Shaman

## Shamans

**Shamans** (巫, Fu) also known as **Shamanic Sorcerers** (巫術師, Fujutsushi) are spiritually aware humans capable of using Fujutsu to fight off evil spirits and cleanse cursed humans. They are protectors of the Living World, tasked with defending it from invading Yokai through exorcisms.

## Overview

Shamans can sense the presence of the Hidden World and spiritual beings, as well as the energy of other Shamans. Becoming a Shaman relies almost entirely on innate talent, as individuals are born with a certain level of Spiritual Awareness. Shamans aligned with the Fujutsu Order are collectively known as "**White Shamans**", those who defect and use their powers for evil are known as "**Black Shamans**".

## Appearance

Priests, Monks, Nuns, Sages, Saints, Yamabushi, Exorcists, and other such ascetics can also be considered Shamans. Thus there appearances vary greatly from different areas all cross the world. Traditional Japanese Shamanic Priests wear **Jōe** (浄衣) robes and carry **K'riks** (錫杖キリク *Kiriku*) staff. However, in order to hide their presence in public while out on missions, Shamans will often wear normal clothes while investigating Yokai appearances.

## Duties

**Exorcism**: A Shaman's primary task is to defend the living world from intrusive Yokai. This often involves investigating a string of disappearances or even murders that link back to a Yokai. Once confronted, the Yokai must be exorcised and any victims cleaned of their presence.

* **Cleansing**: An alternate method to dealing with Yokai is to cleanse them of their Yoki and give them a role as a familiar spirit, potentially a Guardian Ghost.

**The Sending**: Another main duty of a Shaman is to seek out wandering souls and help them pass onto the afterlife through a ceremony known as "The Sending". This prevents human ghosts from evolving into Yokai.

**Shrine Governance**: The Godai Order's association of Shrines are temples that serve as headquarters for Shamans in their respective region as well as portals to the Seireitei. Shamans are assigned duties to maintain the Shrines, which includes guarding them against invasion. These Shrines are also essential for religious observance, in which Shamans worship the Kami and pay their respects to the planet.

## Training

**Fujutsu Academy**: An educational institution dedicated to training the next generation of Shaman. The Academy itself is a building hidden within a pocket dimension specifically created to keep the school a secret. Within normal society, Fujutsu Academy is disguised as a cram school for students that specializes in religious studies.

## Fudō

**Note**: *Fudō are classifications of Shaman that refers to their respective fighting style or role.*
* **Bushidō** (侍, "Samurai"): The broadest classification for any Shaman. This meister refers to close-ranged weapon users such as those who fight with swords, staffs, or a bevy of other weapons.
* **Kyūdōka** (弓道家, "Archer"): Shamans who use long-ranged weapons such as traditional bows, crossbows, or firearms.
* **Onmyōji** (陰陽師, "Mage"): Shamans who specialize in Onmyo Magic, mystical arts based on advanced spells.
* **Ningyō** (人形使い, "Puppeteer"): Shamans capable of using Furyoku Threads to a variety of purposes, including setting traps and controlling dolls and enemies.
* **Shiryōjutsushi** (死霊術師, "Necromancer"): Shamans who can use their Furyoku to summon the souls or bodies of the deceased.
* **Ongako** (音楽, "Bards"): Shamans that utilize musical instruments to manipulate Furyoku.

## Ranks

* **Fuko** (Shaman in Training): Young Shaman attending Five Elements Academy.
* **Fuhei** (Shaman Warrior): Average mid-level Shaman.
* **Fujin** (Shaman Master): Highest and most respect Shaman.

## Combat

**Fujutsu** (巫術, "Shamanic Sorcery"): Furyoku manipulation techniques that manifest a wide variety of paranormal abilities. The word "Fujutsu" is often treated as an umbrella term that encompasses all mystical arts performed in Shamanism. All shamans are judged by the strength of their Fujutsu as it plays a pivotal role in Shamanism society, however, this is also why it is kept secret from the world at large.

* **Furyoku** (巫力, "Shamanic Power"): A power aligned with the spiritual sensitivity and willpower of the user. It is used by Shamans to provide power for their various abilities.
* **Fubutsu** (巫物, "Shamanic Object"): Relics that possess their own naturally occurring Furyoku due to possessing a Spirit within it. Includes Enchantments and
* **Fugu** (巫具, "Shamanic Tool"): Weapons used by Shamans to combat Yokai.
* **Fujutsushiki** (巫術式, "Shamanic Techniques"): The ultimate form of Furyoku manipulation for any Shaman. By merging their Guardian Ghost with their chosen vessel, Shamans can give their Guardian Spirit a physical form and draw out their full power in order to utilize special abilities.

**Onmyodō** (陰陽道, "Onmyo Magic"): Mystical arts based on advanced spells derived from Furyoku manipulation. These spells are produced using ofuda talisman or other objects and fall into three categories: Offensive Magic, Binding Magic, and Healing Magic. Depending on their requirements, Onmyodo spells can be triggered rituals, incantations, hand seals, or any combination of the three.

**Fukōken** (巫後見, "Shamanic Guardian"): Spirits that are chosen by Shamans to accompany them in battle. Having a Guardian Spirit is key for any Shaman to produce their own unique Fujutsu techniques, including forging a powerful Fujutsushiki.