YOKARI BIOLOGY
BASIC OVERVIEW
The Yokari are an artificially-created species of humanoid. They stand at between 150-210 cm (5" - 6"6 ft) in height and weigh 55-110 kg (120-240 lbs) on average. They are a sexually dimorphic species with larger males on average. They have luminescent white skin with a jade green pattern across their faces, which covers their nose, upper cheekbones and forehead. Ears are either green or white depending on the individual.
They also sport a pair of short horns, at the tips of which float glowing orbs known as onibi. The strength of light emitted by these orbs represents the general vitality of the individual.
The most remarkable feature of the Yokari is their photosensitivity. When deprived of external light sources they begin to suffer rapid negative symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue and eventual death. Conversely, in the presence of strong light sources they grow stronger and more resilient.
They also sport a pair of short horns, at the tips of which float glowing orbs known as onibi. The strength of light emitted by these orbs represents the general vitality of the individual.
The most remarkable feature of the Yokari is their photosensitivity. When deprived of external light sources they begin to suffer rapid negative symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue and eventual death. Conversely, in the presence of strong light sources they grow stronger and more resilient.
EXTRA ABILITIES
The Yokari are able to control their luminescence and the light from their onibi at will. A healthy Yokari is able to emit powerful bursts of light from their onibi, using them for communication, signalling and as dazzler weapons and threat displays. They can also dull their light for up to an hour with no ill consequences, similar to cetaceans holding their breath underwater.
Yokari's onibi do not seem to act as a source of the light the Yokari need to survive, meaning that Yokari cannot rely on the light emitted by their own onibi or the onibi of other Yokari to avoid the negative consequences of light deprivation. However, all other forms of visible light appear to provide Yokari with the vitality needed to live.
A healthy Yokari is similar to a human in physical capability. However, they are typically more agile, have faster reflexes and superior eyesight to humans. They are also capable of healing more comprehensively than humans, but all of these attributes are reliant on the presence of strong light sources.
Many Yokari also exhibit psionic or other powers. This is due in part to the Far Anomaly which created the species in the first place.
Yokari's onibi do not seem to act as a source of the light the Yokari need to survive, meaning that Yokari cannot rely on the light emitted by their own onibi or the onibi of other Yokari to avoid the negative consequences of light deprivation. However, all other forms of visible light appear to provide Yokari with the vitality needed to live.
A healthy Yokari is similar to a human in physical capability. However, they are typically more agile, have faster reflexes and superior eyesight to humans. They are also capable of healing more comprehensively than humans, but all of these attributes are reliant on the presence of strong light sources.
Many Yokari also exhibit psionic or other powers. This is due in part to the Far Anomaly which created the species in the first place.
EXTREME BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS
Individual Yokari of renown, fame or spiritual enlightenment are able to temporarily transform into oyokari, giant demon-like figures with enhanced speed, physical strength, resilience and the ability to breathe fire. The mechanism through which this is achieved is believed to be magical, and the effect only lasts as long as the individual is conscious. Oyokari are particularly vulnerable to light deprivation and are weakened by water.
BEHAVIOUR
Psychologically, Yokari are similar to their human forebears. However, the full sociological and psychological effects of the Curse are yet to be understood by the various anthropological and psychiatric bodies in contact with the Jade Empire.
The Yokari in general are polite but suspicious of outsiders, and are highly aggressive towards anything they perceive as connected to Corruption or the Merger. Cultural principles such as the Three Faces and Eightfold Fence make them difficult to understand for some foreign species, in particular those used to speaking more directly.
The Yokari in general are polite but suspicious of outsiders, and are highly aggressive towards anything they perceive as connected to Corruption or the Merger. Cultural principles such as the Three Faces and Eightfold Fence make them difficult to understand for some foreign species, in particular those used to speaking more directly.