Doumu

Doumu, mother of the Nine Emperor Gods, literally holds the destiny of every human being in her hands. It’s not the only copy of the Book of Destiny that circulates among the Shén (they do like their backup copies of their records), but it is one of the more authoritative versions. This is because each of her sons has control over a portion of any person’s life, and because they are loyal sons, they listen when Doumu asks them to increase or reduce their influence.

Doumu’s sons are the seven visible stars of the Big Dipper and two invisible attendant stars. Temples to them are common, and their October festival is popular wherever the Shén are honored, but Doumu prefers a more hands-off approach. She’s the matriarch of the family, making decisions for them and those around them with unquestioned authority. Her Incarnations act as mothers and other matronly figures in large families, often the owners of multi-generation businesses whose influence extends throughout entire communities. She knows everyone’s activities, both public and private, and never hesitates to make her opinion known if somebody upsets the elaborate balance of Yin and Yang that she determined for them. If she needs to make a stronger impression, she manifests as the eight-armed, three-eyed bodhisattva Marīci on a platform supported by boars, but it’s rarely necessary: A sharp comment and a shake of her head conveys her disappointment just as well as any demonstration of power.

Doumu’s Scions tend to come from large families themselves and are expected to keep close ties to them after their Visitation. They often have children of their own as well. Despite her hands-off approach, they should be ready for her to arrive on their doorstep for an annual accounting of their actions and accept whatever criticism she delivers if she feels they haven’t accomplished enough.