Binbōgami
A subtype of Kami that exists in the realm of bad luck and misfortune. Binbōgami prey on the bad luck of humans, gaining sustenance any time misfortune strikes anywhere in their vicinity. Usually, one of these spirits will target a single human and follow them silently, invisible to all but the greatest of onmyōji. Over time, the targeted mortal's luck will steadily decrease, leading them inevitably into poverty and despair. The more fortunate the person was before this, the more delicious a meal their downfall proves to the Binbōgami.
Although they are technically divine beings, Binbōgami are among the lowest of Kami. They exist only on Earth, and are barred from entry to Takagamagahara. Even in the mortal world, they are extraordinarily rare, and thought by many to be extinct. This is likely a direct result of the deleterious effect they have on the humans around them. As soon as a Binbōgami is discovered, local spiritualists often band together and hunt the creature down before it can do too much damage by its mere presence.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Binbōgami appear human in most respects, although they always possess a disheveled aspect to their appearance. Often they dress in rags or sacking, and appear painfully thin with sunken, sallow features. The only way to confidently distinguish a Binbōgami from a human is by observing the misfortune that follows them, or catching them disobeying mortal laws by walking on or through walls and the like.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like most Kami, Binbōgami are able to procreate with humans, humanoids, and other Kami. The resultant offspring has a chance of being a Binbōgami itself, with a higher probability the greater the spiritual power of its mate.
Ecology and Habitats
Binbōgami can be found anywhere humans live in groups, although they are exceedingly rare. Often a suspected Binbōgami turns out to be nothing more than a haggard man or woman lost in the throes of poverty.
Dietary Needs and Habits
A Binbōgami that is not able to feed on the downswing of a human's luck eventually withers away and becomes little more than a wispy spirit before vanishing entirely. Beyond this need, they do not require food or water, and have no need of sleep. Indeed, most Binbōgami are most active at night, where their disheveled appearance on a street corner or loitering around a moneychanger is less likely to draw comment.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
As a key part of their divine morphology, Binbōgami possess the unerring ability to detect good fortune in humans. They do not possess this information in any logical way, but rather are powerfully drawn to any mortal who has experienced a great deal of good luck in their recent past.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Most Binbōgami eschew family names and distance themselves from their relatives as soon as possible, so as not to encroach on each others' hunting grounds. There's no reason such a creature cannot have a surname, but they usually tend toward short, unassuming names chosen by themselves.
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