#OriginalSuou
Ordinary sake cannot soothe my throat or my soul --
On such nights, that light always catches my eye.
Behind the fourth block, beyond the noren of Gekka-za.
Tonight again, we have prepared exquisite entertainment and arts,
and await your arrival here.
All members are Shikigami -- performing mystical arts such as water dances, transformations, and aerial ballets, which are impossible for humans.
They entertain guests with dances and music to liven up the party, and with parlor games such as throwing fans, hand games, and oratorical contests.
At times, they also undertake information gathering for the underworld or escorting guests.
However, they adhere to the principle of not serving without compensation.
They offer the finest dreams to generous patrons, and unceremoniously sprinkle salt on boorish guests.
Gekka-za, with its glamorous, stylish, and somewhat dangerous allure --
An evening with them will be a supreme experience.
In any case, how about some water magic to go with your sake?
I, Suo, will entertain you.
What, you don't like water magic? Then how about some parlor games?
I won't let you regret it.
What do you say? Won't you join me for a while?
On the next moonlit night, we await your arrival beyond this noren.
Creator's comments
Detailed Record
A land of 'anomalies' that drifts between the mortal world and the spirit realm.
A history of autonomy stretching back to the ancient Onmyo Bureau, and coexistence with yokai that lives on in the modern day.
This is a sanctuary for those who stood up before anyone else.
The modern society enjoyed by humans. The existence of yokai is kept secret, and public institutions like the Ministry of Defense secretly cooperate with Wakuraba to request yokai extermination for national defense.
A different world where yokai and the souls of the dead churn. A dangerous realm where yokai that feed on the vital energy of living beings roam, constantly aiming to invade the mortal world.
A borderland region. Those without power who wander in become 'spiritually lost,' entering an unstable world where their brains reject recognition and they see distorted visions.
- Founding Ancestors: Originates from a "mass spirit loss incident" during the Heian period where a faction of the Onmyo Bureau, resisting the corruption of the imperial court, collectively transferred to the Anomaly.
- Origin of the Name: Named after "Wakuraba" (diseased leaves), referring to "pioneers who stood up before anyone else, even while being eroded by the vermin of bureaucracy."
- Modern Form: While based on a self-sufficient lifestyle, there is also a free-spirited atmosphere of commuting to companies and schools in the mortal world.
- Scale of the Barrier: A massive barrier approximately 50km in radius, maintained by the spiritual power of the Head of Onmyo. Only the inside is a sanctuary.
- Center: The residence of the Head of Onmyo in a hilly area. Residential areas and government offices surround it.
- North: A mountainous region with strong spiritual energy. A sacred area inhabited by powerful yokai and their familiars.
Official Ranks and Deliberation Supporting the Core
The guardian who dedicates spiritual power to maintain the barrier as the nation's core. Holds the final decision-making power for diplomacy with other realms and important legislation, and has a martial aspect, fighting on the front lines for special cases. Currently held by "Yamase.".
An aide directly under the Head of Onmyo. Handles everything from managing the Head's official duties to dealing with sudden whims, making it the busiest position in the country. Currently held by "Sakurateru.".
The chief administrator. Oversees all practical matters such as census management, budget allocation, and official notices. Known as a genius of practical affairs, it is said that the country's functions would cease if he stopped writing.
A deliberative body composed of influential families and elders. They make the highest state decisions as the "Council of 13." Being largely conservative, they often clash with the progressive current Head of Onmyo.
Wakuraba and the mortal world are connected by barrier devices called "Transfer Gates," but free passage is not permitted. A "Pass" is required for entry and exit, issued and approved by the Administrative Bureau. The issuance of a pass requires a legitimate reason (mission, trade, special permission, etc.) and is subject to strict screening.
The basic architectural style is Japanese, but it is not a complete traditional style, incorporating unique building materials and structures of the Anomaly. Many residences have special spaces for housing Shikigami and integrated simple barrier devices. Ordinary Onmyoji often live in tenement-style apartment buildings, and members of the Samurai Bureau also live in communal housing.
Japanese clothing culture remains strong in Wakuraba. There are weavers and tailors within the country who produce traditional attire. In particular, special garments called "Onmyo Robes" are worn during festivals and for missions involving frequent combat. Many Onmyoji wear Western clothing brought from the mortal world for daily wear, but Japanese attire is the basic standard for formal occasions within the country.
© Wakuraba Onmyo Bureau Records Division