| Please note: This article is about the race of shapeshifting spider people. For other uses of the term, please see Kumo (disambiguation). |
A Kumo
The kumo were a race of shapeshifting spider-people. [1]
Chikushudo[]
Being denizens of Chikushudo, the Realm of Animals, the Kumo entered Rokugan through rare interdimensional passages into other realms. These spider-beings were parasitic in nature, needing to feed on the essences of others in order to sustain themselves. While the Kumo could be sustained by the energy of other animal spirits, it was bare sustenance with little flavor, and as such they preferred to feed on intelligent beings like humans. [2]
Shadowlands[]
The creature known as the Great Sea Spider was the king of all Kumo, and desired to feed on the power of mortals, descendants from Lord Moon and Lady Sun, for itself, being unsatisfied with the essence of weaker beings. [2] As with any other race of Chikushudo, the Kumo were naturally immune to the Shadowlands Taint. However, the Great Sea Spider willingly allowed itself and its children to become susceptible to the Taint in exchange for passage into Ningen-do, the realm of mortals. [2] This deal was brokered with Fu Leng upon leaving Chikushudo so that it and its kin could embrace the Shadowlands. [3]
Attacked by Gaki[]
When they moved between realms, Gaki, hungry spirits from the realm of Gaki-do, assaulted the Kumo. The Great Sea Spider called out to its allies in Jigoku for aid without result. [2]
Crane Lands[]
The Great Sea Spider escaped from the Gaki and arrived in Ningen-do, but knew it was dying, so it sought a source of energy to heal itself. It found such a source in the Crane lands during the First Yasuki War. The strong ties between the Yasuki and Daidoji had been severed, with the Daidoji feeling only betrayal and hatred. The Great Sea Spider bound its essence to the Daidoji family forever so that it might drink of their hatred and grow strong. [2]
Appearance[]
Kumo
Though in their natural form they appeared as giant hairy spiders, the Kumo would often adopt the forms of those they killed. Many travelled Rokugan in identities stolen from their prey, even occasionally taking human wives and having (presumably) human children. [4] [5] When they took human form it was usually that of a dusky old man or spindly peddler. [1]
Abilities[]
Many Kumo had been tainted by the Shadowlands. [6] They would normally keep away from densely populated areas, preferring lonely backwaters where they could hunt in peace. The Kumo possessed a lethal poison which they could spit, and like all of their kind they wove webs to trap the unwary. [1] Having great speed and agility, these spider-spirits used dark webs to ensnare and immobilize their opponents so they could save their prey for later. [7] The kumo could shift their color at will, making them surprisingly stealthy. [4] The kumo went out of their way to kill other shapeshifters from Chikushudo, such as Kitsune and Tanuki, since they were deeply embittered about being stranded in the realm of mortals. [8]
Dokugumo Mura[]
Nestled deep in the foothills and rocks surrounding the Scorpion village of Dokugumo Mura was an ancient nest of Kumo. They preyed primarily upon wildlife, but also consumed the bodies of dead villagers. These Kumo were extremely protective of their home and "their" village, killing and creating a replacing any individual who threatened their territory. [9]
See also[]
A Kumo
External Links[]
- Kumo (Shadowlands)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 194
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Secrets of the Crane, p. 87
- ↑ Creatures of Rokugan p. 27
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Creatures of Rokugan, p. 38
- ↑ Night of a Thousand Screams, pp. 36-37
- ↑ Kumo (Shadowlands Boxtext)
- ↑ Clan War: Shadowlands Army Expansion, p. 40
- ↑ Enemies of the Empire, p. 225
- ↑ Secrets of the Scorpion, pp. 68-69
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