Tentaihana

Tentaihana are an original type of yōkai created for Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. The protagonist Bō is one of them.

Various Tentaihana found in Bō* Bō, a Fox/lotus TentaihanaGo to Bō
* Asahi, a Wold/Sunflower TentaihanaGo to Asahi
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## Overview

### What is a Tentaihana (天体花)?

Tentaihana (Japanese for "Celestial Blossom" 天体花) are an original type of yōkai created by Christopher Stair, the Creative Director for the indie game Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. The protagonist of the game, Bō, is a Tentaihana. Tentaihana are inherently genderless sprite-like creatures that emerge from flowers. They blossom and become sentient when the ejecta of a kami blesses the seed or bud of a flower-bearing plant. The most common form of kami ejecta from which tentaihana are born is a kami's tear. It is thought that due to their direct link with the sorrow of the kami, their blossomings are imbued with a tragic purpose and are commonly found wandering areas where recent tragedy has occurred.

### Affinities

Each tentaihana possesses two natural affinities simultaneously.

The first is its "**floral affinity"**. The form a tentaihana takes corresponds to the flower from which it blossoms. A tentaihana born from a specific flower will, more often than not, be adorned in garb made of petals from its blossomed flower.

The second affinity is known as the "**faunal affinity**". Tentaihana also take on animal-like characteristics that usually correlate with the local animal population. During the blossoming stage, as the kami's ejecta cools, it begins to form a calcified bone-like structure that houses the celestial soul of the tentaihana. This bone-like structure takes on the head shape of animals and creatures commonly found in the area of blossoming.

### Celestial Relics

When a Tentaihana blooms it receives a gift from the Kami. This Celestial Relic usually comes in the form of a piece of jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and various hair pieces, but some have been spotted wielding everything from parasols to hand fans and mirrors. Some Tentaihana use these relics as weaponry, some just enjoy holding shiny things in their tiny little hands. All relics are weapons, but whether they choose to wield it as a weapon or not is up to them.

## Appearance

Every Tentaihana blooms from the seed of a flower bearing plant, their flowy robes, cloaks and garments are formed of the petals and leaves of their corresponding flower. Although they are mostly ethereal beings, their heads are formed from hardened celestial ejecta. While blooming, tentaihana are extremely hot and will often emit steam but rapidly cool. It is during this time that their head takes shape.

Their heads are mask-like and are completely solid and hollow except for the (usually) white glow that emanates from within. This white glow is thought to be the original ejecta of the kami and is considered to be the soul of the tentaihana that gives it life. Their heads either overtly or vaguely resemble animals found in wooded areas, although tentaihana of all types animals are thought to exist. They also feature unique markings on their face reminiscent of Kabuki masks. All Tentaihana have heads that are white in color, but their markings can be other colors. It is uncommon for a Tentaihana to have a tail, although one's with tails are usually revered more highly and considered rare and beautiful. Tentaihana come in all shapes and sizes from small rodent-like creatures to larger wraith-like entities.

## A Taste for Tea and Sunlight

Tentaihana also have an affinity for various types of tea and it is their preferred source of earthly sustenance. It is for this reason that they are often seen carrying a tea kettle with them at all times. If a Tentaihana goes too long without their preferred brew, they can begin to wilt. Moreover, sunlight is also a vital form of nourishment for Tentaihana. Research has shown that as long as a Tentaihana is provided with an adequate supply of sunlight, their lifespan can be prolonged indefinitely.