaneity, especially when it means getting away from the demands of grown-ups.
Personality
Foxes are known to be clever, cunning, and sly. Fyren will do whatever it takes to help Maia get her needs met, whether it be creative problem solving, smooth talking, or just a good old-fashioned lie.
Name meaning
“Fyren” is an old English word meaning “fiery” or “of fire”, referring to Fyren’s burning passion and wit, as well as a fox’s red coat.
