イタンシャ鬼 Itan-Sha/Oni

復讐 Vengeance
The moment his head was severed from his body, Hanshin's soul found itself in the land of Yomi, unaware he was finally meeting his secret tormentor. Shinigami had of course observed what had happened and in his evil mind, a plan had already formed. He approached the soul, ignoring the cries from the thousands around him and those that clung to his skirts. He informed Hanshin he had been observing the 'wrongdoings', stroking Hanshin's already volatile tempermant towards the people of Shiizun. Listening to the abuse and venom, Shinigami grinned in his thoughts. He then offered Hanshin a deal: he would restore Hanshin to life, and Hanshin would collect the stones, then use them to bring down the world, while Shinigami could then dethrone the Gods. Hanshin agreed immediately, without any thought as to it being the God of Death he was bargaining with. Hanshin was returned to Shiizun, ready to take his revenge, only to find out he had been tricked by Shinigami. Shinigami had indeed brought him back, but not in the from Hanshin had thought. He was now a Wraith, a shadowy ghost like figure.

恨み Resentment
Hanshin cried out to Shinigami, cursing him for lying to him. Shinigami spoke back, saying he offered Hanshin what he wanted, but he did not at any time specify the state of things. When Hanshin spoke of turning his back on Shinigami and collecting the stones to restore his former power, the dark God laughed. He explained that Hanshin was now bound to him, still being technically dead, and that stones would be useless to him now. Shinigami had merely needed a projection of his power on Shiizun, and Hanshin had offered himself up on a plate. Hanshin swore he would never serve Shinigami, but the fallen God reined him in, causing Hanshin to cripple over in unimaginable pain. Shinigami told him that any resistance was futile, as he now completely controlled Hanshin. Hanshin tried to contest but was once again sent into a realm of pain. Giving in, he asked Shinigami what he wanted.

隷属 Servitude
Shinigami laughed at Hanshin's defeat, and began to explain. Hanshin was to be his Watcher, but in turn, had been given a multitude of powers. He could now travel between Yomi and Shiizun at will, he could enslave the living to his will, he could stealth himself from view and most notably, he had been granted the powers of necromancy. He was to gather departed souls who passed with venegeance in their hearts, so they could in time lead Shinigami's army against Shiizun. Hanshin begrudgingly agreed, asking how soon this was to be done. Shinigami chuckled in response, telling Hanshin that he had all the time in the world to wait, all the better for Hanshin to find him the very best. He would find a member of each land to serve as his generals, and then any more who would prove useful. He decreed the group would be known as the Itan-Sha, the Heretics, and set Hanshin about his task, even if it took him a thousand years. Only once the stones had been united could he retakes his corporeal form and unleash his lost power once more in the name of Shinigami, conquering Shiizun......

敵 Oni
When Shinigami was sentenced to forever dwell in Yomi, knowing he could never again travel to the mortal realm, he set about creating a twisted demonic army to take his vengeance upon the world. Able to send them to Shiizun at will, they largely remained dormant until the last few decades.

ベーカニ Bakegani
Bakegani are giant crab oni that have made many an appearance in folktales told all over Shiizun. These tales can generally be divided into three types. In the first, Bakegani are said to be formed when the resentful souls of those who die at sea inhabit the bodies of crabs, transforming them into oni. This particular legend is common in the vicinites of sites of sea battles. In the second type of folktale, a traveling monk is typically approached by a stranger, who the monk reveals is actually a crab in disguise before driving the creature away. In the third, Bakegani are depicted as guardian spirits of stream pools or plunge basins. While some are described as violent oni that attack unsuspecting passerby, others are venerated as water deities capable of granting villages rain.

びわぼくぼく Biwa Boku-Boku
Pronounced 'BEE-wa BOH-koo BOH-koo.' An Oni taking the form of a monk playing a biwa lute. The biwa is the Oni itself; the 'monk' is simply a reflection of Hoichi, the biwa player whose unwise dealings with restless Heike warrior spirits cost him both his ears. Lures intruders deeper into places of evil with its eerie melodies.

The Biwa Boku-Boku may appear largely unthreatening but they can summon all manner of Oni by playing different tunes, protecting themselves from being slain, so in order to summon yet more Oni to their location.

Where one would think about attacking the 'monk', since the biwa is the Oni itself, the biwa is what should be focused on. Ranged attacks are particularly useful, as striking the biwa with an arrow will cause the Biwa Boku-Boku to cease and disappear.

住人 Dweller
Dwellers are humans turned into Oni by the foul miasma in depths of a mine. There were objects of loathing and terror for miners, and legends about them circulate wherever a mine with a long history is found. Their grotesquely altered forms inspire instinctive revulsion in all who can bear to view them.

The pickaxe carried by many Dwellers is the last trace of their former lives as miners. The sight of a Dweller swinging its pickaxe wildly as they attack in unsettling enough, but one without its axe is even more terrifying. In this state they abandon all pretense to humanity, scrabbling on all fours and leaping at intruders like savage beasts.

When standing, these creatures are fairly slow and only modestly defended. Avoid their slow frontal attacks, then one blow with a most weapons is typically enough to kill a Dweller.

エンキ Enki
An Enki is a monkey that has been transformed by Amrita into an oni after a lifetime of cruelty and abuse by humans. The imposingly large and intelligent oni has a single horn on its head is said to be the source of its power. Monkeys have long been considered mountain gods or messengers of the mountain gods in legends all over Shiizun. While these gods can bring blessings, they are also terrifying reminders of the indomitable might of the mountains that tower over mankind. The monkeys that live in these divine surroundings are both so alike and unlike humans that they might be the most familiar connection to the spirit world we have.

An Enki has the ability to handle human tools with ease. They have been known to use spears in battle, presumably weapons that were stolen from human owners. These spears are often thrown at their enemies, so one would be wise to keep this in mind if taking on an Enki from a distance. This is not the only danger they pose- they were once monkeys, after all, and can, therefore, take giant leaps toward their enemies. They have been known to hang from branches and buildings, waiting to ambush unsuspecting human passerby. Be sure to stay vigilant when entering an Enki's domain!

フライングボルト Flying Bolt
A Flying Bolt is a female Oni with a long bolt of cotton cloth wrapped around her. As the white cloth resembles a funereal shroud, she is thought to be the demonic transformation of a resentful soul whose funeral service did not send her to the next world. Her respectably blackened teeth suggest that she was married and of high station of life.

A Flying Bolt floats in the air and attacks with her cloth as if it were a blade. The technical name is Ittan-momen. 'Momen' means cotton, while 'ittan' is a measure of length in the world of fine clothing: just enough fabric to make an adult kimono. But no matter how much of Ittan-momen's bolt of cloth is cut away, she never runs out, indicating that the cloth itself is not of this world.

A Flying Bolt is at her most dangerous when she exerts a black and white mist, signifying the launching of her cloth to grapple onto a victim, suffocating them and crushing their windpipe.

はりのぼ Harinobo
The harinobo is an oni formed by worn-out needles and broken blades. People in Shiizun believed that objects used for long periods of time housed a soul within them, and called them as 'tsukumogami'. While these tsukumogami are not ncessarily intent on harming humans, it is said that some tools harbored a grudge for being prematurely discarded or being used in an improper manner, which caused them to transform into oni. Among them, it is thought that objects such as needles and blades are especially susceptible to becoming yokai, so needles and blades that can no longer be used are often blessed at shrines. This ceremony is known as either hari-kuyo for needles, or hamono-kuyo for blades.

一本データIppon-Datara
Pronounced "IP-pon DAH-tah-rah." Ippon-Datara is a one-legged, one-eyed oni. It is most commonly encountered in the vicinity of mines and it is believed to have gained its unsightly form after years of harsh labor as a blacksmith. While it favors wielding weapons such as the hammer or odachi, its powerful leg also makes for a deadly weapon.

It is said that only the most skilled of master blacksmiths turn into Ippon-Datara. Legend has it that their obsession with their work drives them to harness the power of Spirit Stones, thus losing their souls to sorcery and transforming into Yokai. The weapons these masters create are imbued with an otherwordly beauty, and there is no limit to the zealous collectors who desire them for their private collections.

以津真天 Itsumade
Itsumade is a birdlike oni of unknown origin. Though not much is known about this creature, it is often seen in places where many corpses that have not received proper burial are found. The oni makes an appearance in old scrolls, where it is described as a mysterious bird. In the text, it is said to have appeared at the imperial palace every night during a time when many were dying of a plague, shrieking its name (which literally means 'Until when?' or 'When will it end?') over and over again, terrifying the palace residents. It is described as having a human's face, snakelike body, beak lined with jagged teeth, talons as sharp as blades, and a wingspan of over sixteen feet.

カッパ Kappa
Kappa are diminutive Oni with green skin, a dish-like depression on their heads, and a turtle-like shell on their back. They generally lurk underwater, but they often emerge onto dry land as well. In the water Kappa are faster than fish, and they are known to commit evils like seizing children playing in rivers by the leg and dragging them under, or stealing the 'shiri-kodama' soul from people's behinds and leaving them listless shells of their former self."

Cowardly by nature, Kappa flee underwater at the first sign of danger. They are rumoured to have a taste for cucumbers, and to wither and die if the water in the 'dish' on their head dries up. Other legends say that a treasure lies concealed inside their shells and can be claimed if the Kappa is slain before it can escape.

To damage a Kappa, it must be forced onto its back, with its body exposed, otherwise it will defend any blow with its impenetrable shell.

カラカサ Karakasa
An Oni in a shape of an umbrella. It has a single large eye at its center and a single leg in place of a handle. Also known as 'Karakasa-kozo' (Umbrella Kid) and 'Ippon-ashi' (One-Leg). Appears out of nowhere and startle people on rainy nights.

While they may look bizarre, they should not be taken for granted, as they can release a flurry of needles that contain a strong paralytic toxin, and cause even the most strong-willed to stop dead in their tracks. Make sure to avoid this attack at all costs, lest you be frozen on the spot and open to the Karakasa rushing you.

If alone, Karakasas can usually be rushed down before they can attack. However, when there is one, there are usually several, so caution must be taken to avoid being mobbed.

コロカ Koroka
Koroka were once old stone lanterns, and are considered a type of 'tsukumogami' (an item that has acquired a spirit.) When a stone lantern that has long remained in disuse is suddenly found lit of its own accord, this is said to be to work of Koroka, or possibly a sign that a Koroka is nearby. A Koroka's flame strikes fear into the hearts of all who see it, for it is believed that these unlucky few will die within days.

While a Koroka has no face, a soft flame flickers where its head would be. However, witnesses have seen Koroka lift the pipe they wield to their flame the way a man might smoke his tobacco. One theory is that a Koroka's pipe is somehow connected to the Oni Realm, and they smoke it to inhale otherworldly fumes that fuel an incoming deadly attack.

レッサー・ウミ・ボズ Lesser Umi-Bozu
Ko-umi-bozi, literally 'small umi-bozu' are the resentful souls of samurai who died fighting at sea. They are said to lurk in the waves and ambush passing vessels, making them feared by fishermen, but also reportedly come up onto the shore at times.

Their bodies are made of jelly-like water, and despite their weapons they attack only weakly. The faintly shining sphere at their core is said to be their vulnerable point, and there are legends of fishermen who successfully drove off attacking Ko-umi-bozu by harpooning this sphere when it happened to be exposed at the right time.

Salt is a good tool for bypassing their resistance to physical damage. Get in close and throw some salt on it to knock it into a critical state, then execute it with a final blow before it recovers. Be wary around areas of water, for the creature can hide attached to the ceiling, or by hiding in the waters below.

マガツウォリアー Magatsu Warrior
Magatsu Warriors are armored warriors and corpses that have transformed into oni by the power of dark magic. Dread and death incarnate, they seek to purge the world of the living, slaughtering any living things they see. 'Magatsu' means disaster or calamity, but can also refer to a warped or twisted existence. Using the dark magic within them, they grow greatly in size, even transforming their armor and helmets to match their new size, and grow a pair of phantom arms. These monstrosities rob warriors of their will to fight, and many run away at the very sight of them.

Magatsu Warriors attack with all four of their arms. each swinging a blade. Their massive bodies lend immense power to each of their blows and failing to defend oneself from just one of the attacks is enough to slice clean through the average person. Countering their attacks while dodging the whirlwind of slashes is no easy feat, although their platform arms are unstable and east to shatter, making them ideal targets and possibly making these oni easier to manage over the course of the battle.

八倉光目 Mistume Yazura
Mitsume Yazura is a three-eyed, eight-faced oni, born when the souls of various beasts combined. While its face and legs resemble that of a human, it possesses neither a human's reasoning nor emotional capacity. It is said to lurk in the dark of the forest, springing on the unlucky few who venture nearby and devouring them whole.

As Mitsume Yazura has eight faces, it has nearly no blind spots and is difficult to take by surprise. Its tendency to emit a mighty roar when making its appearance can be troublesome, as it tends to alert other nearby enemies to your presence. Bear in mind that Mitsume Yazura can only keep three of its eyes open at a time - making use of this trait can help you get close enough to strike. Like many animals and oni, Mitsume Yazura's eyes are also its weak point, so a swiftly loosed arrow to the eye will also surely help you prevail.

泥棒 Mudman
An Oni made of filthy mud, born of the anger and resentment of someone who got bogged down in the mud and drowned in a rice paddy or swamp. Mudmen are said to lurk in damp or muddy places, waiting to attack passers-by, but in the rainy season have been known to prowl villages and mountains in search of victims.

It attacks in an identical fashion to it's distant cousin, the Umi-Bozu, and like the water-dweller, salt is an effective means to open it up to attack. Likewise, it can hide on ceilings and within pools of mud.

Slightly more resistant than the Umi-Bozu, its shining core is its weakness, though the core will only be exposed once the Mudman has been sufficiently worn down.

ムジナ Mujina
Mujina are crafty and cunning Oni that resemble badgers. Like foxes and tanuki, stories of them diguising themselves as humans to do mischief have circulated since ancient times. They enjoy hiding inside treasure chests and springing out to surprise whoever opens the lid.

Mujina love playing pranks and causing trouble, and are not necessarily malicious by nature. They may move strangely to see how a startled person reacts, but if that person responds with the same movement, they will leave the area, satisfied with their newfound playmate.

When attacked or frustrated at an individual for not mimicking their action, Mujina will attack with the same weapons and armour that the other has equipped, using magic to transform and completely mimic their appearance and skills.

ナマハゲ Namahage
Pronounced 'nah—mah hah—gei.' As Oni that appear in legends, the Namahage are viewed as savage servants of the dark God. It is said they don straw masks and, with a large knife or hatchet in hand, visit houses in the neighbourhood searching for those guilty of laziness or bad behaviour. As such, threats of the Namahage coming are often used to scare children into good behaviour.

Although they were once human, the power of dark magic has distorted the Namahage's appearance into its demon—like form. It is believed that this transformation came about due to their tendency to scare people for good causes. Since the Namahage are considered to be servants of the dark God, many enemy troops lose the will to fight at the mere sight of them.

Despite having different names, the Oni known as Nagomehagi, Amamehagi, Appossha, Suneka, Toshidon, and many other names throughout the lands are thought to be the same as the Namahage. They all share a common demon—like appearance and seek out those who are lazy or evil.

ぬっぺふふ Nuppeppo
The Nuppeppo is an oni that resembles a lump of flesh. The wrinkles and protrusions traditionally depicted on its body in Shiin handscrolls may resemble a face, but it is unclear whether this oni truly possesses facial features, or simply a set of fortuitously-shaped lumps and bumps. Some believe that Nuppeppo and an oni spoken in ancient sources whose flesh was used to produce a hugely powerful elixir are actually one and the same. This oni may look comical and almost harmless, but they should be avoided as they feast on human flesh, attacking by suddenly leaping onto a target and enveloping their body into itself, literally digesting them alive.

ヌレオンナ Nure-Onna
Pronounced "Noo-ray own-na." This man-eating oni takes the shape of a snake with a woman's head. Its name literally means 'wet woman', and it is seen near water or on rainy days, searching for unlucky humans to make its prey. It is said Nure-onna were once women who tragically drowned, leading them to attack the living out of vengeful malice.

An obvious source of Nure-onna's name is the fact that its hair is always wet. It can freely manipulate said hair, slicing enemies apart with its razor-sharp strands. Its hair has another surprising use-increasing Nure-onna's fire resistance due to the sodden defensive layer it provides. Perhaps most frightening of all are its snakelike eyes, capable of paralyzing any unwittingly prey with a single glare.

ヌリカベ Nurikabe
The Oni known as Nurikabe (noo-ree-kah-beh) takes the form of a giant living wall. They are said to most enjoy simply standing where no wall should be and enjoying the unease and confusion of travellers. If left alone, they will not move, but if harassed they extend long arms to strike back in rage. Slow-moving but with immense strength and stamina, Nurikabe are formidable foes.

Nurikabe often block the way to valuable items or alternative routes to destinations, although whether they do so knowingly or not is unclear. Once a Nurikabe is angered, there is no alternative but to defeat it, but it is said that the right gestures can charm them into a more amiable attitude.

They can be easily taken down with a few arrows or bullets, provided you can either dodge or hide from their ranged, high damage rock projectiles.

ワン・アイデッド・デーモン One-Eyed Oni
Hitotsume Oni - a gigantic Oni with a single eye in the center of its face. Oni with two eyes were originally human or at least born of ugly human passions in some way. One-eyed Oni, however, are said to be the wild, bestial side of mountain gods and local spirits personified.

Apparently, these Oni aren't smart enough to use weapons other than their fists or great rocks which they throw at their victims. However, as they are more than twice as large as a person, their sheer physical strength allows them to smash overconfident foes flat with a single blow.

Attacking the eye, namely with projectiles causes massive damage to the creature, although doing so drives them into a berserk state, especially if blinded.

鬼火 Oni-Bi
Oni-Bi resemble floating balls of elemental flames. They are formed when the elemental power of fire, water, air or earth coalesces around the will of a dead soul. They must be distinguished from the souls known as Hitodama that burn on once their bodies are no more; Oni-Bi are oni, plain and simple.

Oni Bi initially appear with a yellow aura surrounding them, but they can be made of fire, water, air, or earth. Striking an Oni-Bi with a weapon like a katana will temporarily give that weapon the elemental power of the Oni-Bi.

Oni-Bi are capable of ignoring terrain, hovering outside melee reach to launch 'fireballs' of their comprised element. Be patient until the creature is above walkable ground, or outside the range of fire.

オンユード Onyudo
Onyudo (oh-NYOO-doh) are Oni that take the form of a gigantic monk and are said to be former novices who were unable to fully leave the lay world behind and broke the vows of their temple. They appear to collect the skulls of the people they kill, hanging them from their robes like a string of prayer beads. Those who do not wish to join that collection would do well to avoid this Oni.

Onyudo have inordinately long tongues imbued with the element of fire, water, air or earth. They can use their tongues to strike the unsuspecting from a surprisingly long distance. They do not use any other weapons, but their ability to launch savage attacks with balls of flesh drawn from their gigantic bodies is more than dangerous enough.

Similar to Flying Bolts, they can use their tongue, rather than cloth, to snag a target and crush them slowly.

ロクロクビ Rokurokubi
Pronounced 'roh—koo—roh koo—bee.' These Oni feature elongated necks, although they are indistinguishable from regular humans when their neck is retracted. This enables them to blend in with regular society, so much so that it is said some Rokurokubi do not even realize they are not human. In such cases, the Rokurokubi often learn of their true nature from people who see the Oni's necks elongate while they sleep.

Although the Rokurokubi themselves were once human, the power of dark magic has distorted their appearance into its demon—like form. It is believed this transformation came about due to the desire of retainers to better serve their lords. These Oni are often used in surprise attacks due to the psychological shock their opponents feel when seeing their elongated necks, and because their necks are well—suited to highly unpredictable attacks.

There are many theories concerning the origin and true nature of the Rokurokubi. While some believe that they are somehow born as Rokurokubi when children, others think that they are snakes that have changed into human form after many years. Given the sheer number of theories, it is likely there is no single explanation of their origin.

セントリー Sentry
Sentries are statues that move through the power of dark magic. Carved in the form of ancient warriors, they are placed out of sight at tombs, sacred domains, and the like as guards. When they detect an intruder, they immediately attack.

Sentries move slowly, but a single blow from their massive swords can be fatal. They are also very hard to destroy, being made of stone. It is not clear exactly how they are triggered into action or how to stop them, so the safest course of action is to give them a wide berth.

When entering a room of statues, be sure to use a projectile weapon to discern if there are Sentries among the carved rocks. The alternative is to pass one by failing to notice it in turn and be sliced in half with its giant blade.

スケルトン戦士 Skeleton Warrior
Oni taking the form of armoured skeletons. Warriors who are unprepared for their death when it comes, or who take their own lives, return as these angry spirits to roam the battlefield and assault the living indiscriminately.

Being half-decayed skeletons, Skeleton Warrior lack stamina, but they feel no pain and will not stop fighting until they are completely destroyed. They often attack in groups armed with swords and spears, so care must be taken not to become surrounded by them.

Skeleton Warriors should be treated much like human enemies, as they bear similar size and threat. They have a very limited moveset, however, making them poor at one on one battles. Their attacks seem to consist entirely of either single strikes or two-swing combos. Skeleton Warriors frequently attack in groups. Take advantage of their slow chasing speed to separate a crowd or pick at its edges.

スノークロップ Snowclops
The Snowclops are one-eyed oni that leave behind bizarre tracks in the snow- a trail of single foorprints that ends abruptly. Snowclops are also believed to posses the abiltiy to control the snow and ice, although not to the level of a Yuki-Onna.

There is no firm consensus on the true origins of the Snowclops. One theory posits that the first Snowclops was originally a beast, while another suggests that the oni is a fallen spirit or deity of the ice and snow. The Snowclops's violent nature and low intelligence lend credence to the first theory, while the second is supported by the oni's weakness to fire. Its origins will likely remain inscrutable until more is learned about this mysterious oni.

スパイダーオニ Spider Oni
Spiders are carnivorous arthropods. Under the influence of dark magic, they metamorphose into gigantic Oni that prey on humans. They cast sticky webs to immobilize their prey, then approach to begin feeding. Because spiders can climb walls and hang from the ceiling, they can attack the unwary from the most unexpected places.

Spiders are generally solitary and silent by nature, but when transformed into Oni they are known to form packs. A single Spider Oni is no great threat, but it is difficult to fend off a combined attack from an entire pack, and if they can manage to surround their prey completely that person will seldom escape.

Spider Oni come in three sizes: Mini Spider Oni, the size of a small dog, Man-sized Spider oni, the size of a grown adult, and most terrifying, the Gigantic Spider Oni, the size of a small Elephant.

天狗 Tengu
Karasu Tengu, giant Tengu with wings like a crow's, have been known to humans since ancient times. They have keen eyesight and hard beaks and fly about as they please, controlling the wind. They have no trouble finding purchase even on sheer cliff faces and use their control over winds to attack when provoked, making them a troublesome foe.

Reportedly, in some areas they coexist with humans. The Karasu Tengu located in Kitan's North mountains are credited with teaching the early settlers swordsmanship.

While it can seem tempting against their staff, do not attempt to block with a weapon, as Tengu's possess strength far superior to any human, the best skill being to dodge their attacks and counter when an opening is provided.

鉄鼠 Tesso
A Tesso was originally a monk who died while bearing a grudge, transforming into a giant rat oni. Rats have been one of mankind's most commonplace pests since ancient times, with evidence of anti-rat measures present it even the raised-floor granaries. However, it is not just grain that rats are known to eat, but paper as well, leading rat infestations to be a serious problem for temples that store valuable literature. It is speculated that the fact that a monk might transform into a rat is symbolic of that monk's deep animosity towards religion.

Tesso are sly and despicable yokai that never play fair. They keep their distance from their enemies, waiting for the opportunity to strike, using foul methods of fighting that gradually wear away at their opponents in both body and mind. While a Tesso's tail is its weak spot, an injured Tesso will grow mad with desperation, and to drop one's guard at that point would be fatal.

産女 Ubume
An Ubume was once a grieving mother unable to bear the death of her newborn child. It clings onto stones, thinking them to be its lost baby. It flies into a fury if these stones are taken, taking flight with hair that, suffused with dark magic, transforms into otherwordly wings and violently attacking anyone who comes near. As well as its wing and talons, the Ubume can also emit an ear-piercing scream that can debilitate, and in some cases, permanently deafen any who threaten it.

わいら Waira
Pronounced 'WHY-rah' Waira have giant bodies with a single sharp claw on each of their forelegs. While they have been depicted in several ancient scrolls, their lower half has never been painted, and very little is known about these mysterious oni. There are three prevailing theories about its diet: that it eats stones and dirt; that it eats small subterranean creatures; and that it eats humans. However, since we know so little of the Waira, it might very well eat anything.

Waira are able to move freely between realms the way moles so easily dig into and emerge from the ground. One might surmise that their lower halves have been so rarely seen because they remain in the Oni Realm while the upper half surfaces to our world. It is wise to practice vigilance when the Oni Realm is near, for Waira are said to lurk in its darkness while awaiting their next prey.

ホイールモンク Wheelmonk
An Oni like a wheel with a gigantic face attached to it. The wheel is big enough to be used on an oxcart, and while the face has a certain degree of freedom to leap from it they remain tied to it by their hair. Wreathed in flames and scowling hideously as they roll around, the face resembles a visitor from another world, and has long struck terror onto the hearts of those who witness them.

They have awful destructive power and attack by ramming their bodies engulfed in flames or by spitting fire from their mouths. Depending on where they appear, they can also start fires in the surrounding area, which can rapidly grow into raging infernos.

While powerful, a kunai or arrow can stun it if they hit its face. Same goes for melee attacks

山姥 Yamanba
Yamanba, also known as Onibaba, are oni with the form of an old woman. They live in areas far removed from prying eyes and prey on travelers who are unlucky enough to pass by. Legend has it that Yamanba masquerade as kind old ladies and offer food and lodging to the unwary, before killing them in their sleep with a sharpened kitchen knife. It is believed that Yamanba were originally old women who were left to die in the mountains by their families in order to have fewer mouths to feed.

Many travelers tell tales of having narrowly escaped Yamanba after hearing the sound of her knives being sharpened in the night. Upon realizing her quarry is attempting to flee, Yamanba is said to pursue them with horrifying speed. The survivors of these tales claim to have been saved from certain death by one of the Gods. Those who lack any conviction that they will be saved by divine providence would do best to avoid Yamanba's clutches at all costs.

夜叉 Yasha
Yasha were once noblewomen, transformed into oni by dark magic and their own hatred. They originally appeared in old Shiizun folklore, sometimes as water spirts. There is a Shiizun idiom that likens the more fearsome side of a woman's personality to a Yasha. The Yasha have also been implicated in various folktales about women who performed mysterious ceremonies to obtain dark magical powers. One should beware these powers when facing a Yasha in battle.

オニ Yoki
A human turned oni by the power of dark magic the victim becomes a muscular, horned humanoid dwelling in the mountains, the Shuten-doji being the most famous. A ritual called Setsubun is undertaken where citizens scatter beans to drive away Yoki and pray for good health.

The power of magic is double-edged sword. If used improperly, or with evil intent, it has the power to transform the user into a Yoki, or any other oni. A Yoki is far stronger than a human, but devoid of rationality, they can only follow their instincts to attack any who happen across their path.

While the dark magic increases their strength and brutality, it decreases their intellect, making them into little more than primal beasts intent on destruction.

ヨミソルジャー Yomi Soldier
The Yomi Soldiers are demons who form the army of Yomi, the underworld. They form the bulk of oni created by Shinigami, and serve as the mass of his forces. With no will of their own, and unable to feel pain, they carry out whatever their masters instruct them to, making them the perfect fodder in war. While unable to feel pain, they can be destroyed fairly easily by any skilled warrior, although they are able to cause damage, often utilizing weapons such as spears and swords.

グレーター・オニ Greater Oni
Greater Oni are formidable Oni's that are used as commanders of a group of Oni. Though they vary in size and shape, each one is extremely formidable and dangerous, far more so than the average demon.

ダイダラボッチ Daidara Bocchi
Daidara bocchi is a giant that features in folktales all over Shiizun. Many link him to the origins of various features of the Shiizun terrain- some say that he created mountains under the orders of the Gods, while others claim that his massive footprints late became lakes. It is believed that he was one of the Gods' first followers.

The mountainous form of Daidara Bocchi is fearsome to behold. How can a human hope to stand up to a giant strong enough to shatter mountains and split the very earth? His immense body is also made of mud, rendering him impervious to all manner of slashing or stabbing attacks. As the source of his power lies in the crystals seen dotted around his body, the key to defeating him may perhaps lie in smashing them.

煙々羅 Enenra
Pronounced "EHN-ehn-rah." An oni composed of smoke and darkness, born from the grudges of humans who met their untimely ends in the Dark Realm. It has no one true form, ever-changing as it drifts through the air. It is said to draw close to its victims by disguising itself amongst the steam and smoke of a bath or hearth in the home.

In spite of its hulking appearance, the Enenra is quick and agile due to its smoky origins. One would be wise to not make the mistake of thinking it slow in movement or mind. It can instantly take on the form of a tornado, pursuing its prey with frightening speed. An Enenra in this form is best avoided, for it advances relentlessly while damaging all in its path.

五月 Gozuki
Gozuki is an oni with the head of a bull. It can be seen in various pictue scrolls depicting images of Yomi, torturing the wicked alongside the horse-headed demon Mezuki. It is said to appear in our world even when its official underworld duties do not call for it, simply desiring to commit acts of evil.

Unlike Mezuki, Gozuki is endowed with large horns that protrude forward from its head. It enjoys using these horns to toy with its enemies, charging at them and tossing them repeatedly into the air before  dealing a killing blow. It is sad that this method of killing shatters its victims' bones, making them easier for Gozuki to eat. The fact that Gozuki is also known to favor blunt instruments as its weapon lends some credence to this unsettling theory. One should be especially wary of its charging attack to avoid becoming its next dinner. While its horns are its biggest weapons, they are also its greatest weakness. A carefully aimed blow at its horns is the key to taking it down.

ギュウキ Gyuki
Gyuki is an enormous oni with the legs of a spider and head of a bull. It is both savage and cruel, and is known to spit poison to incapacitate its human prey before devouring those it has killed with relish. It is often connected to water in legends, with many eyewitness reporting seeing Gyuki by beaches, deep pools, or the bases of waterfalls.

日野閻魔 Hino-Enma
Pronounced 'HEE no En mah'. An Oni taking the form of a young woman. Deceives humans and drinks their blood. The name Hino-Enma literally means 'flying bad luck,' and she is believed to cause all manner of troubles and misfortunes. She is believed to have been born from the angry soul of an innocent woman senselessly struck down in the heat of a battle.

Drinking the blood of men to replenish her life force and beauty, she hides her aggression - and insanity. Her malevolence is well known enough that her name has been used as an idiom for misconduct since times of old. Obsession is a cruel mistress.

She enchants men to immobilize them, then sucks their blood and life-force. The insidious part is that your mind may remain clear while your body freezes like a stone. When you face the Hino-Enma, make sure to carry effective measures for paralysis.

ジョログモ Joro-Gumo
Pronounced 'JOH-ro GOO-mo'. A horrific fusion of a woman's torso and with the lower body of a spider. Ensnares humans in her sticky threads, then devours them alive. In spite of her giant size, can freely climb walls and ceilings. Her arachnid legs are covered in a thick shell, making them highly resistant to damage.

Vicious, fast and deadly, this troublesome enemy will do short work of the ill-prepared, luring young men in with her sexual appeal to feed on them.

The armoured shell covering her legs can be destroyed, but it is highly unadvised. She will use the shell to circle herself into a ball, protecting her from damage until she is ready to strike.

鎌鼬 Kamaitachi
A Kamaitachi is said to ride the wind, slashing at its victims with biting gales. Folktales about a oni shrouded in wind are rife throughout Shiizun, with some regions using the word 'Kamaitachi' to refer to whirlwinds themselves, due to a belief that a sickle abandoned after clearing the grass for a grave will eventually turn into this oni.

Many victims of Kamaitachi take a while to realize they have been attacked, as the wounds these oni leave do no initially hurt or bleed. There are multiple theories for why this may be. People say that Kamaitachi sucks the blood of their victims even as they attack, leaving no blood to escape from the wounds.

Kamaitachi are said to move as swiftly as the wind. In the event, one must battle a Kamaitachi, predicting its next movement will be vital to increasing one's chance of survival. Its most vulnerable point is its naked abdomen, though this is difficult to target as the oni is often on all fours. Watch your opponent closely to find the most opportune moment to strike.

カーシャ Kasha
A Kasha (literally 'fire chariot') is a oni that snatches corpses and spirits them away to Yomi. Its name originally referred to the mythical chariot believed to transport sinners to the underworld. It is believed that this folklore got fused with the ancient Shiizun belief that a cat should never be allowed in the vicinity of a corpse, resulting in the conception of Kasha as a monstrous cat that drives a fiery chariot. Kasha is a servant of Yomi tasked with torturing the very souls it steals. In Shiin, there is a saying that one is in a fiery chariot, which means that one is suffering great financial difficulty. This saying originates from a belief in Kasha, with the struggle of poverty being likened to Kasha's Torture.

It is no easy task to predict the next movement of a wildly careening Kasha. The flames it leaves in its wake make it a difficult oni to chase, not to mention the fact that it can trap you in a precarious position with nowhere to run. The first step to defeating this oni is to find a way to deal with its flames. Be certain to also stay vigilant of your surroundings, as Kasha has been known to use the dead it has stolen to fight in its stead.

メズキ Mezuki
A Mezuki is a oni with the head of a horse. It can be seen in various picture scrolls depicting images of hell, torturing the wicked alongside the bull-headed demon Gozuki. However, its appearances in legend have also placed it outside of its underworld domain.

One theory postulates that Mezuki came to be when a large number of humans and horses met their deaths, their grudges and hatred intermingling until finally taking form as the horse-headed oni. After slaughtering victims in droves to rid itself of its lingering resentment, Mezuki finally fell down into Yomi. It was sentenced to work there for as long as it took to make up for the lives it had brutally taken.

Due to the grudge it bears, Mezuki favors wielding weapons that cause pain to its enemies more than those that are effective at ensuring a swift kill. As a counterpart to its more malicious and sadistic side, it also has the tendency to recklessly charge at its enemies, displaying less forethought and more similarity to a rampaging horse. One might attribute its dual nature to its mixed human and horse origins. If you face Mezuki in battle, dodging its charges and attacking it from behind will surely lead you to victory.

ヌエ Nue
Pronounced New-ay. An Oni chimaera. Its fanged mouth terrorizes its prey with an eerie cry. Nue is wreathed in dark smoke, making it difficult to discern its overall appearance. Its ability to summon thunder has earned it the alternate name of Raiju, the thunder-beast.

Possesses a monky's face, a tiger's torso, and snake for a tail. Its mane is quilled and sharp enough to cut any who approach, In addition to fierce claw and fang attacks, it can hurl itself bodily with enough force to smash a stone wall. There are many legends of Nue appearing in Shiizun, unleashing lightning and causing all sorts of disasters.

One legend holds that a fearsome cry heralded the appearance of a Nue over the Imperial palace in Taiyou every night, draining the young heir of vitality. No medicine could cure him, but after the samurai Hiro Masaki felled the Nue with an arrow, the heir recovered at once.

鬼女 Ogress
The Ogress is an Oni taking the form of a woman who died filled with grudge and hate. Her ferocious expression and unkempt locks speak to her tormented sadness. If you look closely, you can see that her kimono is quite high quality, the mark of a noblewoman in life.

Despite her size, which attains to far more than even the tallest human, she is deceptively fast. Her long claws shred through flesh with ease, those sheared by them catching a deadly parasitic infection. If that wasn't dangerous enough, she possesses the ability to breathe streams of fire, burning all in her paths as she cries her inhuman wails, one of the few signals that she is about to launch for an attack.

大隈台 Omukadai
Pronounced 'Oh moo kah day'. Literally 'hundred-legs' in Shiin, this Oni takes the form of a giant centipede. Normal centipedes are commonly encountered in forests and mountains throughout Shiizun, and even at their small size pack enough poison in their bites to cause swelling or even paralysis. A giant Oni centipede, however, has fangs powerful enough to crush bone.

Omukadai's appearance is that of a mutant centipede, with a face resembling a flaming skull, containing 2 huge horn-like mandibles protruding on both sides of its mouth. The poison stored in these mandibles is enough to kill ten adult men with a single bite. While individual segments of the Omukadai can be broken off, it will only cease to be if the head is attacked and defeated.

元老子 Onryoki
Pronounced 'on RYO key.' A huge red Oni born from a pack of angry ghosts. Half of its face is contorted in anger, the other twisted with grudge. The faces of countless vengeful ghosts appear across its body, letting out shrieks that send terror down the spines of all within earshot.

Filled with fury and grudge, the sight of a living human sends it into a berserk rampage. Its preferred attack, using iron balls and chains draped over its body, is powerful enough to defeat even highly experienced samurai and shinobi.

The two horns on its head emit a weird glow. It is said that horns represent the source of power for an Oni, meaning they lose their strength if their horns are damaged, though only the most powerful and precise strike could hope to shatter them.

タタリモッケ Tatarimokke
A Tatarimokke is formed when a large number of resentful spirits coalesce to form a giant owl. Inhabitants throughout Shiizun use the word 'tatarimokke' to refer to the spiteful curse of those who met grisly deaths. Folktales in a Tatarimokke's body, and the hooting calls of the oni are actually the infant child's cries.

These giant bird oni are capable of releasing the spirits that form them in clusters, firing them at humans like living arrows.

Since their birdlike bodies allow them to fly, it is crucial to have a strategy for combating a Tatarimokke while it is in midair. They are capable of a diverse range of attacks, but each can be countered with keen observation. For instance, the Tatarimokke's sudden diving attack is incredibly powerful, but dodging it will force the oni to land, giving you the advantage. These are quite a few other attacks that will force it to land if handled appropriately, so identifying these is the key to remaining unflappable in battle.

土蜘蛛 Tsuchigumo
The Tsuchigumo is a giant, spider-like yokai with many limbs. In some depictions of the oni tsuchigumo are described as having a demon's face, tiger's torso, and spider's limbs. Citizens around the world fear the evil oni, for it is said to ensnare humans in its web before consuming them whole. They are often seen leading units of lesser oni, such as Spiders, Skeleton Warriors and Yomi Soldiers.

ウミボズ Umi-Bozu
Pronounced 'OOH-me BOW-zoo'. A huge and very strange looking Oni that inhabits ocean waters. Also known as 'Umi-Nyudo' and 'Umi-Hoshi.' A famed Oni of many legends; it takes its name, which literally means 'sea-monk', from its round, bald head. Its appearances inevitably herald violent storms.

They assail ships in otherwise calm seas, often by night, cloaked by their dark skin.

A titanically larger version of their lesser versions, Umi-Bozu's can grow up to three storeys tall.

ホワイトタイガー White Tiger
The White Tiger is one of the four legendary beast-gods of the cardinal directions, said to be protector of the West. It takes the form of a magnificent tiger covered in gleaming white fur. Traditionally worshipped alongside the Blue Dragon of the East, the Vermillion Bird of the South, and the Black Turtle of the North.

A combination of Byakko and a Nekomata, the White Tiger has the face of a cat, body of a large dog and split tails.

Aside from razor sharp claws and teeth, the White Tiger can expel lightning and strong gales from its body, more than enough to overpower any human attacking it.

ヤマトノーオーロチ Yamata-No-Orochi
Yamata-No-Orochi is a legendary Shiizun mystical creature, said to have eight heads and eight tails. The name Orochi is a reference to the ancient reading in which translates to ‘big snake'.

The eight heads of the Orochi each have their own function. As well as each being lined with razor-sharp teeth the size of boulders, each head expels a different substance. Fire, ice, air and mud, but also acid, poisonous gas, sleeping gas and mucus, to stick its prey in place. The Orochi is a true alpha predator, having nothing which feasts on it yet feasting itself on all living things in its sight.

Facing the Orcohi is a gargantuan feat, for even if one head is removed, it will regrow. The only way to kill the beast once and for all is after removing a head, to cauterise the stump, preventing regrowth, although this is far easier said than done, since only a handful of warriors have attained the feat so far.

やつの神 Yatsu-No-Kami
Pronounced 'YAHT-soo-no-kah-mee' Yatsu-no-kami is a serpent oni with a horn made of countless blades protruding from its forehead. These blades can be shot like arrows at its foes. Under the influence of the Oni Realm, its snakelike arms gain sentience and spring forth from its body to join the fight. Take heed when its white body turns black, for this is a sign that it is about to call forth the Oni Realm.

While it is now called a god, Yatsu-no-kami was originally a guardian deity to humans who were in pursuit of certain goals. It is said that many Yatsu-no-kami once thrived in the wetlands, until a man named Matachi of the Yahazu clan attempted to cultivate their land. The oni stood in his way, and were driven from those lands as a result. Matachi planted a stake in the ground and declared it a border between the realm of the humans and the oni. He then built a shrine so as to appease the oni and avoid their wrath.

ユキオンナ Yuki-Onna
Pronounced 'YOU-key Oh-na'. Oni women enveloped in a haze of icy cold air. Also treated as incarnations of snow. Yuki-onna is a well known presence in snowy regions; some legends hold that a woman who dies an unnatural death during a snowstorm will return as a Yuki-Onna. Her breath is so powerfully cold that it freezes on contact, and cases of one breath freezing an entire home to death are not unknown.

The Yuki-Onna is a snow-white Oni, with ageless skin and a chilling breath. Cold as ice, she survives on the life force of her victims who she attacks with refined precision and elegance. She is the source of Ice Butterflies in the area.