Japanese folklore
Subdue-3, Haunt-2, Curse-3

A tree-bound nature spirit that inhabits ancient or sacred trees. The kodama is shy and elusive, capable of taking on many guises: a beautiful woman, a child, a beast, or a mysterious light. Its life is tied inextricably to the health and fate of its parent tree. Kindness and reverence are rewarded with protection or blessings; harm invites supernatural revenge. The kodama may vanish into the tree’s trunk, move unseen through the forest, or curse those who threaten its home.

• Bound to the life and fate of an ancient tree
• Appears as a beautiful woman, child, beast, or spirit light
• Shy and elusive, merges with the trunk or the forest shadows
• Protective guardian, vengeful when provoked
• Blesses those who show kindness, curses those who harm

• Mysterious echoes or shifting lights mark the area with Forest Spirits.
• Eerie silence falls in the grove, applying Guarded-2.
• Shifting shapes conceal movement, creating Hidden Presence story tag.
• Gentle whispers bring minor aid or reassurance, applying Blessed-1.

• Tree branches strike or roots entangle intruders, inflicting Restrained-3.
• Calls other spirits for aid, creating Spirit Swarm story tag.
• Punishes harm to the tree by cursing offenders, inflicting Withered-3.
• Vanishes into the tree, evading all attempts to capture or harm.

• Bonded Life: If the tree suffers, so does the spirit—destroying the tree may banish or unleash the kodama’s wrath.
• Spirit’s Mercy: Those who heal or honor the tree receive ongoing Blessed or Protected statuses.
• Forces of Nature: May alter weather, summon fog, or inflict minor misfortune as a warning or act of vengeance.

• Goal: Protect the tree and the forest; reward kindness, punish cruelty.
• Escalation: Subtle omens → increased spirit manifestations → defensive strikes → powerful curses or tree-related environmental hazards.
• Tactics: Prefers avoidance and subtle intervention; direct action comes only after repeated provocation or destructive acts.
• Counters: Spiritual offerings, respectful rituals, or reparations can pacify or win the kodama’s favor.

• Usually unseen; occasionally reveals a beautiful woman, child, beast, or glowing spirit light near the tree.
• Forest air is marked by mysterious whispers, echoing footsteps, and strange phenomena when present.
• When angered, the environment reacts: trees bleed sap, branches grasp, or forest animals swarm the offender.