Nushi

Backgrounds

Description: In most cases, this Background does not apply directly to the character, but to the wu as a whole. The characters pay homage to a Yin- or Yang-spirit from the spirit worlds. This spirit (known as a nushi or nat) acts as a sort of "patron" for the wu, and uses the vampires as its earthly agents; in exchange, it gifts the characters with advice and, in some cases, special powers.

Nushi are spirits, with all the limitations and powers thereof. They may not be destroyed while the wu exists, but they may be reduced to zero Chi. A nushi who suffers such a shameful defeat Re-forms elsewhere in the spirit worlds — with luck, far away from anyone who might have witnessed the ignominious event. While the nushi convalesces, the characters may not contact the nushi or use any of its powers — and upon recovery, it will probably have plenty to say to the incompetent minions who allowed such an intolerable insult...

The power of the wu's nushi is determined by the total points spent by all the characters in the wu. Each nushi has a base Background Cost, which must be paid to gain the nushi's favor. Characters may then spend additional points to provide their nushi with extra abilities per the following chart.

Nushi may also demand obligations from characters, over and above any listed in the Background Cost. Such duties subtract from the total cost of the nushi; however, characters purchasing such a relationship have essentially submitted to vassalage, complete with formal oaths. They are honor-bound to fulfill any duties .demanded of them, and spirits grow very angry when vassals prove disloyal.... A nushi always costs at least one point to purchase.

A "base-level" nushi has a Chi of 20 and seven points to divide among Rage, Gnosis and Willpower. All nushi have the Charms of Dragon Sight and Re-form. Unless the appropriate extras are purchased, the nushi is a relatively minor and somewhat disinterested spirit.

Nushi may lend special powers to the characters; such powers are listed under the individual nushi. Only one vampire may use the power per turn. At the beginning of each turn, the character using the nushi's powers declares whether he keeps or relinquishes them and, if the latter, to whom.

Nushi are particularly common among the Kuei-jin of Japan and Korea (the former Courts of the Azure Dragon); whole uji pay homage to powerful nushi, while many younger Japanese vampires claim to have discovered new, nontraditional nushi (spirits of electricity, machinery and even the Internet).

Nushi are proud beings; if the characters fail to show proper respect to the nushi, it may depart the wu outright. Such a desertion causes great loss efface in Kuei-jin circles.

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