Big Book of Mythology (Yokai Edition)

Hangonkō

Translation: Spirit-calling incense

Other names: None

Type: Unknown

Preference: Unknown

Habitat: Human-inhabited areas

Diet: None

Danger zone: White (No threat) (not physically)

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About Hangonkō:
Ever wanted to catch a spirit in smoke? Give this a try. The Hangonkō is a legendary incense from ancient China which has the power to bring forth the spirits of the dead before those who burn it. Those who burn the incense will see the spirits of the dead within the smoke.

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Appearance:
Hangonkō is made from the hangonjū, a magical tree with leaves and flowers that resemble those of a maple or Japanese oak. Its smell can be picked up from over 100 ri away.

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Behavior/Interaction:
To make hangonkō, you steam the hangonjū's roots until the sap comes out. Then you knead the sap to make the incense. Even a small piece of this resin is strong enough to recall the spirits of those who died from sickness or disease. There is a catch, of course. Hangonkō only returns the spirit for a short time, and they only exist within the smoke of the burning incense. Here's the sad part though: after using the incense to meet your lover's spirit, it only leaves them sadder and more grieved than they were before. Hangonkō doesn't alleviate their loneliness, it makes it worse.

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Abilities:
(None in particular)

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Targets:
Anyone who uses it.

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Escape plan:
If you don't want to keep crying over someone, don't use it.

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Origin story:
The incense was famously used by Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty in China. After his beloved concubine Li Furen passed away, the emperor fell into deep depression. A Taoist sorcerer, in an attempt to ease the emperor's grief, provided him with a bit of hangonkō so that he might see Lady Li one more time.

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NOPE Rating:
1/5