Feared and Loathed

Bloodhunters doomed to lose themselves to their magic.

The shikarists of the Jihui are an overly ambitious sect, handling volatile magic for the sake of power. They stop at nothing to grow stronger, forming deals with demons and warping their bodies and souls. The shifters lose their minds, the pact-holders are consumed, the ghost-slayers' spirits come loose from their flesh. And yet they continue this taboo art, for little more than a lust for strength beyond mortal limit.

The name "Jihui" is a curse within itself. They are outcast and reviled by other shikarists, and even the very people who most need their services will turn them away with fear and disgust once the job is done. The inherent danger in associating with one of their number can prevent even the kindest soul from being anything more than a passing smile.

Bloodhunting Orders

The bloodhunters of the Jihui are divided into larger orders that inform their practic:

Order of the Lycan. Bloodhunters who have taken on the curse of lycanthropy. They utilize the heightened senses and abilities of their transformation in their hunting.

Order of the Profane. Bloodhunters who have entered into a pact with another being, typically a demon, to utilize arcane magic and similar abilities. Also includes those who bear curses or similar conditions. These individuals are taught to manage and utilize their curses, and often wield a style of bloodhunting catered to their needs.

Order of the Vitiate. The smallest of the orders. These bloodhunters utilize the materials of what they hunt to induce transformations in themselves, an act that grants them a greater flexibility at the risk of an unstable concoction.

Order of the Ghostslayer. Those who utilize the teachings and influences of the spirit world in their hunting arts. They blur the line between the material and spirit realms.

Liutubang has encountered Fakir ChaeYasda and his juniors on multiple occasions, meetings that have overthrown the public perception of the Jihui Sect. Having become close friends with Fakir, Liutubang has been welcomed into Ira's Mirror and the Jihui village.

Time in isolation and the years since the formation of the Jihui has allowed them to form their own distinct culture in the Mirror. These practices are not typically shared by the Pathari Jihui.

Pregnancy and Post-Natal Care

When a parent recognizes a pregnancy, if they intend to carry to term they are relocated to a smaller settlement a little outside of the Jihui village. All pregnant persons and newborn children live communally here, with assistance from dedicated midwives. The partners of a parent are permitted to also join them in this settlement provided that they are not a practicing Bloodhunter. If the pregnant individual is a bloodhunter, they isolate and undergo cleansings for a waxing cycle of Kiyam before joining the larger community.

The purpose of this isolation is to protect the vulnerable child from the dangerous magic that the Jihui wield. Family planning is emphasized and openly discussed in the Jihui sect. Visitors are allowed, but must plan in advance and undergo similar cleansing to maximize the safety of the child and parent.

The cleansing involves a single instance of lancing oneself to burn their blood in fire. Following this, one bathes in the Mirror's waters and dons clothing untouched by spilled blood or magic. This tradition of bathing and dress remains consistent for the parent.

First Words

A child's first words are the typical indicator that they are strong enough to join the village proper. It is a celebrated affair, and may introduce multiple children at once if first words are spoken in close proximity.

For this ceremony, the child is bathed in the Mirror's water. A drop of blood is drawn from parent and child to be mixed into the ink used for their wards. The child is painted over their face, chest, back, and stomach in warding sigils, and then dressed in layered clothing to be taken to the village. They will be greeted by the villagers and taken to their family home. This is also the time when it is most customary to give gifts of toys and clothing to the child.

Midwifery

To become a midwife in the Jihui is a lasting commitment. A midwife can have never intentionally spilled blood or taken a life in any form. A midwife can never bloodhunt, must be afflicted with no curses, and must never form a pact with that beyond the Material. They hold themselves to heightened standards of sanitation on both physical and spiritual levels

While midwives can and do live in the Jihui village, several remain in the natal settlement in preparation for unexpected pregnancies. When children are planned, a midwife spends a waxing cycle of Kiyam preparing themself to retreat from the village to attend to the children and parents.

Jihui Sect

Feared and Loathed

Bloodhunting Orders

Cultural Practice

Pregnancy and Post-Natal Care

First Words

Midwifery

Members

Loading

Loading

Loading