Tengu

This is the story-based description of Tengu. For their official character rules, go here

Appearance

Tengu are varied in appearance from looking entirely avian (with crow, or raven features) to appearing human. Tengu can also be characterized by having red skin, and large noses causing them to appear as Oni. Tengu often reflect in some ways who they were in life on a spiritual level. All tengu who appear human like can be differentiated from humans by having slightly longer noses.

Background

Tengu are the cursed spirits of the prideful, and or conceited. When people die they are often judged by King Yemma and sent to either heaven or hell. Tengu are the spirits of those who are not allowed to enter heaven or hell and instead are cursed to an eternity as spirits. These spirits of the dead are often the souls of Buddhist, priests, nuns, clergy who were prideful, and or conceited in life. Spirits of the dead who are cursed to become tengu are sent to purgatory known as Tengu Road where the spirits become Tengu who then can leave to the mortal world.

Religion

Many Tengu have pasts in religions. A very common religion shared among Tengu is Buddhism many Tengu will often times pray to, or worship the Garuda. Garuda are yōkai in the same way that Tengu are and are considered lesser Divinities. Garuda are often characterized as have humanoid bodies with avian characteristics (mostly eagle like) such as beaks, wings, raptor feet, and other characteristics. The Garuda are the enemy of the Nāga, a snake like race who are either entirely snake in appearance, mixture of snake and human features, or snake-like humanoids. Tengu will raise conflict against Nāga due to their faith. Tengu often have avian features much like the Garuda.