Tengu is mountain and forest goblin with supernatural powers, like shape-shifting into human or animal forms, the ability to speak to humans without moving their mouth, the magic of moving instantly from place to place without using their wings, and the sorcery to appear uninvited in the dreams of the living.
Tengu are legendary kami (gods) in Japanese mythology with deep roots in the folklore surrounding the mysticism of Ninjutsu’s inception. The actual translation of the word tengu means “heavenly dog,” though they are never depicted with any dog-like characteristics in Japanese culture.
Buddhism historically consider them to be demons, forebearers of war, messengers of dieties and even Buddhas to punish evildoers and protect the righteous. Many are seen carrying a hauchiwa (Japanese feather fan), to fan away misfortune and bring in the good. They live in secluded colonies with one tengu as their leader served by messenger tengu.
Karasu tengu resemble large birds of prey with human-like characteristics. They often wear the robes of the ascetic and mystical hermits called yamabushi, and sometimes carry fine weapons or other items stolen from human homes or temples.
They live solitary lives, but on rare occasions band together or with other yōkai to accomplish their goals. They accumulate hoards. Kotengu collect and trade trinkets and valuable magical items. When angered they throw tantrums and go on destructive rampages, taking out their anger on anything near them.
Karasu tengu have little respect for humans. They feast on human flesh, and commit rape, torture, and murder for fun. Some of their favorite games are abducting people to drop them from great heights deep into the woods, or tying children to the tops of trees so all can hear their screams but none can reach them. Karasu tengu kidnap people and force them eat feces until they go mad. They especially revel in sacrilege. They torment monks and nuns, rob temples, and try to seduce clergy.
Karasu tengu’s greatest weakness is overconfidence. There are countless folk stories about them being duped into trading powerful magical items or giving up valuable information in exchange for worthless trinkets. Foolish karasu tengu overestimate their own intelligence when trying to trick humans, and end up being tricked themselves.
