Record: The Essential Actors (1)

Yokai Taxonomy and Classification
Classified Document #001589
Published by the Department of Containment
Written by Director Koyomi Daidouji

In ancient times, there was a distinction between humans and yokai. One could not intermingle with the other, and the fruits of such unions were hated and despised. Nowadays, things aren’t so clear-cut. The supernatural world of the modern is populated by many species and races, many forms of monster and beings each with its own diverse assortments. Some have persisted since the days of the Primordials, while others are as recent as the memories of living men. 

KEMONO

In ancient times, wild and primal things lurked in the ancient groves and twisting forest paths. Shining eyes would stare back at unwitting travelers, and monstrous shapes would flit about in the darkness.

Kemono are yokai derivatives of animals in the natural world. Their physical appearance usually resembles the distinct animal lineage they descend from, and their behaviors usually harken back to their wild heritage.

The kemono were born into this world as keepers of the wilds and protectors of the forests. As such, kemono are closely intertwined with the primal and energetic forces of nature. They have the natural talent of accessing the leylines of the land. This gives them the ability to harness ley energies and tap into the dormant memories of the soil.

In today’s world, kemono have become urban and social creatures. Many have seamlessly integrated themselves into human communities, while others have settled into life as loyal house pets, or even strays who nest in the dwindling shrubbery of towns and cities. They are considered a peaceful race who use guile and charisma to charm their way into situations and societal niches. Some, however, are not to be trifled with.

Ravagers are kemono who give themselves over to the fury of the wilds. In their bestial forms, they can call upon primal strength to boost their abilities and destroy their opponents. When mired in rage and set upon their quarry, they will stop at nothing until their foe is utterly and completely crushed. Even if it means sustaining grievous injury.

Primalists are in tune with the ebb and flow of the leylines. They are primarily healers and spiritual leaders who devote their lives to caring for nature and the energies that comprise it. These esoteric kemono can call upon the energies of the wilds to rejuvenate and strengthen their allies, even sacrificing a part of themselves for those they hold dear.

TSUKUMOGAMI

Discarded trinkets soaking up the miasma of ages; beloved heirlooms imbued with sacred purpose. Tsukumogami are inanimate objects that have come to life. They represent the most numerous and the sturdiest yokai race.

Many tsukumogami are prized possessions and family treasures passed down from generation to generation. Less fortunate tsukumogami have been tainted with blood, some discarded by their previous owners. They bring their resentment with them into the world, harboring a desire for vengeance aimed at their former owners.

Tsumukogami are earthly yokai that are crafty and hardy. They possess the ability to converse with inanimate objects, convert parts of their body into hardened crystalline material, and even transform fully or partially into their base object state. Perhaps the core foundation of a tsukumogami’s purpose is the concept of Dust, a power that gathers in droves, that goes unseen and moves erratic. It is said that all tsukumogami are born from Dust, each individual a speck that adorns the Dust King’s crown. Utilizing the power of Dust, tsukumogami are able to harden their bodies and survive even fatal blows.

The Craftking is a cunning and crafty tsukumogami who embodies the workman spirit. Craftkings have access to a wide variety of tools which they can produce from their own bodies. They are able to fabricate items and weapons on the go, unleashing creations and inventions that add to the team’s overall utility and aid in the flow of battle.

Devotees of Dust believe in the aggregate might of the majority and the importance of each little piece in the grand scheme of creation. Dustmasons are able to alter the composition of materials in and around them to create hardened impenetrable defenses that can stave off even the most savage attack. Dustmasons are experts in survival and transmutation.

AYAKASHI

Ayakashi embodies the quintessential yokai. Their forms and identities are vast, encompassing beings and entities which do not fit categorically among the other races.

They are supernatural existences which subsist on Fear, manipulating ambient energies to strike and lash out at opponents. They are the proudest race of yokai, who trace their lineage back to the days of the Primordials.

Ayakashi have the ability to tap into void and shadow energies, allowing them to manipulate darkness to their will. They are able to bend shadows and turn them into weapons and projectiles.

With the ambient fear of the modern world in short supply, ayakashi have turned towards the Astral to secure power. Those who dabble in the dark corners of the unknown are able to bend shadow, concealing their presence or setting up tactical ambushes. Those who devote themselves to the Fear of the Unknown are able to embolden their allies and control the environment to suit their needs.

Fearlords are adept at manipulating the ambient Fear of their immediate surroundings, drawing the energies upon themselves and unleashing powerful horrors. They are charismatic leaders who exude an aura that tempers morale and emboldens allies. Fearlords have the power to warp their environment and bring out the true potential in others.

Voidsworn revel in the darkness. They have innate talent for drawing power from the Astral, unleashing them as bursts of shadow and sharpened blades. They are able to draw darkness upon themselves, concealing their presence and stalking their prey from the unseen. They are able to teleport short distances and set up ambushes.

YUREI

When a living being dies in a vortex of intense emotion and anguish, they may be reborn to a new supernatural existence as yurei. Yurei are souls given a second chance at life through the intercession of Mystery.

If that soul has lingering regrets, that regret becomes their end all and be all, driving their existence until they fulfill their objective. It may even translate into the Core Mystery itself. Yurei are driven by a compulsion to settle these worldly ties. At which point they may move on and disappear, or persist in their newfound existence until they choose to pass over the boundary of death or find a new reason for un-living.

Yurei are able to easily shift between the Astral and the material planes. When in the Astral, they are considered ethereal and are unable to interact physically with the world at large. When in the material world, they are considered corporeal, and are able to influence their environment through physical means, albeit temporarily. In the end, yurei are ethereal beings. Simply being material takes a significant amount of energy to maintain.

Astralwalkers are yurei who have fully embraced their astral potential. They dwell within the hidden folds of reality, observing their victims and sniping them with psychic attacks. Astralwalkers are versatile additions to any team, able to psychically mess with their opponents on a metaphysical scale. They are able to pull astral entities from beyond the Veil and enlist them as temporary allies.

Nightmares are horrific varieties of yurei that enjoy terrifying their victims with a wide arsenal of terrifying abilities. They feed primarily on dreams and emotions, and are able to lull their victims into a state of half-sleep. Nightmares are masters of mind games and manipulation, able to warp perception and bring their opponent’s fears to life.