A major artifact power which occupies four points of Ego and which endows artificial and resident personalities with the ability to move themselves. The object can only move where it has joints or other moving parts. Thus, animating a vase would have less than spectacular results. If cast as the object is being made/grown, Duration is permanent. Otherwise, Duration is indefinite.
Animus grants Strength of 1d6+SI, as well as Dexterity, Agility and Speed of 1d6+SI where applicable. On CS, one of these statistics is raised to 2d6+SI (caster's choice). Such entities do not tire and do not feel injuries, but for purposes of calculating Initiative, etc., animated objects are treated as having Endurance 18.
For "real spirits", captured with Soul Stealer (or similar enchantment), skill MLs are reduced, as per ML Decline (see Tome of the Shek Pvar), depending upon the amount of time since the spirit last had a body. The new ML is also reduced an additional 10% due to the spirit's unfamiliarity with the new body. False Souls open skills at OML, depending upon appropriate training.
The caster can animate up to SIxSIx10 pounds. For an object of multiple components (e.g., a skeleton), the caster must choose a "control piece", in which the personality is said to reside. If any of the component parts are smashed during Duration, all parts which trace linkage to the control through the broken one immediately fall from the object. (Hence, smashing the control-piece destroys the animus.)
(none)
Fatigue: (15 - SI)x3.5
Time: 15 - SI hours
Range: Touch
Duration: See above