Editing Shikome

{{stub}}

'''Shikome''' are a monster in Japanese mythology - specifically, the word is the name for a particular subgroup of female [[oni]] (or "kijo") who are associated with the land of the dead. In /tg/ media, shikome often appear in [[Oriental Adventures]] related material as powerful undead.

==Mists of Akuma==
In the [[Mists of Akuma]] setting for [[Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition]], shikome are Soburin's equivalent to [[hobgoblin]]s, just as [[bakemono]] are its equivalent to [[goblin]]s. Shikome arise when animals are overwhelmed by the Mists of Akuma, corrupting them fatally and transmuting their essence into tall, lean humanoids with sharp, cruel features and claw-like nails. Visually, shikome are divided into two strains; one with blood-crimson skin, the other as white as a ghost. In fact, there are distinct differences between shikome created from herbivorous animals ("Blessed" shikome) and those created from carnivorous animals ("Cursed" shikome), but how these two factors align is unclear. Shikome live for about two centuries, then spontaneously turn into stone when they expire.

Whilst shikome are as devious and sneaky as their [[bakemono]] relatives, they are also natural fighters; brazen and willful, bloodthristy, violent, and with a strong sense of discipline. Even veteran samurai will, however reluctantly, admit that shikome are courageous and cunning tactitians. Strangely, for unknown reasons, shikome instinctively despise all other races.

Most shikome are servants of various [[oni]] warlords, a role they have fulfilled for centuries before the invasion of Soburin by the Ceramians. Some are willing servants, or at least recruioted mercenaries; others have been magically enthralled or compelled by force. Regardless, these shikome fall into
military lifestyles, earning rank based on how many foes they’ve slain or for great achievements that set them apart from their peers.

But shikome also have their own culture, as antagonistic towards the other races as it is. Hidden athenaeums in the mountains and within the walls of oni fortresses contain the battle scripture of prolific shikome warriors and master smiths. This lore is sacred to the shikome, and serves as the foundation for the Eritoka Chapters - collections of warriors entirely devoted to the edicts and philosophies passed down from great historical heroes. These soldiers are zealous to the extreme, taking the words of their founders as law and fiercely defending their battle brothers. Beholden only to their chapter leader, the bands of elite killers offer their services to anyone able to pay the price for them to infiltrate a stronghold, assassinate a traveling dignitary, or even bring ruin to a settlement. Every Erītokirā Chapter is manned by shikome infantry, scouts, and commanders, but aside from their leader the most respected roles fall to shisho (historians/record keepers) and sumisu (smiths).

Some shikome even try to integrate into the mixed society of Soburin, admittedly usually because they were ordered by the master of their Eritoka Chapter. Such shikome face station-limiting discrimination, but biggest issue is their need to maintain their discipline and by extension keep their bloodlust in check. It's not that shikome can't value members from other races as a matter of utility (a relationship often mistaken as friendship), but still, they feel a compulsion to kill and they relish doing it.

===PC Stats===
::Ability Score Increase: +2 Strength
::Size: Medium
::Speed: 30 feet
::Darkvision 60 feet
::'''Brave:''' You have Advantage on saving throws against being Frightened.
::'''Martial Advantage:''' Once per turn, you can deal an extra 5 (2d4) damage to a creature you hit with a melee weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally that isn’t incapacitated.
::'''Hated:''' You have the '''Hated''' condition - see below.
::Subrace: Choose the Blessed Shikome or Cursed Shikome subrace.

''Blessed Shikome:''
::Ability Score Increase: +1 Constitution
::'''Dignified:''' When your Haitoku stat increases, your Dignity stat does not decrease.

''Cursed Shikome:''
::Ability Score Increase: +1 Dexterity
::'''Corrupted:''' Regardless of how high your Haitoku stat is, you cannot die or be transformed by the Mists of Akuma.

''Variant Racial Features'': At the DM's discretion, you may replace the Martial Advantage racial trait with either the Shisho trait (Blessed Shikome only) or the Sumisu trait (Cursed Shikome only).
::'''Shisho:''' You are responsible for the history of your race. You are proficient with History and gain advantage on History checks. As a reaction you can inspire an ally able to hear you, allowing them to reroll a single ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. After using this feature you require a long rest before it can be used again.
::'''Sumisu:''' You have a talent for crafting and (using secrets stolen from korobokuru) are even able to work technology into your creations. You are able to incorporate a number of augmetics (page 238) equal to your proficiency bonus into a heavy suit of armor. It takes you a day of forging to incorporate an uncommon augmetic or one week of forging to incorporate a rare augmetic.

'''Condition: Hated'''
::You have disadvantage on Wisdom and Charisma checks against any humanoid that doesn’t also have the hated condition but you never have disadvantage on Charisma (Intimidation) or Haitoku (Intimidation) checks.

[[Category: Dungeons & Dragons Races]] [[Category: Mists of Akuma]]