The Shanto

The Shanto are a clandestine supernatural organization that serves as a crucial force for protecting the innocent in the Hidden World series. They are distinguished by their use of spiritual energy (chi) as their primary source of power, setting them apart from other supernatural factions.

Core Philosophy and Mission

Primary Purpose: The Shanto use their powers "to battle the evil of the world" and "protect the innocent" from supernatural threats.

Operational Style: As a clandestine group, they operate in secrecy, working behind the scenes to combat supernatural dangers while maintaining the masquerade that keeps the supernatural world hidden from regular humans.

Power System: Spiritual Energy (Chi)

Fundamental Difference from Other Factions

• Churiphim and Witches: Use external energy - "the energy around us, the elements of creation"
• Shanto: Use "a spiritual power, an inner power" - drawing from within themselves rather than external sources

Chi Manifestations

The Shanto's spiritual energy appears as golden/yellow glowing constructs and can be shaped into various forms:

Spirit Constructs:

• Spiritual weapons (swords, whips, blades)
• Spiritual entities (animals like lions, tigers, bunnies)
• Energy blasts and projectiles
• Protective shields

Combat Applications:

• Enhanced physical abilities through chi augmentation
• Spiritual weapon creation for demon/undead combat
• Animal spirit summoning for assistance and protection
• Energy projection for ranged attacks

Hierarchy and Power Levels

The Shanto operate on a level-based system that determines both authority and power capacity:

Known Levels and Members

Level 5 - "The True Shanto"

• Elissa Snow - Blonde hair, blue eyes
• Highest known rank
• Appears to be the ultimate authority figure

Level 3

• Arthur Hicks - Brown hair, dark eyes
• Abilities: Spirit Constructs (Spiritual Whip Generation), Spirit Weapons, Spirit Entities, Bodily Attribute Augmentation
• Can summon complex spirit animals (lions named "Charlie", tigers, even "spiritual bunnies")
• Combat-capable against demons and supernatural threats

Level 2

• Lisa Hicks - Brown hair, dark eyes (Arthur's sister)
• Abilities: Spirit projection (energy blasts), Spirit Constructs (Spiritual Whip Generation, Spiritual Blades)
• More limited abilities than Level 3, focuses on energy projection and basic constructs

Power Progression

• Lower Levels: Basic energy manipulation, simple constructs
• Higher Levels: Complex entity creation, advanced combat abilities, leadership roles
• Level 5: Presumably master-level abilities and organizational authority

Training and Education

Formal Education System

The Shanto maintain a structured educational program:

• Mandatory Classes: All Shanto must take "demonology class" to understand supernatural threats
• Combat Training: Practical application of chi abilities in battle scenarios
• Theoretical Knowledge: Study of demon hierarchies, supernatural politics, and threat assessment

Recruitment and Development

• Members can advance through levels based on skill and dedication
• Training appears to include both theoretical study and practical combat experience
• Some members (like Arthur) seem more focused on practical application than academic study

Organizational Structure and Culture

Leadership

• Elissa Snow (Level 5) appears to be the supreme authority
• Higher levels command lower levels in hierarchical structure
• Decision-making seems centralized through the leadership

Cultural Characteristics

• Protective Instinct: Strong commitment to defending innocents
• Secrecy: Operate as a "clandestine group" maintaining cover
• Pragmatic Approach: Willing to work with other supernatural factions when necessary
• Sibling Bonds: Lisa and Arthur demonstrate strong family ties within the organization

Relationships with Other Factions

The Order of the Sons of Light:

• "The Order and the Shanto keep watch over each other, balancing the powers and making sure one or the other does not overstep their boundaries"
• Ancient alliance dating back centuries
• Mutual oversight relationship to prevent power abuse
• Sometimes work together on major supernatural threats

Churiphim:

• Distinct but complementary power systems
• Some cooperation in combat situations
• Different approaches to the same goal of protecting humanity

Supernatural Politics:

• The Shanto serve as a balancing force in the supernatural community
• Help maintain equilibrium between various factions
• Prevent any one group from gaining too much power or influence

Headquarters and Operations

The Gate Realm

• Location: Deep in mountains of an alternate realm
• Unique Properties: Time moves differently here, humans age very slowly
• Training Grounds: Where new members undergo testing and skill development
• Journey: Requires "many weeks" of travel to reach headquarters

Testing and Advancement

• Combat Trials: Multiple battles to prove fighting capability
• Spirit Power Testing: Demonstrations of chi manipulation and weapon summoning
• Requirements: Must pass both combat and spiritual energy tests to become "true Shanto"
• Progression: Successful completion advances members on "the warrior's journey"

Combat Capabilities and Effectiveness

Against Demons

• Shanto spiritual energy is effective against demonic entities
• Can enhance weapons with chi to harm supernatural beings
• Group tactics allow coordination between different level members

Tactical Advantages

• Versatility: Can adapt chi into various forms as needed
• Team Coordination: Different levels complement each other in battle
• Spiritual Nature: Inner power source makes them less vulnerable to external manipulation
• Creative Application: Can manifest unexpected forms (Arthur's "spiritual bunnies") for tactical surprise

Limitations

• Power levels create clear hierarchies of capability
• Requires training and education to be effective
• Some members (like Arthur) may lack academic knowledge despite combat skills

Historical Context

Ancient Alliance

• "Alliance with the Shanto is centuries old" - regarding their relationship with The Order
• Long-standing presence in supernatural world
• Historical role as peacekeepers and protectors

Modern Operations

• Continue to operate in contemporary settings
• Adapt ancient powers to modern threats
• Maintain traditional training methods while engaging with current supernatural politics

Significance in the Hidden World

The Shanto represent a crucial third faction in the supernatural world, serving as:

• Balance Keepers: Preventing other supernatural organizations from overreaching
• Protectors: Dedicated to defending innocent humans from supernatural threats
• Spiritual Warriors: Offering a chi-based alternative to angelic, demonic, or vampiric powers
• Ancient Wisdom: Maintaining centuries-old knowledge and practices
• Neutral Force: Operating independently while cooperating when necessary

Their unique inner power system and protective mission make them valuable allies and formidable opponents, representing the possibility that humans can develop supernatural abilities through spiritual discipline rather than curse, blessing, or corruption.