| Combat | Air |
|---|---|
| Detection | Water |
| Health | Plant |
| Illusion | Beast |
| Manipulation | Man |
| Drain | WIL + CHA |
The official religion of Japan, Shinto has spread with
the power of Imperial Japan and the corporations that
originated there. Shinto features a number of public
shrines devoted to the kami, or gods. Its tenets are
largely based around harmony with kami spirits, with
Awakened activities being considered a natural extension
of this concept, and it lacks dogmatic approach to
its worship. The religion currently has 115,000 shrines
and over 25,000 priests in Japan, with more around the
world. The Emperor has increased the influence of the
religion in national politics by including practitioners
part of the national rebuilding effort.
Shinto is one of the few shamanic traditions accepted
into the ranks of the corporations, largely as many executives
are immersed in aspects of the religious beliefs
from a young age and do not find its practitioners too
rebellious. Unlike Amerindian traditions, most kannushi
do not have a single mentor but attempt to live harmoniously
with all the kami. Key portions of this harmony
are respect for nature and ensuring physical and spiritual
cleanliness though proper ritual. Honoring the kami is
important to the Awakened, as they regularly ask favors
of the spirits, especially looking for assistance in the use
of magic.
Shinto magic techniques are closely tied to the religion
whose name they share. Protective charms, normally
called ofuda are used to anchor wards within a
building, normally placed within the home’s kamidana,
or household altar. Personal protection amulets, called
omamori, are frequently used to ward off bad luck or to
encourage success in different endeavors; for the Awakened
they are commonly made into foci for Counterpelling
or Banishing. Other protective charms are also
used by believers to bring good fortune, fight against
bad luck, or induce and bless child birth.
Shigetoshi Suzuki is a priest at the Atsuta shrine who frequently works as a tutor to promising young students. A former employee of Fuchi, he left as the corporation disintegrated and entered the private sector. His teaching methods are reportedly guided self-discovery, with the kami being the central focus of the lessons and sometimes guest instructors.