Yamogi

Template:Infobox Species

Yamogi (Japanese: やもぎ) are a rare, semi‑sentient fauna native to the Sonoko’s Void‑Forests, first recorded in the Grand Archive among the catalogues of dragons and yokai that drift through star‑filled voids. They are distinguished by their luminous pelage, crystalline whiskers, and a unique ability to translate ambient Chi into harmonic vibrations that can influence both technology and magic.

Description

Yamogi stand roughly 2–3 metres tall when upright, with a flexible, quadrupedal body covered in soft, bioluminescent fur that shifts colour according to the surrounding Mana density. Their heads sport elongated, feather‑like ears that act as resonant antennas. Inside a pair of internal sacs, Yamogi store excess Chi, which they can discharge in controlled pulses.

Physiology

Fur & Pigmentation – Comprised of nanoscopic Chi‑woven filaments that emit a soft glow; color gradients from deep indigo (low mana) to sunrise‑gold (high mana).

Crystalline Whiskers – Silica‑based structures that refract ambient light, creating a prism effect used in communication.

Sacs – Internal reservoirs capable of holding up to 12 % of the creature’s body mass in ionised Chi, regulated by a bio‑electrical heart.

Habitat and Distribution

Yamogi are endemic to the floating archipelagos of Sonoko, particularly the Void‑Forests—dense clusters of anti‑gravity trees whose roots tap directly into the realm’s mana veins. They also roam the peripheries of Shrine‑Stations, often nesting in the orbital gardens that double as energy‑harvesters for star‑faring vessels.

Behaviour and Ecology

Yamogi are generally peaceful, forming loose herds led by the eldest female, known as the Chirei (Chi‑queen). Their primary activities include:

Chi‑Harvesting – Grazing on mana‑rich lichens and siphoning ambient Chi through their sacs.

Song‑Spore Communication – Emitting low‑frequency vibrations that propagate through the vacuum of space, allowing herd coordination across kilometres.
Symbiotic Defense – When threatened, a Yamogi can release a focused Chi burst that supercharges nearby Shinmyo fields, creating a temporary shield akin to a Shrine‑Station’s protective dome.

Role in Sonoko’s Magic

The Yamogi’s ability to store and release Chi has made them valuable partners for the Divine engineers of Sonoko’s star‑faring fleets. Their fur is harvested (ethically, with consent) to weave into the hulls of Starfaring Chi Vessels, granting the ships a self‑regenerating energy matrix. Additionally, the resonant song‑spores are incorporated into ceremonial rites of Onmyo, where the harmonic frequencies are believed to balance shadow and light within the vessel’s navigation system.

Cultural Significance

Among the priesthood of the High Arcanologists, the Yamogi is revered as the “Living Metronome” of the cosmos.

Conservation

While currently stable, Yamogi populations are vulnerable to over‑exploitation of mana‑rich territories. The College of Harmonics has established protective zones around major Void‑Forests, enforcing strict quotas on fur and sac extraction. Violation of these zones is considered a transgression against both natural order and divine law.

References