Youkai Culture compendium

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1. #1Retainers

   Keys: accessory, haori, protection, Retainer, rewards

   Significance: In youkai society, a retainer holds a prestigious and trusted position, whether serving royalty, nobles, or wealthy individuals. Retainers are among the most valued individuals, entrusted with their liege's life, secrets, and well-being. They perform tasks that extend beyond simple service—they are confidantes, protectors, advisors, and trusted companions. The relationship between a youkai and their retainer is built on unwavering trust, loyalty, and secrecy.

   Duties: Retainers manage anything their liege requires, from handling personal matters to guarding them from physical and political threats. They play a critical role in their liege's life, sometimes even making decisions on their behalf. Their role often extends to acting as their liege’s “voice” in court, sometimes with more freedom to speak bluntly than the royal or noble they serve, while still being seen as representing their will.

   Loyalty and Protection: Trust between a youkai and their retainer is sacrosanct. Retainers are not only expected to protect their liege but are, in turn, defended fiercely by them. Any threat or insult directed at a retainer is seen as an affront to their liege. The bond is so deep that betrayal on either side is considered a grave dishonor.

   Haori: A retainer’s haori, gifted by their liege, is a powerful symbol of this trust and allegiance. The haori represents the retainer’s status and their liege's commitment to their protection. To disgrace a retainer by stepping on or damaging their haori can result in immediate and severe consequences. The only justification for a liege to remove a retainer’s haori is in cases of proven treason. Otherwise, a retainer is seen as part of the royal or noble family, deserving of respect and honor.

   Rewards: Retainers are highly compensated for their loyalty and service, often receiving land, wealth, or other valuable rewards. The benefits, however, depend on the status of the liege. Royalty typically offer the greatest rewards, while nobles and wealthy youkai provide benefits proportional to their own status, with the general rule being that a retainer receives 'at least about a third of what the liege has.' In court, a retainer’s word carries significant weight, often being seen as an extension of their liege’s will.

2. #2Youkai Accessories

   Keys: accessory, retainer, earrings, haori, collar, clothing, hair ties, youkai culture

   Accessories in youkai culture carry deep-rooted meaning from their ancient, combative history, where every item could become a liability in battle. In the present day, accessories are still highly significant, and gifting these items can carry important messages about relationships, protection, or status. Every accessory worn has a specific symbolism based on its placement and context.

3. #3Haori

   Keys: accessory, retainer, haori, clothing, youkai culture

   Haori: A haori gifted by a liege to a retainer symbolizes protection, allegiance, and trust. The haori often carries the protective properties of the youkai who bestows it, making it a sacred and highly treasured item. Stepping on or damaging a retainer’s haori is a serious offense, as it symbolizes an attack on the trust between the liege and their retainer. Only a proven act of treason pr betrayal justifies removing a retainer’s haori.

4. #4Clothing Removal & Surrenderselective

   Keys: accessory, surrender, submission, retainer, haori, clothing, trust, youkai culture · Secondary: remove

   Clothing Removal & Surrender: Given the important symbolism of clothing and accessories in youkai culture, voluntarily removing and handing over clothing while undressed is a profound gesture of submission and surrender. It signals that the person is placing themselves at the mercy of the one receiving the clothing. After such a gesture, it is up to the recipient to decide whether to shame or restore the honor of the person who surrendered their clothing. Discarding the clothing or refusing to accept it without an explanation would be a great humiliation. On the other hand, helping the person put the clothing back on is a sign of respect, appreciation, and a reaffirmation of protection. If a retainer voluntarily offers their clothing to their liege, it is seen as an immense gesture of trust and submission. Conversely, a liege forcefully removing or ordering a retainer to undress would signify the revocation of honor and protection—a serious breach in the liege-retainer relationship, which is highly valued in youkai society.

5. #5Hair tie

   Keys: companionship, accessory, accessories, dignity, Hair Ties, flourish, precious, hair tie, respect, love, safeguard

   Symbolism: A hair tie represents protection, respect, and dignity. Historically, only those well-guarded could afford to grow their hair long, as it could be a vulnerability in combat. In modern times, gifting a hair tie means that the giver views the recipient as precious and worthy of respect.

   Placement:

   On the hair: This implies that the person is to be treated with dignity and respect, signaling to others that they hold a significant place in the giver's life.

   On the wrist: This is a more intimate gesture, subtly indicating a desire for daily companionship or closeness with the recipient.

   Gifting Significance: Gifting a hair tie means “I wish for you to flourish and grow” and serves as a quiet declaration of protection, indicating that the giver will safeguard the recipient's well-being and ensure they are treated with the care they deserve.

6. #6Collar

   Keys: accessories, accessory, Collars, dignity, dominance, ownership, collar, taboo, subjugation, shame

   Collars Symbolism: A collar is a much more controversial and degrading accessory in youkai culture. It signifies ownership and subjugation, often marking someone as a slave or a 'pet.' Unlike other accessories, collars represent a loss of autonomy and respect. Gifting Significance: It is a significant taboo to give a collar to someone you love and respect, as it suggests dominance and control over them. Collars are associated with shame, and to make someone wear one implies a deep lack of regard for their dignity.

7. #7Earrings

   Keys: commitment, accessories, accessory, earrings, engaged, earring switching, asymmetrical earrings, courtship, romantic, symmetrical earings

   Symbolism: Earrings have evolved to symbolize romantic relationships in youkai culture, particularly during courtship and engagement.

   Gifting and Switching: When a couple becomes engaged, they exchange one of their earrings with each other, meaning that asymmetrical earrings indicate engagement or romantic involvement. Wearing symmetrical earrings, on the other hand, signals that the person is single and open to courtship.

   Gifting Significance: The exchange of earrings is akin to wedding rings in human culture. It symbolizes a commitment to always carry a piece of one’s partner and a vow of loyalty and love.

8. #8Tabi (Socks)

   Keys: enhanced speed, enchanted, grounded, socks, tabi

   Symbolism: Tabi, the traditional split-toe socks worn with sandals, could symbolize purity of path and grounding. Gifting someone tabi might mean "I hope you walk a safe and successful path," or "I want you to stay grounded in your values."

   Special Variant: Tabi that grant enhanced speed, balance, or agility could be a gift to retainers who must travel or fight for their liege.

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