Wisps, also known as will o' wisps, are hovering phosphorescent balls of light.

There have been ongoing debates amongst scholars of Erinn as to whether these creatures are living organisms or something entirely different. The most common theory is that they are parts of a dead person's soul that have been magically preserved. However, unlike other undeads, wisps are most often seen out in the fields, not dungeons. Furthermore, their behaviors are quite different from other undeads as well. As a result, there are some scholars who simply don't buy this theory. Instead, they argue that wisps are an entirely new organism created by a fusion of magic and inorganic elements.

Despite all these debates, however, no one will deny that wisps show signs of intellect and emotion.

Although they aren't capable of speech, they have their own way of expressing their emotions. It has recently been reported that there's been a huge surge of wisp attacks on humans as of late.

This book was not written as an academic study of wisps, but rather as a guidebook to understanding them so as to help travelers stay out of harm's way. I have gathered all existing reports regarding wisps here in order to study their language, which should give insight into their behavioral patterns.

The first thing to remember about wisps is that they are not naturally aggressive creatures. The majority of people who have been attacked by wisps have reported that the attacks happened just as they were staring at the wisp in bewilderment. Many of them have also reported that they were carrying a weapon in their hands. Based on this data, we have gathered that wisps feel threatened when they are stared at for long periods of time, and by anyone who is carrying a weapon.

The following are typical signs of wisp expressions:

?, !?!?, ??? : The wisp feels threatened.

A wisp, when left alone, is harmless. However, if the wisp signals the above signs, you should immediately switch to combat mode or run to a safe place. Many travelers say they made the mistake of standing around, mesmerized by the creature. Next thing you know, they're knocked out on the ground.

What signs does the wisp signals when it is about to attack?

! : It will use a regular attack.

!!!! : It will use the Smash attack.

After the wisp signals the question mark filled sign, expressing its hostility, it will express various attack signs. The wisp is extremely fast, so it's best to flee the area before it chooses its attack. If it's too late, you need to try to decode the signal so as to respond quickly.

The following is a list of other attack signals used by the wisp:

!! : It will use Defense, and is waiting for the enemy's attack.

!!! : A body of lightning will begin to form and circle around the wisp.

!!!!! : It will use Counterattack.

When the wisp shows 2 or 3 exclamation marks, the wisp will stay in place. However, you need to distinguish between the two quickly, or you just might get struck with a deadly lightning bolt. The wisp is obsessed with using powerful magic, so you'd be better served to fight in close combat, preventing it from using magic attacks. You will also need to pay careful attention when the wisp shows 4 to 5 exclamation marks. Although these are similar in number, they mean two very different things.

Though there still are many mysterious unknowns that surround these creatures, we should be grateful for the fact that we are able to decode their language. I am thankful to all those who have sacrificed their lives to obtain this information, and I hope that this book will prevent any future misfortunes or tragedies in the future.

On a side note, I've heard that the wisp's language is very similar to that of the Black Warrior and Black Soldier who have also recently emerged in Erinn. If I ever I get the chance, I hope to research their language as well.