Fantasy Mono No Aware Lore

[Aster]

Important npcs

The Usagi

Also known as Kai's Main Priest, The Usagi is the current religious head of Kai. Little is known about The Usagi despite the fact that there is no one in Kai who has never heard of him (assuming that the Usagi is a him). No one really knows how The Usagi came to power or how he even came to be. He has existed since the beginning of Kai and stories about him have been passed down from generation from generation - further building the enigma around him.

Some believe that The Usagi is a position, because no person could live for thousands of years. Others believe that The Usagi is a deity like the guardian deities for Ashura and Fukami. Because few have seen him in person, there may even be some who believe that the Usagi is an actual talking rabbit.

Regardless of who he is, there are many who seek his knowledge and help; undoubtedly, he is a powerful figure in the land of Kai. Those who dare to refute his orders are usually bestowed a calamity making it taboo to go against any of The Usagi's commands.

Personality: Mellow; he hate's dealing with troublesome things tbh and you'll never see him without his bunny mask.

The Orochi

A curse and a myth spread down from generation to generation. It is said that the Orochi is a giant snake or dragon known to wreak havoc and calamity every time it moves. When it awakens, its venom is able to corrupt even the strongest minds, turning humans into its minions to do its bidding.

Tales say that the day the Orochi swallows the Moon is the day the world ends.

The Tengu

The Tengu, Raiva: also known as the goddess of the Sky and the guardian deity of the Ashura family.

Appearance: Not much is known about Raiva's appearance. Some say she takes form of a large raven. Others believe that the red eyes found in rare Ashura children are inherited from Her.

Personality: acknowledges the brave and the strong; vengeful; proud

The Okami

The Okami, San; also known as the god of Land and the guardian deity of the Fukami clan.

Appearance: Like any spiritual being, San can take form of both beast (a nine-tailed fox) and man (sometimes switching between genders if He's feeling extra playful). He is known to have hair the color of pure snow.

Personality: Cunning, lackadaisical, loyal to those he loves.

Kai's geography

Tengoku Temple

The place is also known as "Heaven's Gate" due to its location. Tengoku Temple is found in central Kai, found on one of the highest mounts in Kai. It is the largest temple in Kai and also the place where The Usagi is known to reside. Many shrines can be found at the base of the temple. The higher and deeper one ventures into Tengoku Temple, the more historic the shrines and the more ancient the deities dedicated. It is rumored that The Usagi's shrine can be found at the top of the Temple but due to lack of available roads, it is near impossible to reach the top of the mountain--let alone the deepest part of Tengoku Temple.

(I use the word 'temple' but Heaven's Gate basically takes up the whole mountain's area. The higher you go on the mountain, the deeper you will find yourself in the "temple". The shrines are like pit stop. Minus the shrines at the base of the mountain (the most popular and most frequently visited ones), shrines further up the mountain are accompanied by small mansions for monks and visitors to reside in)

A strange mist veils the top of Tengoku Temple and the forest area also becomes denser. Some say that the mist is a barrier, hiding The Usagi from unwanted foe. However, there are some individuals born with the ability to see through the mist.

Central Kai

geography: Valley/Forest area just bordering East Kai's mountains.

Central Kai consists of mostly forests and small scattered villages. There is only one main city in central Kai. Although the land is considered "neutral" territory, the Fukami and Ashura are rarely seen to mix.

West Kai

geography: seaport area / city-like / hills

West Kai has a prominent sea port and multiple waterways which the Fukami use for trade. Further north of west Kai are cliffs rich with vegetation, waterfalls and lakes. Some of the more daring individuals reside in castles in Northwest Kai, creating some of the most beautiful gardens in the land. Most of Kai is dominated by bustling cities which are expanding due to economic prosperity.

The cities of West Kai are the most "modern" cities found in Kai.

East Kai

geography: mountainous / lots of cliffs and harsh wintry climate

East Kai consists mainly of high mountains and cliffs. It's rocky terrain and harsh climate makes it a difficult place to live in and yet the Ashura manage to thrive perfectly fine under these conditions (reasons why the Ashura are more physically built than the Fukami tbh). Architecture and buildings are usually built up on steep but sturdy mountains. Bridges may be used to connect two castles.

Further down South of East Kai, one may find less mountains and a flat terrain where larger Ashura villages and temples can be found. East Kai is known to supply Kai's best winter crops and fresh vegetables. It is also more traditional compared to West Kai.

Ashura Clan

Marriage Ceremonies

There are few Marriage Ceremonies known in the Ashura clan but following them is a requisite if one should want a happy marriage.

• ketsueki kyōtei: couples are to make a slit in their palm and join their hands, making it so that their blood will mix and therefore forming a sort of 'blood pact'. The cut is done with a ceremonial knife and is usually handled by an official Ashura priest so that the cut will not create any scarring. It is done 8 days before the wedding ceremony.
• kane no hibiki: couples are to venture into the mounts of East Kai and ring the large bell found at one of Raiva's Shrine. Only the most important prayers and blessings are asked for here due to the difficulty of reaching the place. Couples must venture in alone for the ceremony.
• arainaga: females are to bathe at Mizuha (a sacred waterhole found near the base of Ido waterfall.) at night during the full moon; males are to bathe at the base of Ido waterfall, some even required to stand underneath the waterfall. This ceremony is also known as 'The Cleansing'. It is the first ceremony to be done.

Fukami Clan

Marriage Ceremonies

The Fukami clan is known to have a multitude of marriage ceremonies due to the diversity in the clan. Not all these ceremonies are followed and there are some more popular than others. The Engagement between the Ashura and Fukami will focus on the Fukami clan's most popular and ancient wedding ceremonies.

• tea giving ceremony: Couples are to gather in their respective homes and serve tea to their parents and elders. After serving tea, their elders will usually bless the couple with a gift such as jewellery or money. Children and younger individuals may also approach the couple to receiving blessings from them in the form of sweets (usually konpeito) or money (coin). There ceremony is meant to be a lively one of sorts where the couple's family gets to know their bride or groom to be.
• sentaku suru: ceremony takes place a day before the wedding ceremony. In Fukami, wedding rings are not bought but made. The stone, metal and design is to be designed by each respective partner. Skilled ring-makers (an occupation in West Kai dedicated to wedding ring making) are commissioned to make rings designed by the couple. The rings are made to represent each individual's feelings for their respective partners. This unique ceremony makes it so that almost no wedding ring is alike. (*Engagement rings are usually more for decorative purpose and are the wedding rings presented in sentaku suru. Sometimes, couples may buy a separate set of wedding rings to wear for convenience sake.)
• tamashī no odori: A festive ritual dance held by the shrine maidens under the Okami. Couples are to participate in the dance which will count as the 'seal' or final ritual of the marriage/engagement ceremony.
• nine-tail hopping: considered the be the most troublesome ceremony; few actually complete this but those who do are usually found to have a very happy and secure marriage. Similar to kane no hibiki, couples are to visit all nine of San's' Shrines which are scattered all across West Kai. Couples are to pray to each shrine to receive their blessings. It is said that after visiting all nine, couples will be given the Okami's full blessing, although most people are too lazy to visit them all.