Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  48883
Title: a book titled 'The Yokai of Suboria'

"The Yokai of Suboria" compiled by Mizuki Shisho the Imperial Archivist.

The yokai are magical beings associated with the continent of Suboria. Some
followed Suborian colonists to Atmir, and dwell in and around Kurita
Province. There is no general consensus of what distinguishes a yokai from
fairies, though they do not share fairies weakness to iron. Some yokai live
openly among humans, others are little better than wild beasts. This list
includes some of the most common or notable yokai:

Amikiri - these malicious creatures resemble lobsters or giant prawns that
can glide through the air. They use their pincers to cut up netting.

Kappa - humanoid in form, but their features are more like a turtle,
including a bony shell that protects their body. They are known to prey
upon swimmers and bathers, though it is said can be appeased with
cucumbers. They have a curious hollow opening on top of their head they
must keep filled with water or lose their supernatural powers. Kappa can be
tricked into spilling this water by bowing to them. Most kappa will feel
compelled to return the bow.

Kirin - these magnificent equine creatures come in many forms. Most of them
have a single horn like a unicorn. Others may have branching antlers. Some
kirin have a scaly, draconic appearance, leading to rumors that kirin are
the offspring of dragons and unicorns. Slaying a kirin is considered
horribly bad luck, even an ill omen that presages famines, wars and
plagues.

Kitsune - these intelligent, over-sized foxes have multiple tails. Their
coats come in many colors, and red, orange, golden, brown, white, silver,
grey and black kitsune have been seen over the years. The older the
kitsune, the more tails it has. Many have magical or breath attacks they
use to defend themselves. They generally have a benevolent disposition,
though there are tales of wicked, trickster kitsune that delight in harming
mortals. A few kitsune are known to live in human settlements, where they
are revered for their cunning.

Nekomusume - commonly known as catgirls, these female humanoids nymphs look
like young human or drow girls, with the ears, tails, claws and whiskers of
a cat. They generally live peacefully alongside humans, and some even hold
positions of authority within human society. They like to collect secrets,
though they can be bribed into telling what they know.

Oni - these long-lived beings are believed to be descended from orc, ogre
and giant slaves held by the drow centuries ago. Others believe they may be
related to the djinn instead. They are tall, muscular humanoids with highly
variable, often brightly colored, skin. Most have bull-like horns and
boar-like tusks. They have the natural ability to fly, or at least hover.
Many are potent spellcasters or skilled martial artists, or both.  Oni are
integrated into Suborian society, and are generally held in high esteem.
More than a few oni are members of the Order of Harmony. A few oni bandits
plague the mainland.

Tanuki - these are sentient, upright-walking raccoon dogs. They are
indistinguishable from their animal counterparts, save that they often wear
clothing. They are fond of strong drink and intoxicants.

Yatagarasu - large three-legged ravens, they are heralds of misfortune.

Yuki-onna - Snow Women, a type of nature spirit. They may appear as maidens
or hags, and often associated with misfortune such as harsh winters or
early frosts.