Raijin

(a.k.a. Raiden, Kaminari-sama, Raiden-sama, Raikou, 雷神)

Once a part of us, always a part of us, even after you turn the mantle over.
— Raijin (quote referrring to the League from the book Guardian)
  The god of thunder, lightning, and storms. While standing on a cloud, he pounds on his circle of taiko drums to create thunder.   Because he's an oni he's not really friendly. Though, he's considered one of the rare good ones. Those who meet him find he's straightforward, watchful, fair, and fearless. Over the millennia he's mellowed and in modern times, he's only loud when angry.  

Folklore and Accomplishments

There are numerous myths about him, including ones from his more wily and mischievous days. But the tale he ensures keeps circulating is about when he defended Japan. On his own, he drove off the Mongol invasion by creating a vicious storm that spewed lighting and arrows.  

Relationship to the League

Raijin is one of the highest ranking members on the Council for the League of Guardians. Many see him as the second in command, after Soujou-bou.   Even though he may be older than Soujou-bou and extremely powerful, he's never challenged the Tengu King for leadership of the organization. He and Soujou-bou butt heads on occasion. But the pair have an uneasy truce due to their common goal of protecting Japan.   He doesn't speak often when the Council is in session. When he does, everyone listens. To date, the council hasn't gone against his recommendations.
Raijin (Kaminarimon at Sensouji in Asakusa) by AWV

 

Family

His numerous siblings include Fujin (the god of wind), Kagutushi (god of fire), Susanou (God of the sea), Tsukuyomi (god of the moon), and Amaterasu (goddess of the sun). He has a son, Raitaro, who also is a god of thunder. (Please note, not all of his siblings are oni.)
Work in Progress

This article will be expanded in the future.

Stub

This article will be expanded in the future.

Definition

This article stub serves as a simple definition.

Appearance
A fierce, wild-eyed, red-skinned, muscular oni with flowing white anime-like hair that stands on end.
Domains
Thunder, lightning, and storms
Alignment
Neutral
Current Location
Species
Oni
Ethnicity
Children
Pronouns
he/him
Aligned Organization

Appears In:


Liminal Chronicles Series bookcover art by Odette.A.Bach and text by Amy Winters-Voss. Short story bookcovers by Amy Winters-Voss


Cover image: by Amy Winters-Voss
Character Portrait image: Raijin by Amy Winters-Voss

Comments

Author's Notes

Raijin is one of my favorites on the League's Council. I've tried to keep him as true to Japanese mythology as I can.   The areas that deviate or add to the traditional stories are where he is part of and interacts with the League.


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Aug 21, 2024 02:30

Cool, straightforward character, though him being good is a bit odd for the prompt. I guess he's still an antagonist to enemies of Japan.

Aug 21, 2024 19:43 by Amy Winters-Voss

Thank you! In the League, he's Soujou-bou's antagonist/counterpoint. ;)

Author of the Liminal Chronicles urban fantasy series | Author Website
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