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Eka-haruka4-robe

Eka in typical Tsuchigumo attire.

Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛) is the commonly known name for a mystical race in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4. They were once known as the Tsukuyomi Clan (月読の一族, Tsukuyomi no Ichizoku) in ancient times. Tsuchigumo are easily recognized by their dark complexion and the elaborate cloaks covering their entire bodies. Despite their close resemblance, they live on a different plane of existence than people in Nakatsu Kuni and have many supernatural powers.

They are one of three ancient clans who once dominated in Nakatsu Kuni's lore, the others being the Himuka Clan and the Star Clan. Tsuchigumo are associated with the moon and water. Since they aren't mentioned in later records or legends within the parallel world, it can be assumed that they fazed out of existence or were eventually forgotten.

Role in Game[]

Coming from unknown origins, the Tsukuyomi Clan once lived in Nakatsu Kuni and prospered with people. One particular member of the clan became close to the first White Dragon Priestess. He helped her in the war against the "Bloodied Serpent" as her trusted guardian and healer. When she sacrificed her soul to summon the White Dragon to stop the Bloodied Serpent, the Tsukuyomi grieved for her. Returning to his clan, he told them his tale and her sacrifice. In her honor, they erected a painted memorial for her on the beaches of Kumano.

Tsukuyomi discovered the people of Nakatsu Kuni falsely praised his beloved, causing him to turn bitter and incite rebellion. The war ended in defeat, branding them heretics and forcing them to flee. Some found refuge in Kumano, developing the ability to travel between worlds. Others fled west to Tokoyo no Kuni, settling peacefully and losing their spiritual powers over time.

Although the clan dissolved with the split, their descendants lived on in both countries. The name of their clan was lost in legend, but they gained their current name as Tsuchigumo to distinguish themselves.

Powers and Other Traits[]

Tsuchigumo are renowned for their extraordinary healing powers. Only they can siphon their powers to create a special medicinal water called Ochimizu (変若水). With it they can heal grievous injuries, nullify toxins, and eliminate illness. The water's effects are so powerful that it's rumored to have the powers to revive the dead.

Tsuchigumo heal and curse with "Deficient Moon" causing pain. They control spirits with song and need another Tsuchigumo to undo their curse. They're strong and fast, but not the best fighters. They're great allies at night. They pay a price for their powers, losing a sense at birth, shown by markings on their skin.

Like their ancestors before them, Tsuchigumo also risk losing their powers if they constantly remain in contact with people. To protect their supernatural senses, Tsuchigumo wear full bodied, enchanted cloaks called Hitsugi (棺). These robes additionally allow the Tsuchigumo to freely pass through barriers and enter the land of the dead. Tsuchigumo can wear them easily, but Hitsugi are drenched with spiritual curses and energy. A normal person can't wear them, and even those with strong spiritual capabilities experience problems if they wear it for too long.

Tsuchigumo can talk to spirits that humans can't see. Sometimes these spirits need Tsuchigumo's help to heal, and they give gifts or gossip in return. Tsuchigumo can just talk to the spirits if they need help.

In their culture, Tsuchigumo don't use personal names. They use numbers to show their main skill. Tooya's number is "eighteen" because he's good at singing. The Tsuchigumo with the best spiritual skills are called "one" or "Eka". They speak Sanskrit, but they also know Japanese for talking to humans.

Mythological Information[]

Tsuchigumo is named after a mythical creature in Japanese folklore that resembles a spider. However, there is no actual spider in the world that looks like this creature. In ancient Japan, the same name was used as an insult for people who didn't pledge their loyalty to the emperor. Tsuchigumo were not necessarily criminals, but often wanderers or people without land. They were often treated as criminals and faced a violent fate if caught by the emperor's army and refused to show their loyalty to the throne.

Characters used for their archaic name are lifted from the Japanese deity known as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto (月読命, 月弓尊, 月讀尊 or 月夜見尊), Tsukutsumi-no-Mikoto (都久豆美命), or Tsukuyomi-Otoko (月読壮士 or 月人壮士); he was one of the Mihashira-no-Uzunomiko and often called Amaterasu's polar opposite. The Furukoto Fumi barely mentions him as a deity who blessed the world with night, but he is better known as an ordained moon deity within the Yamato Bumi. Although the prior texts briefly identify him to be the male middle child of the trio, Tsukuyomi is sometimes known as a female throughout literature due to the Chinese belief of the moon having strong yin implications (feminine traits).

The Izumo-no-Kuni Fudoki mentions that Tsukutsumi descended to Nakatsu Kuni and created Katsura-no-Sato at the spot which he/she landed, giving birth to the Japanese Judas tree. The same village became a beloved spot for the moon people and spirits. This particular tale is thought to have originated from Ancient India or China and was integrated into Japanese mythology and literature. Compositions within the Manyoushu often compare Tsukuyomi to the full moon and as a deity who could grant immortality with special, rejuvenating water called Wochimizu (変若水).


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