TSUKUMOGAMI

Lore

Typically, when speaking of monsters, one begins by describing their appearance. Yet in this case, we start with old objects—very old, in fact. Tsukumogami are “spirited” items that develop awareness and will after 100 years of existence. No one truly knows the precise mechanism: perhaps they absorb magic across a century, or maybe they simply grow tired of being mundane and decide to rebel.

Practically anything can become such a yokai. Ancient belief suggested that even inanimate objects experience emotion, returning as vengeful spirits if discarded. Over time, a tool or ornament, deeply infused with a user’s energy, may gain a soul. How you treated that item determines its disposition: a polished sword might become benevolent, while a neglected kimono brimming with spite might return to haunt you.