Cardinal Gods (no ontology)
From Mazeworld
The Cardinal Gods (Houi-shin, 方位神, lit. "Directional Gods") are divine entities in Mazeworld. They are creatures derived from the Asian legends about the Four Symbols.
In Mazeworld, they are said to be among the most powerful beings of the realm, although lower in rank than the Administrator herself. A religion is centered around those creatures; this religion is called Cardinal Shintoism, though it may just be referred to as Shinto(ism). Anyone in the Mazes may follow Shinto principles and pay their homages to the Gods, but the only "official" members of the religion are those who actively work in shrines and have followed a strict religious education: those people are shrine maidens.
The actual influence and role of the Gods in the Mazes is of importance only to the contestant, as the latter is seeking for their holy artifacts, namely the Cardinal Amulets.
The Gods are among the most powerful beings in Mazeworld and are never directly encountered. The closest from this is hearing their voice at shrines, while praying. Their names are: Genbu, Seiryuu, Byakko, Suzaku.
The Administrator used and harnessed the Cardinal Gods as sources of power to help them in creating Mazeworld inside of the Interloper, shaping it into the realm as it is known nowadays. Although they are worshipped in the Mazes, they have more of a direct influence on the realm than the Admin herself has. The Amulets have been forged in their image, as symbols of every deity's attributed powers.
Genbu
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Genbu (玄武), also known as the Black Tortoise. He takes the appearance of a massive black tortoise with a snake-like tail coiling around his body.
Genbu is worshiped in the Mazes as a symbol of longevity and well-being.
Seiryuu
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Seiryuu (青竜), also known as the Azure Dragon. He takes the appearance of a seemingly endlessly long, turquoise dragon with thick scales and horns made of silver.
Seiryuu is worshiped in the Mazes as a symbol of strength and courage.
Byakko
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Byakko (白虎), also known as the White Tiger. He takes the appearance of a large, white-colored tiger with black stripes and elongated fangs.
Byakko is worshiped in the Mazes as a symbol of peace and virtue.
Suzaku
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Suzaku (朱雀), also known as the Scarlet Bird. He takes the appearance of a crimson, phoenix-like bird with feathers colored a red-orange gradient.
Suzaku is worshiped in the Mazes as a symbol of grace and elegance.
Trivia
- In versions prior to 1.5 and early 1.5 games, the Gods were encountered directly by the contestant, who gave the Amulets directly. Now, the Amulets are found alone.
