Shinigami

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### Physical Description

Shinigami are the powerful lieutenants of *Yomi*—the Underworld—and according to centuries of historical documentation, it is believed that there are four Shinigami at any given time. Despite being within the echelons of commanding Oni, they do not take up abnormal physical features that may resemble an ogre or a monstrous entity. Instead, they resemble humans in traditional Japanese clothing and armor, wielding the same types of weapons that the Battotai may use. When encountered, they unleash a noticeable aura of impending doom, hopelessness, and nihilism—all feelings that gradually overwhelm the feelings of the nearby living. It is widely believed that Shinigami are locked in a state of undeath: neither alive nor dead. However, they are allegedly sentient and have no discernable agenda as a group. Most witness testimony is discounted because Shinigami always kill anything living nearby without remorse or hesitation.

### Personality

It is difficult to identify a set personality for the Shinigami as a group due to the lack of verifiable information surrounding them. However, public information from past Shugo who sought to hunt down the Shinigami, have all determined that they seem to serve an obscure higher purpose or entity. When confronted by Battotai or humans, there have been very few survivors in such encounters. Consequently, this also means that the personality of the Shinigami is left to speculation until further notice.

### Abilities

On April of 2018, it was discovered that one of the Shinigami had utilized Tengoku techniques from that of **Tsukuyomi**, the kami of the moon. As a result, it has been confirmed that they can execute the same techniques as the Battotai but to a much greater extent. Because of their supernaturally enhanced physiology, their physical capabilities are amplified to an inhuman extent, matching or even surpassing the Shugo in raw speed and power. Paired with their ability to process strategy and their sentience, they greatly surpass the abilities of even the most powerful Oni. It has also been confirmed that Shinigami are equipped with Yomihagane weapons as well.

They are generally ignored or accepted by Oni as their masters. Due to this, Shinigami exhibit immense levels of control and influence over yokai and Oni. The Shinigami that participated in the Battle of Nozumo Mine for instance, summoned the Many-Handed One, demonstrating that Shinigami can summon powerful Oni with little to no effort. It is unknown if they can summon multiple entities at a time. It is also possible that they wield a considerable amount of influence on the Hoka-no-Sekai.

### History

The origins of the Shinigami are not understood. According to folklore and traditional Shinto myth, it is believed that Shinigami are residual spirits that cling to the dying souls of people as they make their way into the afterlife. However, the Shinigami have taken on a more combative approach in recent centuries, escalating their level of intervention in the mortal world and striking against the Battotai at random intervals. Powerful charms from patron kami have protected shrines, temples, and other Battotai institutions from direct Shinigami attack for many years. Alas, it is believed that even these charms are fading in strength against the darkness of the Shinigami. They do not stay in a particular area for long and are believed to constantly wander throughout Japan in an aimless, eternal trek.

### Trivia

The number of existing Shinigami is four which when spoken in Japanese, closely resembles the pronunciation for the word "death". Four is considered to be an unlucky and ominous number in Japanese culture, leading to misfortune.