Mononoke

In the world of Black Torch, Mononoke are immortal beings. They usually take on the form of a human or animal and live among humans or in secluded rural or wilderness areas. They can also live in "the Hidden Realms", another dimension separate from where humans live.

History
Hundreds of years ago Mononoke were worshiped and feared by humans as Gods, Oni, ogres, etc. However, during the Edo Period, in the Kyoho Era, under the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, the Oniwabanshu began targeting all Mononoke. The Oniwabanshu gave Mononoke an ultimatum: work for them and live ordinary human lives or be exterminated. Around 1730 many Mononoke banned together to try to fight them, but they were defeated and most were killed. The only Mononoke who were able to avoid the confrontation all together were Ibuki, who got the Oniwabanshu to agree to a non-aggression pact, and Rago, who sealed himself away to avoid being used by either side.

Plot
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Characteristics
Mononoke have no parents or children. They are born from the coalescing of the thoughts and emotions of all living things. They are born with some general knowledge, and depending on what emotions and thoughts they formed from may already have a clear sense of self.

All Mononoke have at least one black horn, which helps them control their power. Damaging or removing one of their horns will cause them to loose control over their abilities temporarily. However their horns can grow back relatively quickly.

All Mononoke also appear to have either prominent canines or entirely sharp teeth.

Mononoke do not need to eat humans, and can survive on ordinary human foods just fine. However a Mononoke can only increase their overall power by eating humans and taking in their vital energy. A human's vital energy dissipates quickly after they die, and a Mononoke's energy dissipates even faster.

Abilities
A Mononoke's power can physically manifest in a shadowy, smoke-like form, usually on and around their bodies. This energy can be used to create Torii gates used to travel between the physical world and the Hidden Realms. They can also use regular Torii gates for this purpose, which can be sealed from either side to prevent their use in this way. Koga can also use this energy to either create or summon his weapon, and Roren's flag also appears to be made from it.

Mononoke are able to produce illusions to various levels, with both Roren and Fuyo seeming to have unique abilities in this area.

Mononoke have a Spectral Aura which humans do not have.

Mononoke are able to produce a thick, dense fog. Anything within this fog merges with the Hidden Realms. Ichika Kishimojin refers to this as an Aura Barrier, and Rago calls it a Spectral Aura Fog.