< Yukari Yakumo | Back to Title of Contents | Alice Margatroid > Otherworldly Magical Being Magician Usual threat level: Normal Frequency of encounter: Low Variety: Low Places likely to be encountered: Anywhere Times likely to be encountered: Anytime Characteristics One who has become possessed by magic, such that the one's body itself is powered by magic; this type of youkai is known as a magician. Their livelihood revolves around magical research, spending their days thinking about new spells. Among youkai, they are the most similar to humans. There are two types of magicians: those who were born as magicians and humans who became magicians. At the point when they completely become magicians, their growth (aging) stops (*1). Those who were born as magicians, from the start, are only able to use magic, and just like humans, they grow, age, and have a limited lifespan. Then, when they learn "abandon temper" magic (*2), they become long-lived, complete magicians. In the case of those who were originally human, in continuing their study of magic, it is when they learn "abandon food" magic (*3) that they become magicians. After that, it's the same as for normal magicians. In any case, becoming a member of the magician race takes quite a bit of time. Since they continue to grow old like humans up until that point, in general there are many aged wizards and witches. However, in Gensokyo, magical research is more advanced and learning magic is simple. Thus, there are more than a few young (childish) magicians in Gensokyo. There's no way to tell them apart from humans by their appearance. Their bodies are nearly the same as humans', so they are frail in comparison to other youkai. They're generally intelligent, studious people with a lot of knowledge, but they tend to be hikikomori and not leave their homes. 1: There are those who repeatedly cast magic to restore their youth, but... 2: Magic to stop one's growth. It can only be used on oneself. 3: Magic that allows you to compensate for not eating food via magic power. It can only be used on oneself. Potential Harm Sacrifice, Theft, Abduction, Fraud The most likely cause of harm is theft of livestock. Living livestock is necessary for large-scale magic, and it seems there is a serious livestock shortage among magicians. In addition, they often steal food and drink (especially liquor), and curios such as moon rocks. At worst, they might even steal children (*4). Also, they can use magic which is similar to sleight of hand and commit fraud. Perhaps performing magic requires money, but they will take any means necessary to raise funds. Be particularly cautious if you see someone selling shady magic props on the roadside. 4: Sometimes the children become the magicians' apprentices. Countermeasures The most important thing is to not trust magicians. Fortunately, their bodies are only about as strong as that of an ordinary human, so running away is simple. A magician who is properly prepared is so strong that they can take on any kind of youkai. However, they are weak to surprise attacks, and are not good at close combat or lengthy conflicts. The most fundamental thing is to be careful not to fall into a magician's trap, which will not happen without entering their territory. If you happen to do so, your best options are either to immediately run away or to boldly approach them. < Yukari Yakumo | Back to Title of Contents | Alice Margatroid >