premise
In modern day Japan, an ancient tome of the country’s most notorious youkai had been lying, undisturbed. It hadn’t been touched for years, since its creation and since it was hidden, until a scholarly apprentice had discovered it. He becomes much too entranced with this new knowledge; the creatures that Japan had long forgotten. Little does he know, this tome held the dangerous creatures captive. The book seems to bewitch him, and in the back, he recites the words which summon forth the creatures. Mischievous as they are, the Kitsune and Tanuki had tricked the man who was weak of mind into summoning them. They take away the tome, intent on summoning the rest of the creatures themselves, and wrecking havoc upon the living world. Panicked, the apprentice goes to his mentor, who sees an old Shinto priest, named Yamamura Takuetsu. Ever understanding, Yamamura takes action - but even he knows he can’t do this alone. The old man sends out letters, to people of many locations, ages, times, and even worlds. It reads...
“Greetings.
I apologize ahead of time for the heavy burden this letter entails. You see, something terrible has occurred, and I... well, the spirit world needs your help. Please read the following with an open mind.
Youkai have gotten loose. For those unfamiliar, these are demons, spirits, and monsters. The infamous Kitsune and Tanuki have stolen an ancient tome, summoning them right off the pages. Your assistance is needed to get these creatures under control, and return them to the book and seal them once and for all. I have done the first part, and sealed the youkai, Kitsune, and Tanuki in the spirit world. They are contained in Enkaku Machi - the Isolated Town. If they are allowed to escape back to the physical plane, I’m afraid the consequences would be great. They may even reach the other worlds that this letter is reaching, and cause disturbance throughout the universe. It is hopelessly unpredictable, and they are already disrupting the balance of the spirit world.
I do hope you will aid us. You may be required to fight, support, or you may be of no use after all. It’s really up to you. You will be summoned regardless.
Thank you.”
And thus, your characters are summoned. They're not quite sure what happened on the journey from the living world to the spirit world - only that when you try to think about it, you draw a blank. They are, however, very sore, and lying on the hard wooden floor of a library. This is where Yamamura has summoned your character to tell them about their mission. Your character may spend the next few days recovering, getting to know the city, and getting to know their team.
It's up to everyone's characters to band together and, using the devices (specialized 'spirit' weapons, and a containment folder for the pages) that the priest has given them all, return the creatures to the pages in the book. He never claims it to be a safe journey - death can indeed happen. If they do die, they'll be sent to King Enma for judgment; in which he'll give them a random test. If they pass, they'll be granted access back to Enkaku to help their team on that month's mission again. But if they fail, they stay “dead” until the next event starts. (Staying dead may just mean being “ghostly” around the spirit town, or another penalty. Or, alternatively, give up an ability.)
May you receive the blessings of the gods and aid of the spirits, and the best fortune to you.
“Greetings.
I apologize ahead of time for the heavy burden this letter entails. You see, something terrible has occurred, and I... well, the spirit world needs your help. Please read the following with an open mind.
Youkai have gotten loose. For those unfamiliar, these are demons, spirits, and monsters. The infamous Kitsune and Tanuki have stolen an ancient tome, summoning them right off the pages. Your assistance is needed to get these creatures under control, and return them to the book and seal them once and for all. I have done the first part, and sealed the youkai, Kitsune, and Tanuki in the spirit world. They are contained in Enkaku Machi - the Isolated Town. If they are allowed to escape back to the physical plane, I’m afraid the consequences would be great. They may even reach the other worlds that this letter is reaching, and cause disturbance throughout the universe. It is hopelessly unpredictable, and they are already disrupting the balance of the spirit world.
I do hope you will aid us. You may be required to fight, support, or you may be of no use after all. It’s really up to you. You will be summoned regardless.
Thank you.”
And thus, your characters are summoned. They're not quite sure what happened on the journey from the living world to the spirit world - only that when you try to think about it, you draw a blank. They are, however, very sore, and lying on the hard wooden floor of a library. This is where Yamamura has summoned your character to tell them about their mission. Your character may spend the next few days recovering, getting to know the city, and getting to know their team.
It's up to everyone's characters to band together and, using the devices (specialized 'spirit' weapons, and a containment folder for the pages) that the priest has given them all, return the creatures to the pages in the book. He never claims it to be a safe journey - death can indeed happen. If they do die, they'll be sent to King Enma for judgment; in which he'll give them a random test. If they pass, they'll be granted access back to Enkaku to help their team on that month's mission again. But if they fail, they stay “dead” until the next event starts. (Staying dead may just mean being “ghostly” around the spirit town, or another penalty. Or, alternatively, give up an ability.)
May you receive the blessings of the gods and aid of the spirits, and the best fortune to you.