Shirotama

We shall live again.

The Spirit World is a parallel plane of reality that supposedly coexists with all physical worlds within Magic itself. This realm is home to mythological Spirits, a vast array of immortal, supernatural entities that embody different aspects of life and nature. In Karavan, these Spirits sometimes become lost between realms or intentionally cross over, seeking symbiotic, parasitic relationships with mortals by feeding on their emotions. In return, they grant small portions of their power, often influencing entire areas or communities. Shirotama is said to be the religion of 'gods without number', It is believed that the Spirits close direct access to their world due to frequent theft from those seeking to exploit their power. Crossing from our realm into the Spirit World is incredibly difficult, and only a person’s soul can make the journey. In legends, those who enter the Spirit World appear as smoking balls of light, similar to wisps. Few Spirits make the journey to the physical world, usually to gather sustenance and return to aid their own civilizations during times of famine. For powerful Spirits, crossing the boundary is costly meaning they usually find a 'territory' to settle and don't move from there, while smaller Spirits find it easier to slip between worlds, and tend to wander. Besides crossing an enchanted bridge (as depicted in many stories), there are other rumored ways for beings to enter or leave the Spirit World. Spirits can carry mortals between realms, and certain enlightened individuals are said to achieve this through lifelong meditation, or great feats. Some physical locations, like the Spirit Oasis or the Valley of Woe in Lazarus, are thought to act as natural bridges. The barrier between worlds is weakest during the summer and winter solstices or cosmic events such as eclipses or blood moons, allowing for easier passage. Those who enter the Spirit World cannot use magic as it is understood in Lazarus. Instead, the Spirit World operates on emotions and inner power. This connection can influence the Spirits, causing them to change their behavior and elemental alignment. For instance, if a visitor from the mortal realm becomes enraged, nearby Spirits may grow aggressive and align with the element of fire, leading to widespread destruction.

The Deities

Amano. Emperor of Yomi, Crown Lord of the Soul, child of the Weaver of 'Ghost Stories', Amano is more than just the overall ruler of the Spirit World. He is the god of Souls, and helped make Lazurinians with the Crown Lord Herne. He is emotional, but wise, and has experienced all mortal life. He is the 'God Emperor' of the Kokoro Clan as well, and legitimately rules the nation from his palace, which is a giant conduit to the Spirit World. Ameno. Empress of Takamagahara, daughter of Amano, wedded to the Formator of erasure, Abzu, Ameno rewards just, good souls with rest before they descend back into reincarnation within the mortal world. It's important to note these spirits are not neccicarily evil or good, they are their own 'nation' that are as diverse as any others. Amatsu. Emperor of Jigoku, son of Ameno, said to be consort of the Primeval of Justice Astraea. Punishing sinners and purifying souls through Jigoku's tormenting flames, they hold dominion over spirits who are aligned in darker pursuits. It's important to note these spirits are not neccicarily evil or good, they are their own 'nation' that are as diverse as any others. Orochi. Emperor of the Inkwastes, a dark land filled with ancient, hateful Spirits. A eight headed lung, concieved during the height of the Great Mana Convergence, that when summoned, or coming out of hiding, causes widespread destruction not just to spiritual lands, but also any other deity, or mana that gets in the way of its insatible hunger. The Court of Lungs. A court of Lung spirits, that specifically all serve Amano, Amatsu, or Ameno in one way shape or form. Their leader is Morax, the Amber Lord. They mostly are associated with defending the spirit world. The Court Cultivators. The court of cultivators are considered to be mediators who travel across the entire spirit world, usually working as mediators between the different entities. Dai'Ying Shai. The maker of the practice of cultivation, and is often seen as the most trusted of the cultivators. Susanoo. A ink spirit warrior, who takes the form of a roiling storm, often associated with rain, and the sky. Amaterasu. A ink spirit, who takes the form of a solar, burning wolf. They are associated with symbology of the sun. Tsukiomi. A ink spirit, who takes the form of a graceful and beautiful rabbit. They are associated with symbology of the moon. The 7 Kojiki. The protectors of Takamagahara. Ascended Lazurinians of ancient legend, who are said to reincarnate and live among the world when the world needs them most.

1. Mikoto is a Lung spirit, who is considered the Guardian spirit of 'The faithful, monks, samurai, and those who retain loyalty'

2. Ira is a Kirin spirit, who with these Twinsi, Jia'Chen, are considered the Twinsi Kirins who race each other across the heavens. They are considered the Guardian spirit of 'Calvary, Pilots and anyone who operates machinery, or mounted acts of warfare.'

3. Gula is a Byakko spirit, acredited with creating Shai'Chas 'Spirit Network', and is considered the guardian of 'Abandoned Children.'

4. Fuyuki is a Numagozen spirit, acredited with creating the weighing system of souls, aka, Karmic Scales. They are considered a guardian of 'Law enforcement officiers, and those who protect the commonfolk selflessly.'

5. Hiroshi is a strong, resilient, yet hot-headed figure in mythology also referred to as 'Hothead', who is an Oni spirit, who is said to live high in mountainious volcanos. He is often acredited with the practice of 'Soul Forging', and they considered to be the guardian spirit of 'Craftsmen, the lonely, and the depressed.'

6. Luxu is a distant and flighty figure, also referred to as 'Deserter', is a Hakutaku Spirit, who keeps his distance from the group on the large, and is the creator of Universalism. He is considered a guardian spirit of 'Wartime deserters, and traitors to oppressive nations.'

7. Ava No Seimei, also referred to as Nao'Xiu Shai, Hekigyoku, and 'Brat' by their group members. A Kitsune spirit. Made the practice of Onmyodo, and tore the veil open which released Spirits into the mortal world in their mythology. They are considered the guardian spirit of 'Mothers, Abused Catalysts & Anchors, Survivors of Assault, and Sex Workers.'

The 13 Mara. The protectors of Jigoku. Ascended Lazurinians of ancient legend, who are said to reincarnate and live among the world when the world needs them most. Mara have childish nicknames for one another, however it is usally inappropriate for worshippers to refer to them as these nicknames.

1. Giygas, also referred to as Codex Giygas, and 'Geshi-dork-aro', is a Gesshidokuru spirit (a giant skeleton spirit that forms from thousands of souls dying at once), who takes the false appearence of a Kitsune. He is the right hand assistant for Amatsu, and is obsessed with him. He is considered guardian over those who 'Suffer mass atrocities by greedy hands'.

2. Jinteki'Robotto, is a Tanuki space spirit, a bubbly and joyful assassin. They are considered to protector of 'Those who are mischivious, and pranksters.'

3. Fūjin Takumi,also referred to as 'Hardass', is a Uwabami spirit, a veteran of the first Dragon and Spirit war, who is considered the protector of 'Warriors, Soldiers, and those who die far from home.'

4. Poemiu, also referred to as 'Know-it-all', is a Yurei spirit, who protects those who 'Live oppressed lives, and can not escape.'

5. Ayu, also referred to as 'Broody-boy', is a Oni spirit, who protects those who 'Live lives of suffering from birth.'

6. Junji, also referred to as 'Mrs.Frowny Face', is a Yaksha spirit, who protects those who 'Are burdened by responsibility they never asked for.'

7. Gekkō Kanjin, also referred to as 'Hopeless', is a Inugami spirit, who is in love with Tsukiyomi, one of the high Ink Spirits of the moon. He is considered the protector of 'The Moon', nothing mortal.

8. Ne'zha, also referred to as 'Hotwheels', is a Yaksha spirit, who protects those who 'Fight against the fate of being evil.'

9. Sui Onimono, is a Koto furunushi spirit, who mostly is considered the boyfailure of the Mara. He provides them entertainment mostly in mythology, and is considered a protector of 'Preformers scorned for their craft.'

10. Kazuki & Kasumi, also referred to as 'The Gambling Twins'. They are two Nekkomata spirits, who protect those who 'Have lost loved ones by chance.'

11. Ephemer, also referred to as Gao Shai, or 'Lover Boy' teasingly by the other Mara. A Sage, the maker of the practice of Soul Eating. Gao is a Kitsune, who protects 'Young lovers, heartbroken and torn apart by fate.'

12. Hara, also referred to as 'Songstress', Hara is a loud Tengu, who protects those who have 'Become trapped in traffiking rings.'

13. Hakutora, also referred to as 'Betrayer', Hakutora is a stealth Mara, who is a dark Byakko, who protects those who have 'No choice but to break the law.'

And Many More. There are way more spiritual gods than are listed here, like Yu'Di, and Di'Yu, who are Amanos left and right hand. However, because of the sheer number, it is best to cut it here. There are hundreds of preestablished spirits, and billions of spirits otherwise. They can have guardianship over something as simple as a rock they really like, or an entire valley. They are as diverse as mortals themselves, but each is considered a sacred god, by Shirotama.

Official Playlist for the Religion

Shirotama is primarily practiced in the Kokoro clan and by descendants of Kokoro lineage, as it deeply ties into their cultural identity and ancient traditions. The Kokoro people believe in the existence of powerful Spirits residing in the realm of white mana, and they see these Spirits as protectors, guides, their ancestors, and embodiments of natural forces. Shirotama is more than a belief system for them—it's a way of life. Their customs, rituals, and daily practices are imbedded inttheir daily life, and revolve around honoring these Spirits, maintaining balance, and seeking wisdom from them through sacred ceremonies. While Shirotama thrives in Kokoro lands, it is less widespread elsewhere in Lazarus. Those outside the Kokoro lineage may not understand or believe in the existence of these Spirits in the same way, leading to a cultural divide. However, individuals from other regions, or those who migrate to Kokoro’s ancient lands, known as Shai'Cha, often witness spiritual phenomena unique to these sacred areas. Shai'Cha is considered a nexus for spiritual activity, where the veil between the physical world and the Spirit World is said to be thin. Pilgrims from other lands, drawn by tales of the Spirits, often make the journey to Shai'Cha to witness these supernatural occurrences firsthand, sometimes adopting the Kokoro faith or at least coming away with a deep respect for their white-mana practices. For those born outside Kokoro or without ties to the clan, their understanding of Shirotama often deepens after experiencing Shai'Cha’s mysterious and powerful spiritual events. This is why, while Shirotama remains a core part of Kokoro heritage, it occasionally spreads to outsiders who are awed by the Spirits’ presence in the ancient lands, and the sheer amount of history that the land of Shai'Cha has been through.