Torii of the Dead
The gateway stands at the center of an open field, enclosed by dark forests. Off in the distance, a mountain range looms, enshrouded in mist. The original builders of the Torii have long been forgotten; what remains known is that it was constructed eons ago, serving as a portal between worlds, a gateway to the realm of the dead. Should it be opened, the dead would surge forth, hungering for flesh, and unleash a blight upon the Earth.
Some speculate it is tied to the ancient battle between liches and zombies, others believe it to be a passageway to Tartarus, and yet some link it to the prophecy of the Long Shadow. The key to unlocking its formidable power has been lost to time, but many hold that the mystical shards of Mt. Kirama may hold the answer. Therefore, the Kaiju Clan remains ever vigilant, watching and waiting for any sign of disturbance.
Entered by: 0xe9a1…78d3
### The Shadow Tanuki:
Appearance: The Shadow Tanuki resembles a raccoon dog but with features that seem to shift and blur at the edges, as though it is partially composed of shadow itself. Its fur is thick and dark, ranging from deep charcoal to pitch black, with a glossy sheen that reflects no light, giving it an almost void-like appearance. The creature’s eyes are a striking contrast—glowing a spectral, eerie green or yellow, capable of piercing through the darkness. The Shadow Tanuki’s bushy tail is unusually long and wispy, often appearing to dissipate into smoke at the tips, which adds to its ghostly presence.
Location: The Shadow Tanuki thrives in the dense, shadow-laden forests of Mt. Kirama, a mystical region where the boundary between the magical and mundane worlds is thin. The forests are ancient, filled with towering trees whose canopies block out most sunlight, creating an environment of perpetual twilight. These woods are known for their eerie stillness, broken only by the rustle of leaves or the occasional distant call of a tengu. Within this shadowy expanse, the Shadow Tanuki is most comfortable, particularly in areas where the magical energies of the mountain are strongest—places where reality itself seems to waver.
Habits:
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Affinity for Shadows: The Shadow Tanuki is intrinsically connected to the shadows, moving through them with an almost supernatural ease. It can meld with the darkness, becoming nearly invisible as it slips between the trees. This ability allows it to evade predators and hunters effortlessly. The Shadow Tanuki’s connection to shadows is so profound that it can travel between two distant points by slipping into one shadow and emerging from another, a process that seems akin to teleportation but is rooted in the creature’s unique magical affinity.
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Nocturnal Behavior: By day, the Shadow Tanuki seeks refuge in caves, hollows, or crevices hidden deep within the forest, often in locations where ancient magic lingers. These places, untouched by time and filled with residual energy from bygone eras, provide the creature with a sense of security and rejuvenation. When night falls, the Shadow Tanuki emerges, its powers amplified by the darkness, to hunt, forage, and explore the forest.
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Diet and Foraging: The Shadow Tanuki is an omnivore with a preference for mystical plants and small creatures that are abundant in Mt. Kirama’s enchanted forests. It is particularly drawn to plants that grow in the shade and are known for their magical properties, such as nightshade blossoms and moonlit ferns. The creature also hunts small magical creatures, such as enchanted rodents or insects that thrive in the same shadowy environments.
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Interaction with the Magical Veil: The Shadow Tanuki is highly sensitive to the thinning veil between the magical and mundane worlds. It can sense when these veils are weakest and is often found in such locations, basking in the mystical energies that pour through. This sensitivity allows the creature to detect disturbances in the magical fabric of Mt. Kirama, making it a natural guardian of the forest’s magical balance.
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Stealth and Evasion: Due to its mastery over shadows, the Shadow Tanuki is nearly impossible to capture or track. It leaves no trace of its presence—no footprints, no scent—making it a creature of myth and legend among hunters and scholars. Its ability to blend seamlessly with the shadows and travel through them gives it an unparalleled advantage in evasion, making it one of the most elusive beings on Mt. Kirama.
Ecology and Role in the Mt. Kirama Ecosystem:
The Shadow Tanuki plays a crucial role in maintaining the mystical equilibrium of Mt. Kirama’s forests. It acts as a protector of the shadowed regions, ensuring that the magical energies that flow through these areas remain undisturbed. Its presence is often considered an omen, with sightings of the creature interpreted as a sign of an impending magical event or disturbance. The Shadow Tanuki’s ability to traverse the veil between worlds also makes it a guide for lost souls or spirits, helping them find their way either to the afterlife or back to the mundane world.
In folklore, the Shadow Tanuki is sometimes revered as a guardian spirit, with offerings left at the entrances of its known dens to appease or seek its favor. Despite its elusive nature, the creature is deeply respected by the inhabitants of Mt. Kirama, who see it as an embodiment of the mountain’s ancient and mysterious powers.
Entered by: 0xe9a1…78d3
