Youkai::Cervidae Clans

[Sanada Tomo]

The Cervidae Clans encompass animals like Elk and Antelopes.

However, most of them are grouped into the following type:

• Shika (all types of deer, and through denonation is used to refer to the whole Clan as a whole.)
  

As stated above, Shika is used to describe the Cervidae as a whole more often than not, even though the Cervidae animal family has other species within it aside from deer. Here is the list of all known Cervidae members in the Mortal Realm, because there aren't as many as in the other Clans. Subspecies are not listed:

Deer
Elk or Moose (only called Moose within the U.S.)
Brocket
Muntjac
Sambar
Pudu
Caribou

Shika Youkai, despite their name, can be born to any single one of these types.

[Sanada Tomo]

Shika (Deer) Youkai

Shika Youkai are different from all others in the capacity that the majority of them choose to not reside in the Mortal Realm. There are a few groups scattered there, but nowhere near the ratio of any other type of youkai. Instead, the Shika youkai live in both the Mythical Realm (like a part of all youkai do) or in the Dream Realm. Shika youkai that reside in the Dream Realm are peculiar in comparison to natural deer in the Mortal Realm. They use Dream magic, seeing as they are now a part of the Dream Realm itself, and having adapted so that they could maintain their appearances. Their outlook on life is usually very philosophical. They do not like Humans because of the Great Hunt, but unlike the Ookami youkai they do not execute revenge for it and are instead very timid around non-Dream creatures [they are bit more comfortable around the spirits of the dead and elemental spirits]. The Dream Realm has seemed to ease their feelings over time.

Shika youkai in Mythical Realm are a bit more harsh in their judgment of Humans, although they are the only Youkai group to hold no contempt against their otherworldly counterparts. They also have an ability that distinguishes them from the Shika Youkai in the Dream Realm: They have the option of two different half-forms--one that resembles a centaur, with the lower body of their species and optional antlers; and then a form that resembles a satyr--with their two hindlegs and a tail for their lower body. Both have inspired mythology in the Mortal Realm by sparse visits. When deciding their half form, Shika youkai typically stick to only one of these options according to preference.

Well known tribes: to be listed.

Requirements for tribe names: Shika youkai name their groups after nature related terms; either inspired by the beauty of the Mythical Realm, or what they remember the Mortal Realm to be in their time there.

Requirements for group magic: ONLY Shika from the Dream Realm use Dream Magic. Those from the Mythical Realm only use Elements that directly manipulate the natural world, such as: Water, Air, or Earth.

*Admin note: to create a Shika youkai, please PM the admin using the Fork option in the upper right hand corner.