Sakugami

Sakugami are especially powerful kami who protect seasonally blossoming trees, particularly ones in places where the primeval powers of nature remain strong. The cycle of a barren tree bursting into a riot of flowers once a year, before those blossoms inevitably fade with the turning of the seasons, provides a striking visual metaphor for sakugami, whose association with this annual cycle of growth and decay grants them powers over time as well as nature. Also known as blossom kami, sakugami have a particular fascination with mortals. Many folk legends tell of sakugami who bestow their blessing upon worthy individuals who fight for just causes. In truth, while blossom kami are mesmerized by such mortals—seeing the essence of a flower in a short life devoted to bringing beauty and comfort to its surroundings—they're so rare and enigmatically aloof that few ever encounter them. Decades, even centuries, might pass before a humble village realizes that a sakugami has been watching over it.

The stories persist, however, as they have for ages, leading to a widespread appreciation for blossoming trees. The site of a new village might be chosen due to its proximity to an ancient wisteria, or a temple might be carefully constructed around a single young plum. As sakugami are most commonly associated with cherry trees, many larger population centers in Minkai will plant and carefully tend small groves of cherries, both for their beauty and out of respect for the blossom kami.

Kami are divine nature spirits from the lands of Tian Xia, far to the east of the Inner Sea region. They serve as guardians of natural objects and places they protect—their wards—and are ancient enemies of oni (Pathfinder Monster Core 252–255). Kami can merge with their wards, allowing them to surreptitiously watch anyone who treads upon their sacred grounds. Kami leave those who they deem harmless alone, but fight vigilantly to scare away anyone perceived as a threat.