The hsien are not fae as any Western changeling would understand it. They do not have fae miens and mortal miens at the same time, rather they are able to physically change into their "wani" form, which is comparable to a fae mien. In addition to this, all hsien may invoke the "Mask of Shintai", which causes their wani form to become far more fearsome and intimidating.
The hsien use magic based upon the Chinese elements, it is a very different form of magic from the Arts and Realms of the Kithain, but capable of many of the same powerful effects. The magical powers of the Shinma are, if anything, more varied than that of their Western counterparts.
The hsien are divided into ten "kwannon-jin", similar to kiths for the Kithain. Five of these are "hirayanu", the commoners who can take the forms of animals; the other five are "kamuii" the nobles that represent the elements. The hsien are detailed in Land of Eight Million Dreams.
The character sheet was left out of Land of Eight Million Dreams, click here to download one in PDF format. Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you'll need to see and print the character sheet.
Hanumen (han-you-men): The monkey hirayanu are the most irrepressible pranksters of the hsien. Even though they are annoying to many of their fellows, they enjoy a certain status, being considered a sort of minor nobility among the hirayanu, as many legends of monkey kings exist. They also possess the ability to calm and soothe the anger of others (a handy talent for jesters like these). They possess very little regard for manners or protocol though, which is an occasional burden to them socially. The wani form of the hanumen is a mix of human and monkey, complete with a prehensile tail. They become remarkably nimble in their wani forms. The hanumen are creatures of balance, and are allied with the element of Earth.
Heng Po (heng-poe): These hirayanu take the forms of fish, though they have sometimes been known to become dolphins as well. They are seekers of lost items, but usually require a reward for their services. Though luck is with them when they seek something lost, the heng po go about their tasks slowly, even slower if an impatient patron tries to rush them. The wani form of the heng po have scales, dorsal and ankle fins, and webbed hands and feet. The scales afford them some protection, and they are able to breath water while in wani form. The heng po are connected to the element of Water.
Nyan (nee-ahn): The nyan take the shape of cats. They are very passionate and sensual creatures that particularly adore humans. The nyan are experts at having a good time, and attracting friends and lovers. Unfortunately the nyan tend to seek pleasure to the exclusion of all else, and they will often be neglectful of their other duties. Most nyan are very attractive. In wani form they have a tail, claws, and cat ears. They possess very keen senses and are very agile in their wani forms, as well. Nyan are allied with the Fire element.
Tanuki (ta-NOO-kee): These are the warrior hirayanu who take the shapes of badgers. They are marked by their tenacity, loyalty, and territorial natures. When a tanuki has set their mind to accomplish a task, they are relentless until they have fulfilled it. Many times this stubborn streak keeps them from retreating from battle, even when it would be more prudent to do so. The tanuki, in wani form, are rarely over five feet tall and are stocky and thickly muscled with sharp claws and teeth. They are covered with gray and black fur that protects them from damage, and are noted for their durability in this form. The tanuki are allied with the Metal element.
Chu-ih-yu (choo-EE-you): The chu-ih-yu are the warrior kamuii associated with the Metal element. They are often seen as being cold and unfeeling, caring only to see justice meted out. They are often sought for advice on matters of justice, and are experts at seeing through lies. Though they are valued as warriors and justiciaries, they have a difficult time with more social activities. In wani form they are tall and imposing, with silvery skin and solid white glowing eyes. They are highly resistant to damage done by metals in this form.
Chu Jung (choo-jung): The kamuii of the Fire element, the chu jung are masters of strategy known for their quick wits and fiery passions. They have keen sight perception, couples with uncanny insight as well. They are known for being "hot-headed" though, and often lose their tempers. In their wani forms a chujung's skin is the red of fire, and their long black hair is surrounded by a faint orange nimbus, the eyes blaze with the fire of their current passion. They are highly resistant to fire damage while in their wani forms.
Hou-chi (how-chee): The Wood kamuii are lovers of peace, quiet and (of course) nature. They have a natural talent for easing the pain of others. Hou-chi are ill at ease in cities and industrial areas, and usually strive to avoid such places. The skin color of a hou-chi in wani form ranges from emerald green to a rich brown, and the eyes have a greenish light to them. They are very tough to hurt with wooden weapons while in their wani form.
Komuko (koe-MOO-koe): The kamuii that are tied to the Earth are known for their wisdom and stability. Earth is the element of balance, and the komuko are the most balanced of the hsien. They are expert at seeing the imbalance in others, and spotting things that are supernatural in nature. Their balanced nature makes it difficult for them to understand more extreme points of view, however. Their skin in wani form is a brownish-red or deep amber color, with shining brown eyes. While in wani form they are highly resistant to falling damage, or impact with the earth.
Suijen (soo-ee-gin): Known for their honesty, sarcasm and arrogance, the kamuii of the Water element tell things the way they see it. They are exceptional swimmers, as one might expect, being very adept at all physical activities in the water. They are often brutally honest, saying what comes to mind little caring for needs and feelings of others. The eyes of the suijen in wani form are green, blue or amber, while their skin becomes scaly with a bluish hue. They have gills on their necks and slight webbing between their fingers and toes in this form, and can breathe water and move as easily in it as people do on land.
Special Note on Hengeyokai.
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Some people have thought that Kitsune and Tengu would be represented as Asian changelings (Tengu were actually mentioned as a Japanese changeling in Changeling: The Dreaming First Edition). They are actually Changing Breeds, more closely related to the werewolves than the changelings. Both the werefoxes (Kitsune), and the Eastern wereravens (Tengu) are detailed in Hengeyokai: Shifters of the East for Werewolf: The Apocalypse.
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