Yokai of the animal variety
Fox demons - These intriguing entities, resembling foxes, possess distinctive features such as elegant fox-like ears and multiple tails that sway gracefully. Furthermore, they possess the remarkable ability to transform into a fox animal form at will, allowing them to navigate their surroundings with agility and stealth. This shapeshifting capability enhances their mystical allure, making them both enigmatic and fascinating beings in their realm.
Can be found: the southern regions of Elyasia.
Powers: Primarily Foxfire and plants, although it varies based on the fox.
Other:In Elyasia, foxes can have between 1 and 9 tails, although having 9 tails is quite rare and signifies great age and power. Each tail represents a century of life and mastery of magic. Fox demons are known for their cunning intelligence and often serve as advisors or tricksters. They can create illusions to confuse enemies and are particularly adept at enchantment magic. Some clans of fox demons are guardians of ancient shrines and forests, while others prefer to live among humans, sometimes taking human mates
Dog Demons/Daiyokai - These powerful yokai possess canine characteristics including pointed ears atop their heads, elongated fangs, and facial markings that signify their lineage. They typically appear mostly human with elegant features, long flowing hair, and regal bearing that commands respect. In their true form, they can transform into massive spectral dogs with glowing eyes and imposing presence.
Can be found: Anywhere
Powers: Exceptional speed, strength, and combat prowess. Higher-ranking daiyokai possess energy whips, powerful claws that secrete poison, and the ability to manifest energy weapons.
Other: Dog demon society is strictly hierarchical with powerful bloodlines dominating territories. They value honor, strength, and conquest above all else. The most powerful daiyokai can live for thousands of years and are often skilled strategists who command legions of lesser yokai. Their keen sense of smell allows them to track enemies across vast distances. Some clans have hereditary weapons that can only be wielded by those of their bloodline, which grow in power as the wielder matures. (Consider Sesshomaru, Mathias, and Toga.)
Wolf demon - More rugged and wild than their dog demon cousins, wolf yokai feature sharp fangs, pointed ears, and often have fur accents around their shoulders or wrists. Their eyes reflect light in darkness, giving them an eerie glow. They maintain human form most of the time but can transform into large wolves when necessary.
Can be found: Northern Territories of Elyasia.
Powers: Enhanced speed, heightened senses, pack telepathy, and extraordinary endurance. Some can manipulate earth and stone elements.
Other: Wolves and foxes aren't particularly fond of one another.
Cat demons - Feline yokai with slit pupils, retractable claws, and cat-like ears that twitch with emotion. They move with fluid grace and possess extraordinary balance and agility. Some have distinctive fur patterns that manifest as markings on their skin or hair coloration.
Can be found: Anywhere
Powers: Night vision, enhanced reflexes, and the ability to manipulate emotions through purring or visual mesmerism. Higher-ranking cat demons can bend light to create illusions or become temporarily invisible.
Other: This category of yokai includes various sub-races, such as Panther Demons and Tiger Demons, among others. They also have a difficult relationship with Daiyokai.
Raven/Crows demons - These avian yokai combine human and crow features, with prominent beaks or exceptionally long noses, and magnificent black feathered wings sprouting from their backs. Their skin ranges from normal human tones to deep red, and they often have wild, untamed hair. Tengu warriors typically stand taller than humans and carry decorative fans or staffs that channel their wind powers.
Can be found: Throughout Elyasia, particularly in the northern regions.
Powers: Wind manipulation, flight, superior swordsmanship, and the ability to create powerful gusts that can uproot trees.
Other: Raven society is highly hierarchical, with elder Great Raven governing their mountain territories. They are known to be proud and territorial but respect those who show proper reverence for nature. Some ravens serve as mountain guardians, while others become wandering sword-masters who occasionally take promising humans as disciples. They are particularly hostile toward those who desecrate sacred places.
Herons - These elegant bird yokai have striking appearances with tall, slender builds and graceful movements. In human form, they maintain pure white hair, golden or amber eyes, and can manifest feathered wings from their backs. Their fingers are slightly elongated with a subtle webbing between them.
Can be found: the southern regions of Elyasia.
Powers: Weather prediction, water purification, and limited flight abilities. The most powerful can summon cleansing rain or call upon mist to obscure large areas.
Other: They are quite uncommon. Heron demons are viewed as symbols of purity and are often sought out for their healing knowledge and wisdom. They build their communities on stilted structures over water and serve as guardians of the boundary between water and land. They are known to be patient observers who speak seldom but meaningfully. Their society prizes grace, wisdom, and the preservation of ancient knowledge. Heron demons perform elaborate mating dances during specific lunar phases and can live for several hundred years. They maintain an oral tradition of prophecies and weather patterns that spans millennia.