Shikigami

Kanji: 式神
Kana: しきがみ
Pronunciation: shikigami

TRANSLATION: Ritual Spirit
ALTERNATE NAMES: Shiki
ORIGIN: Heian period folklore

HABITAT: Unknown
DIET: None

ABILITIES:

• Possession
• Shapeshifting
• Invisibility
• Curse infliction

WEAKNESSES:

• Magic
• Paper

OVERVIEW: Shikigami is a summoned servant, known for obeying onmyoji masters, and is often found in rituals.

APPEARANCE: Shikigami have no true form of their own. They often inhabit small paper dolls cut in human shapes. Powerful masters can make them appear as birds or beasts. To ordinary eyes, they remain completely invisible. They only take physical form when necessary to act.

BEHAVIOR: They exist solely to serve their master's will. These spirits perform tasks ranging from household chores to assassination. A shikigami acts as an extension of the sorcerer's power. If treated poorly, they may turn on their summoner.

INTERACTIONS: Humans rarely see them unless they are the target of a spell. They are tools of magic rather than independent creatures. Sorcerers use them to spy on rivals or protect themselves.

OTHER FORMS: They possess animals or paper manikins.