Youkai

Youkai is often translated simply as "monster". However, it is quite different from the standard monsters found in the Alicesoft fantasy world. A race native only to JAPAN, Youkai are supernatural beings formed out of powerful emotions and thoughts. However, unlike Ghosts, they do not have a true "soul", and they also have a corporeal body. However, like a Ghost, they will disappear if the feelings or thoughts that created them are dispersed.

But besides that method, it is nearly impossibly to get rid of a Youkai. Youkai can regenerate, and they can survive decapitation, dismemberment, and even burning. Because of this, Youkai are nearly invulnerable to traditional physical attacks. Tenshi Sect monks will often use certain items, prayers, and spells to scare away Youkai, as opposed to outright killing them, because doing so is so difficult. It is not uncommon for youkai to be able to transform their bodies in certain ways, though there is often a limitation on the transformation.

Because the power of Orochi is what allows Youkai to manifest themselves into corporeal existence, Youkai cannot leave the immediate vicinity of JAPAN, or else they will disappear. However, this can be circumvented by having the Youkai carrying a scale shed by Orochi wherever they go, so that Orochi's power lingers with them as they leave JAPAN.

List of Youkai
All Youkai that appear in the Rance series can be grouped into three general categories: Youkai in JAPAN, Youkai in Genbu Castle, and Forbidden Youkai.

Forbidden Youkai
Forbidden Youkai are Youkai that have such horrifyingly powerful abilities that they have been sealed away and otherwise denoted as "forbidden" to interact with. They almost always cause great disaster when unleashed.