The Bake-danuki Fusion of East and West: Marcus Fukuyama
Species: Tanuki (Bake-danuki)
Ability: To disguise oneself or others seemingly perfectly
Category: Trickster, Shapeshifter, Youkai; Threat: High; Malevolence: Moderate
Usual location: Twisting Magical Forest. Regularly seen in various drinking establishments in town apparently.
Written by Chief Archivist Thurisaz
It is always concerning when a new supernatural creature is encountered around the rift. It’s more concerning when it’s kind has never been encountered in this area specifically. We’ve had various non-native fey and demons appear before, usually common or mundane, and easily dealt with. The Order however has never had to deal with a bake-danuki before[1], and to make matters worse, Marcus appears to be neither young or weak.
Feoh is currently the only member of the order to have encountered Marcus at time of writing and reported Marcus and the riftmaker, DarkOverord, going toe to toe in the town centre. Worryingly according to the youngling’s report, Marcus appeared to be relatively unharmed by the fight[2].
From what other information I’ve managed to gather from various eyewitnesses, Marcus appears to have all the usual traits of a bake-danuki: the ability to transform, a large tail and an affinity to leaves while using them as magical foci[3]. Some eyewitnesses have even been left a little bewildered after encountering him as they weren’t even aware he was a supernatural trickster.
Eyewitnesses
“I’d purchased some book off him once, it seemed perfectly fine, however when I got home it was just a large leaf!” (Jamie Oliver Shears)
You should always be careful when dealing with a bake-danuki, their goods may not be real at all.
“The next day however I was left a note with some of my money and an unusual almost unreadable (or at least in an unknown language) book”
Marcus at least is not that mean spirited and more often than not always offers some form of compensation for his tricks[4].
“He claims to be able to perfectly disguise himself as anyone or anything. I’m sceptical but I was also a little drunk at the time.” (Bar goer)
Almost all shapeshifters have tell-tale tells that they are not what they seem. So it is very unlikely he can perfectly disguise himself[5].
“The entire fight he seemed to be playing more than fighting!” (Feoh Sigel)
Tricksters always seem to approach situations cheerfully, but do not be fooled, an encounter with them should always be taken seriously.
Countermeasures
During the day it is a lot easier to spot and deal with Marcus, as with almost all supernatural, they are most powerful at night. As such, you’re more likely to get an honest reaction out of him outdoors in the sun. However be aware of your surroundings at night, particularly on a full moon, bake-danuki’s are at their most powerful then[6].
Prepare yourself mentally if you suspect you’re being tricked and take note of your surroundings, however also be prepared to move swiftly, bake-danuki tricks aren’t always safe for mortals and are sometimes life threatening.
If it is true that Marcus can perfectly disguise himself, it may be impossible to startle him out of his disguise. However a typical bake-danuki apparently cannot hide their ears and tail, and they will twitch when shocked.
Alternatively, offer him some alcohol, food and a story, he certainly seems to enjoy simple pleasures like a good drink and a chat.
Usually seen
- Transformation “Animals Ruling the Streets”
Rarer spell cards
- Starting Duel “Surprise Tiny Tanuki!”
- Middle Duel “Autumn Leaf Investigation”
- Ending Duel “Hibernating for Spring”
- First Duel “A Bright Smile and Hearty Hello”
- Second Duel “Prepared For Surprise Showers”
- Third Duel “Promissory Note Given in Trust”
- Fourth Duel “Transformation – Fools of the City”
- Fifth Duel “Transformation – Animals Ruling the Streets” (a modification of Transformation “Animals Ruling the Streets”)
- Sixth Duel “Transformation – Mystery Drum Beat”
- Seventh Duel “Passed Down Tales of Sado”
- Garden Seal “Guardian Slacking Off” (imitating Feoh Sigel)
- Earth Sign “Improperly Controlled Fault” (imitating JOS)
- Dragon’s Real Sin “Self-Important Tantrum” (imitating DarkOverord Occassus)
- “Fortune Rains Down From the Mountain” (time-out only)
- Final Moon Duel “Bake-danuki Under the Full Moon”
Last Word spell cards
- “The Newest Recruit, the Leading General”
- “Timeless Parade of Roving Subordinates”
[1] I actually believe we have, but the encounter was either dealt with so swiftly previous archivists never recorded it, or fell prey to the tricksters.
[2] I’m not entirely sure if Feoh was mistaken, adding dramatic effect, or if Marcus used his abilities to appear unharmed. More research is needed.
[3] He apparently seems to fall into the other typical tanuki traits, but I’m not really well acquainted with the various features a tanuki has.
[4] Compensation is almost always non-negotiable.
[5] On the other hand we have no evidence to the contary, and it’s quite possible in the fight Feoh observed, he only left his tail and ears obvious to mock DarkOverord.
[6] Though so are many things, even us.