Spirits

The world of Tokoro is full of magic and mysticism. Spirits play a vital role in the balance, and come in all shapes large and small. 

Spirits can be linked to nature, such as a simple guardian of a well or meadow. Others can be the spirits of ancestors long passed, returning from the dead to impart wisdom or even wreak havoc. Some spirits are purely elemental in nature, and can be found where that element is at its most powerful.

Generally, spirits are aloof in nature and act upon instinctive behaviour. They generally wish to carry out their simple, immortal lives in peace. However, where ill will has been shown toward a spirit or its home, they may turn foul and terrorise those nearby. Only when it has been appeased or banished will balance return.

Stronger spirits are known as Kami, which are more evolved than their lesser cousins. These spirits are autonomous, sentient beings who understand the concepts of loyalty and betrayal.

Thanks to their spiritual connection to the elements, shindōshi are able to see and speak with spirits and kami.

Penumbra Taint

Since the rise of the Empire there has been its most stalwart of enemies; The Shadowlands. It is here that the Dark Lord rules over armies of darkness, blood mages, yokai and oni. The Kani built a great wall to keep them out, and have fought them every day since.

Penumbra spreads like a disease with these creatures, turning once fertile lush areas into barren wastelands. Troubling, especially when it appears beyond the wall and in the heart of the Empire. Agents who serve their own agendas spread the Penumbra Taint wherever they can, corrupting all that they can to try and secure power. 

As one becomes more and more tainted, they begin to change into mindless, evil creatures losing all sense of self to the darkness.

See Penumbra Taint, in the Magic and Mysticism rules section, to see how it works in the game. 

Blood Magic (Madōshi)

An outlawed and taboo practice of sacrificing one's own blood in order to cast magic. However, there are even greater costs to this forbidden knowledge. 

Usually, only shindōshi are blessed with the lineage to be able to use magic. This is deemed the proper method for being able to cast as defined by the gods.

It is the role of the Jade Champion and their Magistrates to root out madōshi and all its forms in the Empire.