Youkai is a blanket term for supernatural beings formed by human faith. This includes spirits, gods, monsters, and cryptids. Youkai are created by the interference of ambient magic waves and human neural patterns. For this reason, the form and function of youkai individuals is subject to frequent change. These waves must be reinforced with consistent human neural patterns, referred to as "faith". Faith can be any neural process that Without consistent reinforcement, these waves may dissipate, causing youkai individuals to cease existing.
Class
Youkai are assigned a class depending on their performance in standardized tests of anthrotypicality and acuity. A subject's anthrotypicality is measured first in an Anthrotypical Physicality Exam (APE) and ranked A, B, C, or D.
- A - Anthrotypical: compatible with the human genome.
- B - Anthrodivergent: appears humanoid, incompatible with the human genome.
- C - Physioformed: appears non-humanoid, compatible with known laws of physics.
- D - Aphysioformed: appears non-humanoid, incompatible with known laws of physics.
Next, a subject's acuity is measured in a Maturity and Mental Acuity Test (MaMAT). The results are compared to an adult human, and assigned a rank 1-3.
- 1 - Mature, as an adult human.
- 2 - Immature, as a young human.
- 3 - Presapient, as a non-human animal.
Many nations limit legal protections of youkai based on class.