Glossary - Walk-ins
Definitions related to Walk-ins. These definitions are a combination of personal insight and well-known internet definitions.
Body-Use / Body User
Another way to say Fronting. There are some group members who are not always within the body. They may leave it in order to enter their headspace or other realms. They aren't just fronting and stepping back, they are using the body and then leaving it completely.
See also: Fronting, Gateways
Canon
Some individuals arrive to a group from another place. These individuals, sometimes known as Soulbonds, Walk-ins or Fictives, have a media source such as a book or film to which they belong. Their story history or source is known as their canon. Some are quite connected to their canon source, while others deviate a great deal.
Factives
A term used to mean "people from actual history" and "a living person, such as an actor or other famous individual". These could also include sports athletes, singers, authors, and scientists. These individuals could be living now in the present or deceased from the past. The word came about as a play on the opposite of a Fictive (which is a person from a fictional media source). An example of a Factive would be: George Washington, Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton, Lady Gaga, and Johnny Depp. The only time a Factive may become a Fictive is if the individual group member is from a representation of a historical figure. For instance, a character from The Tudors: this series dramatizes the life of Henry VIII and his wives. These portrayals are not entirely factual and may be considered fictional. This depends on the group and how they wish to view those within. Even though this is a fairly new term, this experience has existed for many years. Silhouettes refer to such individuals as Walk-ins.
*Also used: Soulbond, Walk-in, Fictive, Mediakin, Factkin
Fandom
A fan domain community that surrounds a tv show/movie/book etc. Fanfiction writers, artists, poets, and cosplayers are all members of that fandom. Fandoms often consist of message boards, livejournal communities, and people. Many Plurals and Soulbonders are involved in various Fandoms, especially if members of their Head Space or Groups are from a particular media.
Fictionkin
Fictionkin are individuals who believe they were once a fictional character in a previous lifetime. This is different from Soulbonds: who actually believe they are currently these "fictional" individuals, Otakukin: who believe they were someone from Japanese pop culture in a past life, Otherkin: who believe they share space with a reincarnated soul of a mythical creature, and Therian: who feel a connection with an animal. Some also use Fictionkin as an umbrella term encompassing Soulbonds, Otakukin, Otherkin and Therians.
*Also used: Mediakin.
Fictive
A Fictive is an individual who originated from a media source. Fictive is another word for a Soulbond. Some prefer this term over Soulbond due to Soulbond's original religious connotations. Others dislike using Fictive as a description at risk to calling themselves 'fiction' or 'fake'. It can be seen as a derogatory word to many, pointing out that a person may actually be less real or fake due to their origins.
*Also used: Soulbond, Walk-in, Mediakin.
Furries
In the simplest sense, Furries are fans of anthropomorphic animals. That is, animals with human like features or tendencies (Fox McCloud, Sonic the Hedgehog... etc) pretty much all Furries will create their own character or "fursona" for use as an art model and role-playing.
Head Canon
A fandom term meaning "an idea, belief, or aspect of a story that is not mentioned in the media itself, but is accepted by either the reader themselves or the fandom in general. If it is confirmed by the author of the story, it becomes canon." Many individuals have personal histories that vary greatly from the media source from which they originated. This history could be called Head Canon. Yet, this could make it appear that it was a created history instead of actually happening for that particular person.
*Also used: In-sourced
In-sourced
An In-sourced individual is someone whose origins did not come from created media. This term is used mostly in relation to Soulbonding, Fan-fiction writing, and role-playing as a way to determine who came from a media canon source and who was created internally. An in-sourced individual can also reside within a known media source, yet not be an "official" canon creation. For instance, Sara is a Jedi, yet she is not mentioned in any canon material. Original members of a Plural group have also been referred to as In-sourced. Tulpa may also fall into this category.
Otherkin
"A person who holds the belief that they are not entirely (or not at all) human. Usually a spiritual belief pertaining to one's soul and the reincarnation thereof, but may also be a belief that one's genetics are descended from, for example, the Irish fae. The word Otherkin was coined to describe people who felt a connection to mythological humanoids such as elves and faeries, but has expanded in recent years to include dragons, gryphons/griffins and other supposedly mythical beasts as well as animals, angelic/demonic beings (angelkin/demonkin) and in some cases extraterrestrials." Otherkin see themselves as having bodies with attributes very different from the human body they may inhabit. Some may use the word Otherkin in reference to any non-human individuals.
*Also used: Therian, Angelkin, Dragonkin
Out-sourced
An Out-sourced individual is someone whose origins came from a created media source. This term is used mostly in relation to Soulbonding, Fan-fiction writing, and role-playing as a way to determine who came from a media canon source and who was created internally (in-sourced).
Soulbond
In a Plural sense, a Soulbond (Fictive, Walk-in) is an individual with a connection to a media source. The connection can exist in the form of physical appearance or canon history. For many, a Soulbond is a physically real person, no different than anyone else in their group. A Soulbond can match their media canon, or have a personal canon that is all their own. Some people do consider a Soulbond to be less-than a real member of a Plural group, seeing them as only a vague presence. Many groups have stepped away from using this word due to the many varied meanings and controversy associated with it. Another word for a Soulbond can be a Fictive.
"Originally, Soulbond was a term in esoteric and occult writings and in romantic novels, where it meant a twin soul, one's ideal mate, or simply a very strong friendship lasting across many lifetimes, rather than a relationship with a non-material friend." Soulbond is also a term "sometimes used by writers to describe the common phenomenon in which they feel one or more of their characters has taken on a life of its own and talks back to them or pushes the plot in their own direction." A Soulbond can also mean "a strong attachment to a fictional or historical character and/or the story of said character; a habit of holding mental conversations with such a character; a sort of imaginary friend for grown-ups."
Silhouettes had their first Soulbond/Walk-in arrive to their group in early childhood.
*Also used: Fictive, Walk-in
Soulbonder
A Soulbonder is a person who has Soulbonds or Media Walk-ins as part of their existence. A Soulbonder may consider themselves completely separate from the Plural experience. Yet, there are also Plurals who have Soulbonds as members of their groups.
Starseed
A Starseed is an individual who feels they originated from a world other than Earth. Their souls or minds have traveled in order to take up residence in a human body.
Therian/Therianthropy
"Short for Therianthrope, a therian is someone who feels a connection with an animal; not necessarily an animal from this plane either. Although most accepted Therians tend to be animals such as wolves or big cats, there are some who believe themselves to be unicorns or other mythical creatures. The connection the person feels with the animal can range from feeling they have been born into the wrong body (similar to those with gender issues), to simply a belief that they were an animal in a past life and still retain some memories or behaviors of said animal. Therians may be able to physically become the animal they have a connection with, while others only feel "mental shifts" as though their whole thought process becomes that of the animals. Therians are not to be confused with the Furry fandom who have a completely different relationship with animals."
*Also used: Otherkin
Tulpa
In the religious-version, this is a belief in Tibetan Buddhism where a person is able to turn an idea of a being into a tangible, interactive being. It is a magical creature that attains corporeal reality, having been originally merely imaginary. It is also believed that if this created being were to take on a life of its own, it was necessary to destroy it. An example of a Tulpa is Pennywise from the Stephen King novel It.
In the the Plural-version, according to Tulpa.info, "A tulpa is an independent consciousness in the mind, and is ultimately no different from you. A tulpa is essentially a mind that (usually) identifies with a form, created by an individual as a mental companion. Their form can be chosen by the creator of the tulpa, but it can also be left for the tulpa to decide on." For years, many Plurals have made 'thought creations' before the name Tulpamancy was attached to the act. Usually, these creations were referred to as 'I intentionally created a new person' or 'my story character took on a life of their own'.
*Also used: Thoughtform, Imaginary Friend, Golem.
Walk-in
A Walk-in is an individual whose birth and origins began somewhere other than the Group's original Realm. These Walk-ins have decided to visit, move in, or take up residence with a particular group. Some are regular visitors who come and go, and others are permanent residents. It isn't unusual for Walk-ins to have their own memories which are completely separate from the others in the group. Soulbonds, Fictives, and Otherkin can fall into this category; as individuals who arrived from elsewhere. Media Walk-in can be another word for Soulbond. In the past, people have used "Walk-in" in relation to channeled spirits, angels, past lives, and otherworldly inhabitants who may not stay for long.
*Also used: Soulbond, Fictive, Media Walk-in, Fictionkin, Otherkin.
Body-Use / Body User
Another way to say Fronting. There are some group members who are not always within the body. They may leave it in order to enter their headspace or other realms. They aren't just fronting and stepping back, they are using the body and then leaving it completely.
See also: Fronting, Gateways
Canon
Some individuals arrive to a group from another place. These individuals, sometimes known as Soulbonds, Walk-ins or Fictives, have a media source such as a book or film to which they belong. Their story history or source is known as their canon. Some are quite connected to their canon source, while others deviate a great deal.
Factives
A term used to mean "people from actual history" and "a living person, such as an actor or other famous individual". These could also include sports athletes, singers, authors, and scientists. These individuals could be living now in the present or deceased from the past. The word came about as a play on the opposite of a Fictive (which is a person from a fictional media source). An example of a Factive would be: George Washington, Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton, Lady Gaga, and Johnny Depp. The only time a Factive may become a Fictive is if the individual group member is from a representation of a historical figure. For instance, a character from The Tudors: this series dramatizes the life of Henry VIII and his wives. These portrayals are not entirely factual and may be considered fictional. This depends on the group and how they wish to view those within. Even though this is a fairly new term, this experience has existed for many years. Silhouettes refer to such individuals as Walk-ins.
*Also used: Soulbond, Walk-in, Fictive, Mediakin, Factkin
Fandom
A fan domain community that surrounds a tv show/movie/book etc. Fanfiction writers, artists, poets, and cosplayers are all members of that fandom. Fandoms often consist of message boards, livejournal communities, and people. Many Plurals and Soulbonders are involved in various Fandoms, especially if members of their Head Space or Groups are from a particular media.
Fictionkin
Fictionkin are individuals who believe they were once a fictional character in a previous lifetime. This is different from Soulbonds: who actually believe they are currently these "fictional" individuals, Otakukin: who believe they were someone from Japanese pop culture in a past life, Otherkin: who believe they share space with a reincarnated soul of a mythical creature, and Therian: who feel a connection with an animal. Some also use Fictionkin as an umbrella term encompassing Soulbonds, Otakukin, Otherkin and Therians.
*Also used: Mediakin.
Fictive
A Fictive is an individual who originated from a media source. Fictive is another word for a Soulbond. Some prefer this term over Soulbond due to Soulbond's original religious connotations. Others dislike using Fictive as a description at risk to calling themselves 'fiction' or 'fake'. It can be seen as a derogatory word to many, pointing out that a person may actually be less real or fake due to their origins.
*Also used: Soulbond, Walk-in, Mediakin.
Furries
In the simplest sense, Furries are fans of anthropomorphic animals. That is, animals with human like features or tendencies (Fox McCloud, Sonic the Hedgehog... etc) pretty much all Furries will create their own character or "fursona" for use as an art model and role-playing.
Head Canon
A fandom term meaning "an idea, belief, or aspect of a story that is not mentioned in the media itself, but is accepted by either the reader themselves or the fandom in general. If it is confirmed by the author of the story, it becomes canon." Many individuals have personal histories that vary greatly from the media source from which they originated. This history could be called Head Canon. Yet, this could make it appear that it was a created history instead of actually happening for that particular person.
*Also used: In-sourced
In-sourced
An In-sourced individual is someone whose origins did not come from created media. This term is used mostly in relation to Soulbonding, Fan-fiction writing, and role-playing as a way to determine who came from a media canon source and who was created internally. An in-sourced individual can also reside within a known media source, yet not be an "official" canon creation. For instance, Sara is a Jedi, yet she is not mentioned in any canon material. Original members of a Plural group have also been referred to as In-sourced. Tulpa may also fall into this category.
Otherkin
"A person who holds the belief that they are not entirely (or not at all) human. Usually a spiritual belief pertaining to one's soul and the reincarnation thereof, but may also be a belief that one's genetics are descended from, for example, the Irish fae. The word Otherkin was coined to describe people who felt a connection to mythological humanoids such as elves and faeries, but has expanded in recent years to include dragons, gryphons/griffins and other supposedly mythical beasts as well as animals, angelic/demonic beings (angelkin/demonkin) and in some cases extraterrestrials." Otherkin see themselves as having bodies with attributes very different from the human body they may inhabit. Some may use the word Otherkin in reference to any non-human individuals.
*Also used: Therian, Angelkin, Dragonkin
Out-sourced
An Out-sourced individual is someone whose origins came from a created media source. This term is used mostly in relation to Soulbonding, Fan-fiction writing, and role-playing as a way to determine who came from a media canon source and who was created internally (in-sourced).
Soulbond
In a Plural sense, a Soulbond (Fictive, Walk-in) is an individual with a connection to a media source. The connection can exist in the form of physical appearance or canon history. For many, a Soulbond is a physically real person, no different than anyone else in their group. A Soulbond can match their media canon, or have a personal canon that is all their own. Some people do consider a Soulbond to be less-than a real member of a Plural group, seeing them as only a vague presence. Many groups have stepped away from using this word due to the many varied meanings and controversy associated with it. Another word for a Soulbond can be a Fictive.
"Originally, Soulbond was a term in esoteric and occult writings and in romantic novels, where it meant a twin soul, one's ideal mate, or simply a very strong friendship lasting across many lifetimes, rather than a relationship with a non-material friend." Soulbond is also a term "sometimes used by writers to describe the common phenomenon in which they feel one or more of their characters has taken on a life of its own and talks back to them or pushes the plot in their own direction." A Soulbond can also mean "a strong attachment to a fictional or historical character and/or the story of said character; a habit of holding mental conversations with such a character; a sort of imaginary friend for grown-ups."
Silhouettes had their first Soulbond/Walk-in arrive to their group in early childhood.
*Also used: Fictive, Walk-in
Soulbonder
A Soulbonder is a person who has Soulbonds or Media Walk-ins as part of their existence. A Soulbonder may consider themselves completely separate from the Plural experience. Yet, there are also Plurals who have Soulbonds as members of their groups.
Starseed
A Starseed is an individual who feels they originated from a world other than Earth. Their souls or minds have traveled in order to take up residence in a human body.
Therian/Therianthropy
"Short for Therianthrope, a therian is someone who feels a connection with an animal; not necessarily an animal from this plane either. Although most accepted Therians tend to be animals such as wolves or big cats, there are some who believe themselves to be unicorns or other mythical creatures. The connection the person feels with the animal can range from feeling they have been born into the wrong body (similar to those with gender issues), to simply a belief that they were an animal in a past life and still retain some memories or behaviors of said animal. Therians may be able to physically become the animal they have a connection with, while others only feel "mental shifts" as though their whole thought process becomes that of the animals. Therians are not to be confused with the Furry fandom who have a completely different relationship with animals."
*Also used: Otherkin
Tulpa
In the religious-version, this is a belief in Tibetan Buddhism where a person is able to turn an idea of a being into a tangible, interactive being. It is a magical creature that attains corporeal reality, having been originally merely imaginary. It is also believed that if this created being were to take on a life of its own, it was necessary to destroy it. An example of a Tulpa is Pennywise from the Stephen King novel It.
In the the Plural-version, according to Tulpa.info, "A tulpa is an independent consciousness in the mind, and is ultimately no different from you. A tulpa is essentially a mind that (usually) identifies with a form, created by an individual as a mental companion. Their form can be chosen by the creator of the tulpa, but it can also be left for the tulpa to decide on." For years, many Plurals have made 'thought creations' before the name Tulpamancy was attached to the act. Usually, these creations were referred to as 'I intentionally created a new person' or 'my story character took on a life of their own'.
*Also used: Thoughtform, Imaginary Friend, Golem.
Walk-in
A Walk-in is an individual whose birth and origins began somewhere other than the Group's original Realm. These Walk-ins have decided to visit, move in, or take up residence with a particular group. Some are regular visitors who come and go, and others are permanent residents. It isn't unusual for Walk-ins to have their own memories which are completely separate from the others in the group. Soulbonds, Fictives, and Otherkin can fall into this category; as individuals who arrived from elsewhere. Media Walk-in can be another word for Soulbond. In the past, people have used "Walk-in" in relation to channeled spirits, angels, past lives, and otherworldly inhabitants who may not stay for long.
*Also used: Soulbond, Fictive, Media Walk-in, Fictionkin, Otherkin.
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