Maho
Maho refers to the forbidden practice of blood magic or dark sorcery, often associated with the Shadowlands and the corrupting influence of Jigoku, the Realm of Evil. It is considered one of the gravest sins and taboos in Rokugan, as it involves the manipulation of forbidden knowledge and the invocation of malevolent forces.
Corruption and Taboo: Maho is viewed as corrupting and defiling, as practitioners delve into dark rituals that involve human sacrifice, bloodletting, and the summoning of foul entities from Jigoku. The use of Maho stains the soul and can lead to madness or demonic possession.
Jigoku's Influence: Maho practitioners often make pacts with beings from Jigoku, exchanging their own purity and sanity for power. These dark entities may grant spells and abilities beyond normal mortal ken, but always at a terrible cost.
Social Stigma: In Rokugani society, Maho users are reviled and feared. They are considered traitors to Bushido and the Empire, as their actions threaten the celestial balance and the purity of the land. Discovery of Maho use leads to severe punishment, often including execution and the purging of all associated with the practitioner.
Practitioners: Those who practice Maho are often desperate or corrupted individuals who seek power at any cost. Some are drawn to it out of necessity, believing they can control its dark forces for noble ends, but they inevitably succumb to its corrupting influence.
Countermeasures: The Empire employs the Inquisitors of the Kuni Family family and other Witch Hunters to seek out and eradicate Maho users. Purification rituals and wards are also used to cleanse areas tainted by Maho and to protect against its influence.
Corruption and Taboo: Maho is viewed as corrupting and defiling, as practitioners delve into dark rituals that involve human sacrifice, bloodletting, and the summoning of foul entities from Jigoku. The use of Maho stains the soul and can lead to madness or demonic possession.
Jigoku's Influence: Maho practitioners often make pacts with beings from Jigoku, exchanging their own purity and sanity for power. These dark entities may grant spells and abilities beyond normal mortal ken, but always at a terrible cost.
Social Stigma: In Rokugani society, Maho users are reviled and feared. They are considered traitors to Bushido and the Empire, as their actions threaten the celestial balance and the purity of the land. Discovery of Maho use leads to severe punishment, often including execution and the purging of all associated with the practitioner.
Practitioners: Those who practice Maho are often desperate or corrupted individuals who seek power at any cost. Some are drawn to it out of necessity, believing they can control its dark forces for noble ends, but they inevitably succumb to its corrupting influence.
Countermeasures: The Empire employs the Inquisitors of the Kuni Family family and other Witch Hunters to seek out and eradicate Maho users. Purification rituals and wards are also used to cleanse areas tainted by Maho and to protect against its influence.
Type
Religious, Cult
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