Otherworldly Encounters

Spirits inhabit the lands of Rokugan and beyond. These mysterious beings may wander from nearby realms or inhabit specific places in the mortal world, but two things are clear: countless kinds of spirits, each with their own domains and goals, exist in the world, and each has an undeniable impact on it. Rokugani venerate many spirits, with shugenja and other priests acting as intermediaries between spiritual and human affairs. Of course, matters are not always wholly peaceable between spirits and humans in Rokugan. Some spirits, such as the animal spirits of Senkyō, can be helpful allies or tricksters who prey upon humanity, depending on circumstances, and are treated with caution or placated with offerings. Others, namely the mazoku, have tasks including the testing of human souls and the tormenting of the wicked in the afterlife; thus, while mazoku are agents of cosmic order who serve under Emma-Ō, most humans do not relish the thought of meeting one. Some spirits are even human souls who have refused to leave the Mortal Realm—remaining to complete a goal, seek revenge, or protect a loved one—or have left their living body behind to pursue some desire they cannot achieve through physical means.

Outside of Rokugan, the relationship between humans and spirits can vary in an equally interesting variety of ways. Some groups, such as the Ujik, venerate spirits like the Lords of Death, ancestors who are said to ride with their people and watch over their mortal descendants. Within the Shadowlands, corrupted spirits (kansen) may tempt even the most pious of priests with offers of power and glory beyond measure. And along the Sand Road, travelers may encounter djinn: powerful spirits with elemental affinities who are capable of great good or evil.