| Japanese Kappa Shell | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Unknown |
|
Type |
Turtle-shell armor |
|
Effects |
Wearer moves effortlessly through water |
|
Downsides |
Must remain damp |
|
Activation |
Wearing |
|
Collected by |
|
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
Tzu-6194 |
|
Date of Collection |
1692 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
The kappa is perhaps one of the most well known yōkai in Japanese folklore. Often depicted as amphibious creatures with froglike features and a turtle shell, they were said to be both malevolent and benign according to their won whims. More positive legends tell of them being Shinto river gods, offering protection and prosperity to the farmlands and merchants who live in its area. Conversely, the darker stories tell of dangerous monsters who dragged people and animals into the water to consume them.
Pacifying a kappa was a relatively simple task, as a single cucumber was enough to placate them long enough to get past. They also required water to live, and removing their access to water or causing them to spill the small basin on their head would completely incapacitate them.
This shell, seemingly belonging to a species similar to the Loggerhead turtle, was collected by Warehouse 10 when reports of kappa-like activity reached them from the Hainan province of China. A lone brigand was using the artifact to ambush merchant travelers, drowning them and stealing their wares. During the reign of Warehouse 12, research indicated that the artifact may be ell over 1500 years old, but the earliest note of its use was during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period and the various conquests of Nobunaga. It was used by Hachisuka Clan to enforce their monopoly over the water trade on the Kiso River.
Effects[]
When worn across the back the shell allows the wearer to move effortlessly through water as if it were dry land. They are unhindered by the need for oxygen, water resistance and, should they kick off, are able to completely control their vertical movement.
Conversely, they will have significant trouble moving on land. The shell will increase in weight as it dries out, slowing movement and furthering exhaustion. If the shell dries completely it will causes the muscles of the wearer to seize up, preventing mobility at all.