By Colin Chapman (col.chapman@virgin.net). See also the Sei.
They failed...
However, old habits die hard and the Tengu continue to meddle in the affairs of their realm, but their influence has waned. Long regarded as mountain spirits and the embodiment of supernatural forces they do not regard themselves as Sei and are genuinely amused by the pretensions of the western kithain.
Intelligent and cunning they have on occasion taken promising humans as students, instructing them in the paths of knowledge and arts, both passive and martial; indeed a Tengu of Mt. Kurama trained the great historical hero Mitamoto-no-Yoshitsune in the 10th century.
The Tengu hold little respect for any religion except Shinto, and while they believe in the power of the Gods and spirits, they also believe that few of those who take to the path of religion are truly enlightened or dedicated. They would often descend to mercilessly tease and prank any travelling monks and priests, testing their dedication and character. Only those monks who demonstrated the greatest devotion and faith gained any respect. Even today, they see it as their task to test the devotion of any religious leaders they encounter.
Sozoshii Tengu study, play and prank with equal passion, and some take to testing the beliefs of those people around them who act too righteous. Their faces have become bright crimson and their nose is near adult size.
Toshi-ue no Tengu are the most common of their kith and fully assume the mantle of religious testers. Intelligent, and learned, they are often skilled in several arts and crafts, both martial and wise. At this seeming their crimson faces darken to a blood-red and their noses reach their full adult size.
Path of the Gentle Breeze: Tengu may fly at upto 20 mph for 1 hour by spending a Glamour point. Any exceptional manoeuvres require a Wits + Kenning roll, and any complex actions such as combat have their difficulties increased by 2.
Eshu: Amusing gaijin with interesting knowledge.
"Now these guys have some really interesting stories."
Hengeyokai: The Kitsune and Tanuki also inhabit our mountain realms. They can be useful allies when testing a fool, but are unreliable.
"The Tengu can certainly appreciate a good prank, but they shouldn't restrict their targets so much."
Kappa: Manners are good, but they are a thin veneer indeed.
"Infuriating birds!"
Oni: We can respect our fellow mountain dwellers. They understand their place in the universe and many show understanding of knowledge.
"Intelligent and wise, but they meddle too much with the fate of Men."