Despite the fact that Rafters are generally considered to be roaming beasts they possess living root like appendages that burrow deep into the very ground of the Shadowlands when the creatures sleep or rest. Recent JOBE research papers on these beasts discuss the belief held by the Yuttos that these roots are capable of absorbing the very essence of the other creatures that inhabit the Shadowlands. Various Yuttos lore apparently claims that all living creatures produce a spiritual residue that is shed just like skin or hair, and this spiritual energy is taken into the ground and then in turn absorbed by the Rafter's roots.

The roots of the Mire Rafter are said to be particularly susceptible to absorbing the essence of humanoid creatures like the Xan. In fact some Xan artifacts tell that it was Mire Rafters that first developed the ability to communicate intelligently after prolonged and sustained exposure to areas where there were heavy Xan populations. This ability was then spread to the other Rafter breeds through breeding.