Taint

Taint is the process of physical and mental corruption gained by entering or associating with the Shadowlands, oni, or the practice of maho, or blood magic. The taint is a physical manifestation of Jigoku's hold on the mortal realm.

Protection from Taint

The best way to be safe from the taint is to never contract it in the first place. The blessed nature of jade? keeps corruption away from the bearer, but only for a while. The jade absorbs the taint, turning black and soft after a while. A single finger of jade, called a finger because it is the length of a man's finger, will protect one man for a week.

Symptoms of Taint

As the taint develops the person afflicted begins to show mental and physical signs of corruption. Skin will turn paler, hair becomes greasy and they will often have the appearance of being ill. They can become short-tempered, quick to respond to any perceived threats, and if the taint is unchecked the person will lose more and more control over their actions. In the end the taint will completely overcome the person, turning them into a monster under the control of Jigoku. Symptoms are individual to each case, but they all end with the same result. Any tainted people are kept under close watch by Imperial authorities, but are generally left to live in peace so long as the affliction is not dangerous to others.

Removing Taint

Other than a few very special cases there is no way of removing the taint. Drinking Jade Petal Tea? will slow the taint, and is one of the most popular ways to combat the taint. Th tea is harvested from specially grown lotus blossoms sprinkled with jade powder known only to the Monks of the Jade Lotus?.