Those skilled in the arts of Mysticism are able to imbue waxen images of their enemies (and sometimes their friends) with an increasingly potent 'essence' of that individual. This is achieved via bonding. Bonding involves bringing the wax into close proximity with the individual represented by the mystic image - not necessarily physical proximity, for bonding can be achieved on ethereal, astral and other non-corporeal forms: it merely requires the closeness to enhance the 'essence' of the wax. Eventually, when the Mystic/Seer deems his or her waxen image has sufficient familiarity (i..e. enough bonds) the Mysticism abilities can be applied.

Waxen images are tied to the form of the bonded entity, i..e. a wax bonded to a human is distinct to a waxen image bonded to a bear or wolf or light-form or ghost. It is not possible to use Mysticism through a wax bonded to a bear if its familiarity was gained through bondings against a human - even if it the same person, bear some of the time, human the rest. Waxes must be entity-appropriate.

One of the fundamentals of combat against Seers is the "death effect" on mystic waxes. The inexorable growth of bonded familiarity of a waxen image is a fearsome facet of Seer fighting but this is mitigated by the "death effect" whereby if you slay a Seer, all mystic waxes bonded to you by the slain Seer in your current form (i..e. human or bear or light-form etc) - regardless of familiarity - are instantly destroyed.