GINHACHI TEAHOUSE

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The Ginhachi Teahouse is a retreat for weary spirits, located deep in a mysterious wood. Locals say that the kitsunebi can be seen frequently, and it is often ill-advised to follow them. You never know where the drifting ghost light may lead you.Those who have wandered too deep in the forest though never go missing for long. They find their way home in time, and often tell of a warm evening spent with fine tea served by a reserved and wizened sage. He shared a warm hearth, and guided them back come the morning.They all say there was nothing particularly notable about the man ... but that's just what their mortal eyes cannot perceive.Much as mortals cannot perceive the Kitsune which leaves the trails of fire, they only see the guise of a kindly old man and not the ascended which keeps the shop, or the spirits usually at his tables.

Saya of Eight

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The longer a Kitsune lives and learns, the more tails they gain. A Kitsune bearing nine tails in total is believed to have achieved the ultimate enlightenment. They are, essentially, Gods.Saya has eight tails, and has had as many for many years now. Whenever the matter is brought up, he insists he has no need for a ninth tail: "We are never done learning," he says, "and the world is never finished teaching. I am a student, as much as a teacher, and I listen."He may make a joke, and serve you a delicious cup of your favorite tea, something fresh to eat, and offer an ear to offload your burdens.He wishes only that when you leave his company, you leave a little lighter. A little more prepared for the world beyond.(some more info about Saya and his eventual design choices can be found here!)

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With no current reference sheet to go off of, here are some fun facts about Saya's design if you're curious!- Saya wears a Kanzashi, an ornamental hair ornament which is traditionally worn by females! It was thought that the Kanzashi, along with being used for self defense, was also used to ward off evil spirits. I liked the idea of him wearing this traditionally feminine article of clothing due to the severe lack of male kitsune represented in old mythology. It's a fun little nod to their absence and my own identity as a trans-man!- Saya's eight tails have kitsunebi at the ends, or fox-fire. A mythology that explains the phenomenon of ghost lights.- The name Saya is an evocative name which represents the image of sword in it's scabbard, and is thus a name representing peace...to avoid spoiling too much, let's just say his name hasn't always been Saya.