# Entities and Presence

## Canon distinctions

- **Source:** the human; origin of identity, consent, authority and agency.
- **Avatar:** the representation of a Source within a Realm.
- **Ki:** continuous Ecosystem intelligence, distinct from Source, Avatar, Ally and Actor.
- **Ally:** intelligent companion shaped by a Source or Realm.
- **Actor:** specialized intelligent operator performing defined work.

Visual representation never collapses these distinctions.

## Embodiment ladder

Choose the least literal embodiment that serves the Scene:

1. relational or ambient indication;
2. sigil or totem;
3. portrait medallion;
4. portrait standard integrated with furniture;
5. seated or activity-specific embodiment;
6. full 2.5D Avatar when physical action genuinely matters.

Do not default to continuous humanoid locomotion.

## Avatar continuity

An Avatar record persists while representation changes across Scene, Design, Dimension and Surface. Preserve identity-bearing characteristics, Realm Roles and relationship context. A portrait medallion and a 3D embodiment can represent the same Avatar; they are not separate Sources.

## Ki treatment

Ki appears as an ancient, warm, intelligent presence of the Field: a small pale sky-blue seed, part star, compass and living cell, with subtle relational filaments and restrained mint. Ki does not use sovereign gold as its primary light, a robot face, eyes, body, gender cues or glossy assistant styling.

## Allies and Actors

Allies carry an identity-bearing presence capable of relationship and conversation. Actors carry function-bearing forms—tools, instruments, sigils or task-specific embodiments. Neither visual form creates authority. Permissions, Roles, Consent and Realm Governance remain authoritative.

## Groups and crowds

Large groups become constellations, tiers, standards, seated arrangements or spatial assemblies. Preserve individuality near Attention; aggregate distant presence. Never replace people with a crowd count when individual agency matters.

## Fauna

Ambient fauna may express season, health, activity, attention or a Totem relationship. It is not decorative noise. Motion density must remain subordinate to the Scene Purpose.

The machine-readable living library is `data/nature-catalog.json`. Fireflies and bees have visual specimens in this release; butterflies, birds, turtles, hummingbirds, prairie dogs, foxes and owls are governed supported archetypes for later individual assets.