[img]https://static.zerochan.net/Pixiv.Id.148365.full.932280.jpg[/img]

In the modern world, if someone spoke about evil spirits and conjuring out in the open, people would most likely send them to a mental hospital. The occult isn’t something publicized or celebrated, in some places it’s even forbidden, and yet the ideas of the supernatural have struggled on throughout the years.

Simply look to the Japanese shrines for proof. These buildings have been standing for hundreds of years, and are still visited on the daily. Right by your home in the growing city of Kokona, there is one in particular that gets the most hushed talk among peers. It is said that the shrine, known as the Obake Shrine, is a dimension which connects this world to that of the dead. Rumors have it that the gentle woman who is the leader of the shrine is an onmyoji, as well as all of the shamans and priestesses below her.

Disbelieving this, you decide to investigate. Late at night, you trespass into the Obake shrine. As soon as you pass through a peculiar looking torii gate guarding the back entrance, you have signed yourself down to never go back to your old life ever again.

Welcome to the team!

[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/169392-pardon-my-spirits-onmyoji-mythology-roleplay/ooc#post-4559196]Interest Check[/url]

[img]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__N4J7S1MGhA/SsFQna7iHFI/AAAAAAAAA9E/uLcS9q2Jwok/s400/CherryBlossom-Divider.png[/img]
[hider=Premise]
This is a lighthearted role play about the lives of Onmyouji in the modern world. The players belong to the Obake shrine, and every night they go out hunting the evil spirits which plague the city of Kokona. Some exorcisms are requests, others they track down on their own, but every day holds something new. They are a wacky and colorful crew, but they get their jobs done![/hider]
[hider=Operating Info]
In this world, there are spirits or [i]yokai[/i] which dwell within the same realm as our own. It just so happens that most people aren’t able to see them, so they believe it does not affect them or isn’t real, such as you were.

But there are a few who are able to open their third eye and gaze into the world of yokai. These yokai come in all forms, so we documented them below into classes to make it easier.

[hider=Tiers]
[b]Tier 1, the Common Yokai:[/b] Usually of smaller size, common yokai are tricksters. If they are ‘evil’, they often cause mischief in human lives or bring bad fortune. If your ice cream cone spilt for no reason or you suddenly get a case of the blues, you can blame it on a tier 1. Those who do not meddle often keep to themselves and will only cause trouble if pestered. They are harmless and have little to no magical power, but can be annoying. Really anyone can shoo them away. Examples are imps, will o the wisps, and kappa.

[b]Tier 2, the Lost Yokai:[/b] These spirits are often the ones you’d find haunting a home. Lost Yokai are spirits who most often had a tragic death, and are stuck in the past unready to move on. You’ll see them pacing the same area over and over, sometimes repeating the same act with sullen expressions. These yokai can be a bit more dangerous and have a slightly better control over magic, usually using it to levitate or move objects. Usually can have up to two forms. They are more violent than Tier 1, and sometimes require an exorcism. Examples would be azukiari, or yurei.

[b]Tier 3, the Myth Yokai[/b] These are the spirits of higher magical power, and the most popular in modern day culture. Most have multiple forms, but cannot later their appearances too far from from their true forms and cannot keep up the form for long. Myth yokai almost always tend to meddle in human affairs, whether it be good or bad. Examples are kitsune with <4 tails, tanuki and tengu.

[b]Tier 4, the Divine Yokai[/b] Mistakenly believed to always be bad, divine yokai can take either end of the spectrum. Most prefer solidarity, and will only attack if someone mistakenly trespasses. Divine yokai can be of any size, and many can actually change their form at will. These always require an exorcism, and can be fatal if not dealt with as an evil spirit. They have seemingly boundless spiritual power and are masters in magic. Examples include kitsune with 5+ tails, Umibozu and gashadokuro.[/hider]

Those who see these spirits are called “mediums,” and an even rarer group can befriend and contract a yokai as their guardian. [i]Onmyouji[/i] are summoners who become contracted with a yokai, contracted yokai known as [i]shikigami[/i]. An Onmyouji will attract a spirit of their magical level. Those with higher spiritual energy can tame higher tiered yokai, and thus have a stronger shikigami. Onmyouji grow with their shikigami, usually only able to be contracted to one at a time. Though having two has been heard of, it is unbelievably rare. Though a shikigami may start at a low tier, they can raise it by working hard with their onmyouji. If the summoner’s magic grows, so does their shikigami!

The soul contract is formed when a yokai bestows their trust in you, and puts a mark on your body as their summoner. This is a [i]sigil[/i], each one a unique thumbprint of each yokai. The higher tiered a yokai, the more complex the sigil will be. This sigil doubles as their summoning circle, used to call shikigami to your side wherever you may be. More powerful shikigami will be able to teleport to you without you even needing to call them!

But, do not despair. As an onmyouji, you have your own powers to defend yourself if your shikigami is away, called [i]onmyodo[/i]. Granted, you need a [i]catalyst[/i] to use any magic, and it is quite draining, but it will keep you alive in a tough spot. Your catalyst can be any magically imbued item, such as a necklace or staff. Without your catalyst, you cannot cast!

Your powers cone from within. Everyone is born with an [i]alignment[/i], including yokai. Your Shikigami most likely will match your alignment, or be complimentary. Alignments are split into two coexisting spheres.

The first sphere is of yin and yang. Those born under the yin alignment are destroyers. These are born fighters, and are based in physical attack. They are effective in combat, but their summoning ability and exorcism is low.
Those born under yang are purifiers. They rid the areas of miasmas and are effective exorcists, which comes incredibly handy with trickier yokai. Though they aren’t spellcasters, give them a paper and ink and they will create unstoppable ofuda.
Neither yin or yang can be effective on their own, which is why Onmyouji are sent out in groups of at least three or four.

The second sphere is the elemental. There are five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Wood people are those with a tough skin. If they are Yang, they often are healers. As Yin, they are defenders. 
Fire people are eccentrics on the field. Yang Fire often use quick spells to weaken the enemy, whilst Yin Fire dart about relying upon their physical prowess.
Earth people are balancing. As Yin, they will level out the fields and act as any form needed. Yang will use spells such as those that reflect damage. Earth are generally wild cards that do not fit any mold of fighting style perfectly.
Metal people finish the job so to speak. Yin metal will be the ones to deliver the final blow, whereas Yang metal will finally exorcise the yokai.
Water people are generally support. Yin Water will create spells to push back or disorient the enemy, where Yang Water will increase their allies abilities.

[img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Interactions_of_Five_Chinese_Elements.png[/img]

In general, this is how the elements interact.
[color=green]Wood[/color] fuels [color=red]Fire[/color], [color=red]Fire[/color] fuels [color=gold]Earth[/color], [color=gold]Earth[/color] fuels [color=gray]Metal[/color], [color=gray]Metal[/color] Fuels [color=lightblue]Water[/color], and [color=lightblue]Water[/color] fuels [color=green]Wood[/color]. 
These help to determine who would work best together on a team.

However, elements also contradict.
[color=green]Wood[/color] hurts [color=gold]Earth[/color], [color=gold]Earth[/color] hurts [color=lightblue]Water[/color], [color=lightblue]Water[/color] hurts [color=red]Fire[/color], [color=red]Fire[/color] hurts [color=gray]Metal[/color], and [color=gray]Metal[/color] hurts [color=green]Wood[/color].
This shows who would be most effective against what yokai, however putting these together in a team spells disaster. If you read all of this, put at the bottom of your form “Pardon my”.

[i]Note: Not all information is 100% accurate, as it has been adapted to fit a role play structure.[/i][/hider]
[hider=Rules]
[i]Hear the chorus of sighing[/i] I know, I know. But they’re important, okay?

[list][*][b]Dont be rude.[/b] No one likes that guy. If you have something to say, say it politely and avoid snide remarks. If you’re feeling annoyed, pm me about it first so I can be a mediator. DO NOT fight in the OOC. I will get pissy. Don’t.
[*][b]Follow standards.[/b] You know the drill. All site rules apply, fade to black if it gets hot (please don’t insinuate anything if they are underage), don’t god mod yadda yadda yadda. I don’t mind cursing, but don’t swear like a drunken sailor if you could. Avoid all text talk in the actual IC, and try to post one to two paragraphs. I understand writers block, but lemme know. Same goes if you are going to be gone for an extended time. [i]I will drop you if you are gone for a week without saying anything.[/i]
[*][b]Have fun![/b] This is supposed to be a lighthearted, comedic and action packed adventure. Don’t be too dark or dramatic and keep it enjoyable for everyone![/list]

I can edit these rules, so watch out mister or mistress. If you read all of that, add “spirits” to the end of the previous key phrase.[/hider]
[hider=Previous Q&A]
[b]Can non-Japanese myth and spirits be used?[/b]
Yes of course! If it’s something obscure, I’d like a link to a little blurb about your species however.
[b]Can I have multiple characters?[/b]
Yes you may! As many as you can handle.
[b]Can I use my own form/make it pretty?[/b]
Go ahead, as long as you keep all the information.
[b]Can I play my own shikigami and onmyouji pair?[/b]
I encourage it. It can get messy with two players having to work together. That being said, being in a partnership with another player is fine too.
[b]Help! I wanna be a shikigami, but I have no Onmyouji![/b]
Calm down! Just leave your “onmyouji” section blank until someone fills it, and we’ll “ghost” your Onmyouji until then.
[b]Can my character be possessed/already be a medium/etc.?[/b]
Character creation has a lot of freedom here. If it fits, I’ll most likely accept it. If you’re still unsure, just shoot me a pm![/hider]

[img]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__N4J7S1MGhA/SsFQna7iHFI/AAAAAAAAA9E/uLcS9q2Jwok/s400/CherryBlossom-Divider.png[/img]

[center][b][i][h3]Choose your player![/h3][/i][/b][/center]

[hider=Onmyouji CS]
[noparse]
[img here, preferably anime or digital art]
Name:
Nickname(s):
Age:
Gender:
Sexuality:
Appearance: (description optional)
[hr]
Previous Onmyouji?: (Put yes if you already worked at shrine, no if you were one of the curious buggers.)
Shikigami: (Yes, you can leave this blank, especially if you are a new Onmyouji)
Sigil and Location: (if above is filled)
Alignment and Fighting Style:
Catalyst:
Team: (Optional/Unneeded)
[hr]
History: (optional)
Personality: (Just a short paragraph)
Other:[/noparse][/hider]
[hider=Yokai CS]
[noparse]
[img here, preferably anime or digital art. Most common form.]
Name(if any):
Nickname(s): (Those given to you by humans)
Preferred Gender:
Sexuality: (according to preferred gender)
Appearance: (description optional. Include alternative forms)
[hr]
Shikigami?:
Onmyouji: (only if answered yes to above)
Tier: (please don’t pick 4, or everyone be 3)
Alignment:
Sigil:
Powers:
[hr]
History: (optional)
Personality: (Just a short paragraph)
Other:
[/noparse][/hider]

[center]Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Either tag me here or pm me![/center]

[sub]Disclaimer: No images used belong to me in any way. I do not claim these images as my own.[/sub]