Xian — Heart Demons

She who walks the Path to become immortal must beware things beyond mortal, for the path was not meant for mortals, and she who cannot make herself suitable by excising those parts of her unsuitable for the road she walks will be made suitable by force. But was there any part of her at all, to begin with, which was truly suited for eternity?

A Xian has a 0 HD Heart Demon in their soul that may take various forms. Whenever she invests into Spiritual Root or the Endless Path, except at first level, add 2 HD to that Heart Demon. The HD of Heart Demons can be reduced in various ways, but might also increase due to various factors.

Heart Demons more than 2 above your own HD have other dangers; they may, with triggers, (permanently) split into two separate Heart Demons of your HD. The secondary Heart Demon represents a metastasized insecurity, mental block, or spiritual injury. All Heart Demons must be reduced and managed separately, but any increases apply to all Heart Demons. A secondary Heart Demon reduced to 0 HD disappears forever; however the first Heart Demon never disappears, as this represents the latent insecurity and misunderstandings of the Xian. Minimum HD increases apply only to the first Heart Demon.

Heart Demons with more HD than the Xian can attempt to possess a Xian during a period of emotional shock. Anyone with at least 4 Heart Demons of their own HD is immediately slain and possessed by one of their Heart Demons. A Heart Demon(s) might emerge to directly challenge a Xian even if these conditions are not fulfilled, in which case death means possession and victory means the Heart Demon loses 2 HD. The Heart Demon, if it has at least HD equal to the Xian-2, always emerges immediately before they reach the Chengdaozhe rank (usually level 11); this is a special fight in which, upon emerging, it gains HD until it has HD equal to the Xian+2. Thereafter, the Heart Demon is known as a Tribulation, and always has a minimum HD equal to the Xian’s.

When a Xian levels up, she reduces the Heart Demon’s HD by 2. A Heart Demon’s HD can also be reduced by breakthroughs, quests, character development, or acquiring rare reagents and medicines. These medicines should represent a significant chunk of WBL or require quests in themselves to acquire. See Hyskeu in Heaven for some other ways a Heart Demon can be strengthened or weakened.