[OOC/Character notes] How to tell if an energy phage has been noshing on you
There are several different indicators, and these vary, depending on the technique involved.
Ambient feeding
If it's a low-grade ambient feeding, you may not even notice anything happening, since the phage is merely absorbing emotional or spirit energy that has drifted away from you as part of the normal energy cycle. Some phages will do this to "clear the air" and may even use harmless compulsions to achieve it: the only way you'd notice anything happening is if a conversation has gotten rather animated and the phage politely moves the conversation into a less emotionally charged mode.
Low-grade contact feeding
This may happen if the phage is close by you and if the air suddenly becomes oddly warm or cool of a sudden and there's an odd "charge" to that warmth or coolness. This means the phage has shifted their energy field from a passive state to an active state and is absorbing or about to absorb energy from you, usually by skimming from the surface of your own energy field. This may be used as a "back off" or "look at me" technique.
Direct contact feeding
Usually happens if the phage has gotten into your personal space somehow and may or may not have touched or be touching you. Similar to a low-grade contact feeding, except physical contact is usually involved. The phage will feel unusually cool or warm to the touch wherever they've made contact.
Full contact feeding
Usually involves some direct and intense physical contact, ie. sparring with the phage, receiving a massage, sexual intercourse, etc. Air will become heavily charged and unusually warm or cool. Points of contact with the phage are very warm or cool to the touch. A feeling of euphoria or a deep fear may be sensed, depending on the situation. After the phage disengages, the donor will likely feel very sleepy and/or relaxed (or profoundly shaken and agitated, though exhausted).
Astral feeding or "dream-walking"
The person asleep may have strange, even disturbing dreams, but may not always see the face of the phage in those dreams. These are usually vivid, but may fade when the person awakens (unless the phage deliberately manipulates their mind to forget them). Upon awakening, the person may feel extremely lethargic, a sensation which may go away once the person refreshes themself (taking a shower, having a good breakfast, etc.), or it may linger throughout the day, fading only after the following night.
Ambient feeding
If it's a low-grade ambient feeding, you may not even notice anything happening, since the phage is merely absorbing emotional or spirit energy that has drifted away from you as part of the normal energy cycle. Some phages will do this to "clear the air" and may even use harmless compulsions to achieve it: the only way you'd notice anything happening is if a conversation has gotten rather animated and the phage politely moves the conversation into a less emotionally charged mode.
Low-grade contact feeding
This may happen if the phage is close by you and if the air suddenly becomes oddly warm or cool of a sudden and there's an odd "charge" to that warmth or coolness. This means the phage has shifted their energy field from a passive state to an active state and is absorbing or about to absorb energy from you, usually by skimming from the surface of your own energy field. This may be used as a "back off" or "look at me" technique.
Direct contact feeding
Usually happens if the phage has gotten into your personal space somehow and may or may not have touched or be touching you. Similar to a low-grade contact feeding, except physical contact is usually involved. The phage will feel unusually cool or warm to the touch wherever they've made contact.
Full contact feeding
Usually involves some direct and intense physical contact, ie. sparring with the phage, receiving a massage, sexual intercourse, etc. Air will become heavily charged and unusually warm or cool. Points of contact with the phage are very warm or cool to the touch. A feeling of euphoria or a deep fear may be sensed, depending on the situation. After the phage disengages, the donor will likely feel very sleepy and/or relaxed (or profoundly shaken and agitated, though exhausted).
Astral feeding or "dream-walking"
The person asleep may have strange, even disturbing dreams, but may not always see the face of the phage in those dreams. These are usually vivid, but may fade when the person awakens (unless the phage deliberately manipulates their mind to forget them). Upon awakening, the person may feel extremely lethargic, a sensation which may go away once the person refreshes themself (taking a shower, having a good breakfast, etc.), or it may linger throughout the day, fading only after the following night.