A wraith is a type of ghost or spirit that is traditionally said to be the embodiment of souls who are either on the verge of death or who have recently passed on. The term "wraith" is a Scottish word for "ghost," "apparition," or "spirit". Wraiths are often associated with an undead sorcerer or sorceress that failed to become healthy at their deathbed through certain unnatural methods. They are usually depicted as a rather unpleasant and/or grotesque version of a human ghost, seen in dark purple robes that are kind of ripped and carrying large scythes.
Wraiths have different abilities and weaknesses depending on the mythology or fiction they are featured in. For example, in Dungeons & Dragons, wraiths are a type of undead that can drain the life force of living creatures. In the TV show Stargate Atlantis, the Wraith are an alien race that feed on the life force of humans. In Supernatural, wraiths are humanoid creatures that feed on human brains and can alter the perceptions of any person they touch.
In general, some common abilities and weaknesses of wraiths include:
Abilities:
- Infectious touch: A wraith can alter the perceptions of any person they touch, making them hallucinate or unbalancing them emotionally.
- Invulnerability: Wraiths can withstand conventional weaponry, such as being shot.
- Feeding spike: Wraiths are equipped with an organic spike that extends from their wrist, which allows them to feed on the brains of their victims.
- Regeneration: Snapping off the feeding spike may disorient a wraith, but it will grow back after a short period of time.
- Super strength: A wraith can easily overpower a human.
Weaknesses:
- Mirrors: A wraiths true form is revealed in a mirror.
- Psychics: Some psychics can use their abilities to perceive a wraiths true form without a mirror.
- Severe brain damage: A wraith can be killed by severe brain damage.
Overall, wraiths are a type of ghost or spirit that have different abilities and weaknesses depending on the mythology or fiction they are featured in.