NUE

Lore

A primeval being both mysterious and malevolent, ancient lore describes the Nue as a beast formed from a patchwork of animal parts: the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger, the tail of a snake, and the wings of a bat. In some tales, it even manifests as a black cloud, rendering it ghostly and elusive.

Nue is most often linked to nightmares, illnesses, and looming disasters. Its presence heralds misfortune, and it can unleash ghastly moans that terrify villagers. Legend tells of a dark cloud appearing above the imperial palace of Emperor Konoe, followed by a strange malady that tormented him with nightmares and sapped his strength.

Despite the efforts of monks and priests, the eerie cloud lingered night after night, unaffected by their rituals. It is said that only a master archer was able to finally fell the beast, bringing peace back to the court.