They are humanoid creatures averaging 6 feet tall, with pale skin tones, black or red eyes, black hair, and slim to lithe bodies rarely exceeding 120 pounds in weight. Although both male and female shinigami exist, they have never been observed reproducing or engaging in any kind of sexual activity. They also never seem to age, always appearing as young adults or older. Youkai believe that shinigami are less living creatures and more forces of nature that cannot be killed permanently, whose duty is to keep population counts in check. According to these same legends, even when one is killed, they eventually heal or reform, no matter how badly wounded or disintegrated their bodies were. Biologists were not able to confirm whether these legends are true, though there has been no evidence disproving any of them.
If you meet a shinigami, do not panic and try talking to them first, in order to ascertain their intentions and ensure that they have not targeted you for "cleansing". If they appear peaceful, experts recommend actually talking to them and being as friendly as possible to them. It is believed that when a shinigami receives friendly contact, they are less likely to "cleanse" and more likely to be friendly in response.
However, if their intentions are hostile and you are certain they intend to kill you, consider fleeing first. Shinigami will not chase targets that prove too slippery or difficult to follow, and will instead hunt for a different creature of the same species. If you must absolutely fight one, then you must show extreme prejudice and inflict as much damage as possible before they can land a hit on you. They are extremely skilled fighters, preferring to use their scythe or their natural abilities, but also capable and willing to use other weapons if any are within reach, particularly if they would be more effective.
A youkai tradition recommends offering them two high-value [[coins]] (silver at the minimum, gold and higher preferred) of the same type when meeting one. According to this tradition, the coins are used by the shinigami to cover the eyes of their next target and pay for their trip to the Netherworld. Shinigami are receptive to the tradition and typically accept offered coins as a sign of respect. Alternatively, while it doesn't guarantee that a shinigami will stop pursuing you if they have hostile intentions, it can be used as a way of accepting one's fate, as if to pay one's own trip.
[[Category:Creatures]]
[[Category:Sapient creatures]]