Kurama Tengu

Kurama Tengu
Japanese Name	クラマテング
Rōmaji	Kurama Tengu
Also known as	Monk of the Valley (P5)
Origin	Japanese Mythology
First Appearance	Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Alignment(s)	Light-Neutral
Race(s)	Genma
Arcana(s)	Hermit
Awakens from	Karasu Tengu

Kurama Tengu is a recurring demon in the series.

History

Kurama Tengu (鞍馬天狗) are the most powerful and well-known of the Japanese Tengu who were said to live in Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. The Kurama-Tengu are not only said to be exceptional warriors, but also have the ability to fend off disease and bring good luck.

The king of the tengu, Sōjōbō (僧正坊), is one of the Kurama Tengu, and in the 12th century was said to have taught Ushiwakamaru, the future famous warrior Minamoto No Yoshitsune, the arts of swordsmanship, tactics and magic.

Appearances

• Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne: Genma Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE: Demigod Race
• Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey: Genma Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IV: Genma Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse: Genma Race
• Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2: Genma Race
• Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army: Wind Order
• Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon: Wind Order
• Persona 3 / FES / Portable: Hermit Arcana
• Persona 4 / Golden: Hermit Arcana
• Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth: Hermit Arcana
• Persona 5 / Royal: Hermit Arcana
  • Persona 5 Strikers
• Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth: Hermit Arcana

Profile

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Kurama can be only obtained by evolving its predecessor Karasu and is one of the few demons in the game that can only be created via secondary evolution. Even though Karasu can only be created by evolving a Koppa, Karasu can be encountered in normal battles and persuaded to join. Therefore, it isn't necessary to begin with a Koppa to ultimately obtain a Kurama, but some of Koppa's skills will be missed if that step is skipped.

Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE

Kurama Tengu can only be acquired through fusion, though variations appear in Shibuya's Celu Tower gold level instance. In the Mount Kurama instance accessed through Nakano, he is a central NPC and final boss for all levels. By gathering cords from the endchest, players are able to fuse a more powerful Kurama Tengu that learns a unique almighty spin move.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

"A type of tengu said to have lived in Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. The most powerful and well-known of the tengu, they have the power to fend off disease and bring good fortune."

—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium

Kurama Tengu regularly appear through Enemy Search in Sector Delphinus. However, his fusion requirements can be unlocked relatively early in the game, being a special fusion between Koppa Tengu and Karasu Tengu.

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Kurama Tengu can be obtained through special fusion, by fusing a Koppa Tengu with a Karasu Tengu. He can teach Flynn the Mazanma, Mahama, Blood Ritual and Zandyne skills through his Demon Whisper.

Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse

Kurama Tengu can be found within the Tennozu Shelter. He can teach the Mazanma, Mahama, Trafuri and Zandyne skills through his Demon Whisper. Kurama Tengu benefits from learning Force and Light skills.

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army

"Tengu said to have lived in Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. The most powerful and well-known Tengu, they have the power to fend off disease and bring good luck."

—Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army devil chart

Kurama begin appearing as a random encounter in Sakuradayama and can also be found in Dark Sakuradayama and Waden One.

Persona 5

"A type of tengu said to have lived on Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. The most powerful and well-known of the tengu, they have the power to fend off disease and bring good fortune."

—Persona 5 background

Kurama Tengu is the ninth Persona of the Hermit Arcana and can be found as a Shadow in Shido's Palace and the Sheriruth area of Mementos, with the title "Monk of the Valley." He is one of six Personas to learn Masukunda and one of four to learn Growth 3. When itemized using Electric Chair execution in the Velvet Room, Kurama Tengu yields a Garudyne skill card.

Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2

"A type of tengu said to have lived in Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. As the most powerful and well-known of the tengu, they have the power to fend off disease and bring good fortune. Also rumored to be the incarnation of Bishamonten."

—Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2 compendium

Stats

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Race Level HP MP Strength 13 Magic 17 Vitality 13 Agility 17 Luck 8 Genma 38 306 165 Reflects Absorbs Void Resists Weak - Force Expel - - Obtainable Evolution only Special conversation to Koppa and Karasu Evolved from Yoma Karasu List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Violet Flash 10 MP Medium expel damage to one foe. 39 Force Boost Passive Multiplies equipper's force damage dealt by 1.5. 40 Fog Breath 30 MP Decreases agility by 2 levels, all foes. 41 Wind Cutter 13 MP Mega force damage to one foe. 42 Starlight 30 MP Medium expel damage to all foes. 43

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

Race Alignment Level HP MP Strength 25 Magic 26 Vitality 27 Agility 31 Luck 25 Genma Light-Neutral 38 342 184 Attack Type Single Foe/1/Physical/None - Null - - - Reflect Null - - Poison Paralyze Stone Strain Sleep Charm Mute Fear Bomb Rage - - - - - - - - - - Natural Skills Magarula Mahama Wind Boost D-Source Skills Void Wind Life Bonus Mana Bonus Item Drops Genma Conch Tetraja Stone Magaru Stone Password 4A-9B7Q#aR7YhwTY jQysjg-#pw#4hgze

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Race Level HP MP Strength 50 Dexterity 46 Magic 46 Agility 60 Luck 50 Genma 44 378 170 Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Force Light Dark - - - - - Repel - - Ailment Resistance None Normal Attack Phys x1, 1 enemy Special fusion Yoma Karasu Tengu (24) + Yoma Koppa Tengu (18) List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Mazanma 20 MP Medium force damage to all foes. Innate Mahama 18 MP 30% instantly kills all foes. Light-type. Innate Blood Ritual 25 MP Buffs user's attack, defense and agility by 1 level but drops remaining HP to 1. Innate Resist Dark Auto Reduces chance of dark fatal attack. 45 Zandyne 14 MP Heavy force damage to one foe. 46

Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse

Race Level HP MP Strength 41 Dexterity 42 Magic 48 Agility 63 Luck 51 Genma 43 376 213 Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Force Light Dark - Weak - - Weak Null - - Ailment Resistance Resist:Mute Normal Attack Phys x1, 1 enemy Skill Affinities Force +4 · Light +2 · Gun -4 · Electricity -5 List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Mazanma 24 MP Medium force damage to all foes. Innate Mahama 14 MP Weak light damage to all foes. Smirk +30% instant death Innate Trafuri 25 MP Guarantees escape from battle . 44 Zandyne 20 MP Heavy force damage to one foe. 45

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army

Order Level HP MP St Ma Vi Lu MAG Cost Investigation Wind 41 544 375 15 21 15 9 59 Scout, Fly Confinable Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Yes - Force - - Elec List of Skills Skill Effect Patra Target recovers from all mind-type status ailments. War Cry Raises all allies' attack until the end of the battle. Zandyne Heavy Force damage to a near target. (Straight line)

Order Level HP MP St Ma Vi Lu MAG Cost Investigation Wind 41 544 375 15 21 15 9 59 Scout, Fly Confinable Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Yes - Force - - Elec List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Zandyne 7 MP Heavy Force damage to a near target. (Straight line) Innate Patra 3 MP Target recovers from all mind-type status ailments. Innate Hurricane Combo Mega Force damage to all enemies in straight line. 42 Force Resist Passive Reduces Force damage taken by half. Cancels Weak vs. Force. 43

Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs King Abaddon

Order Level HP St Ma Vi Lu Conversation Investigation Wind 46 577 17 22 16 10 Extortion Kamikaze, Scout Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Frail - Force - - Gun Fire List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Zandyne 18 MAG Heavy Splash Force dmg. Stun: Long Innate Patra 8 MAG Cures Sleep, Panic, Charm, and Dizzy. 1 Ally 47 Mazandyne 28 MAG Heavy Force dmg to an area. Stun: Long 48 Growth Passive Obtain Exp when not summoned Max Loyalty

Persona 3

Arcana Level Strength 26 Magic 27 Endurance 29 Agility 30 Luck 18 Hermit 41 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Bad Status - - Wind Dark Electricity List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Tentarafoo 10 SP Makes all foes Panic. (25% chance) Innate Masukunda 12 SP Decreases all foes' Hit/Evasion rate. Innate Growth 1 Passive Persona gains 1/4 EXP while inactive. Innate Growth 2 Passive Persona gains 1/2 EXP while inactive. 43 Cruel Attack 10% HP Deals medium Pierce damage to one foe. (1.5x to Downed foes) 45 Resist Elec Passive Reduces damage from Elec attacks. 47

Arcana Level Strength 27 Magic 29 Endurance 30 Agility 35 Luck 18 Hermit 44 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Bad Status - - Wind Dark Electricity Skill Card Cruel Attack (Level 49) List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Tentarafoo 10 SP Makes all foes Panic. (25% chance) Innate Masukunda 12 SP Decreases all foes' Hit/Evasion rate. Innate Growth 1 Passive Persona gains 1/4 EXP while inactive. Innate Growth 2 Passive Persona gains 1/2 EXP while inactive. 46 Cruel Attack 10% HP Deals medium Pierce damage to one foe. (1.5x to Downed foes) 48 Resist Elec Passive Reduces damage from Elec attacks. 50

Persona 4

Arcana Level Strength 30 Magic 34 Endurance 28 Agility 38 Luck 21 Hermit 48 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Wind - Wind - Fire Electricity List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Garula 8 SP Deals medium Wind damage to 1 foe. Innate Marakunda 24 SP Decreases all foes' Defense for 3 turns. Innate Vicious Strike 18% HP Deals heavy Phys damage to all foes. Innate Growth 2 Passive Persona gains 1/2 EXP while inactive. 50 Wind Boost Passive Strengthens Wind attacks by 25%. 51 Red Wall 18 SP Add Fire resistance to 1 ally (for 3 turns). 52 Resist Elec Passive Reduces damage from Elec attacks. 53

Arcana Level Strength 30 Magic 34 Endurance 28 Agility 38 Luck 21 Hermit 48 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Wind - Wind - Fire Electricity List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Garula 8 SP Deals medium Wind damage to 1 foe. Innate Masukunda 24 SP Decreases all foes' Hit/Evasion rate for 3 turns. Innate Vicious Strike 18% HP Deals heavy Phys damage to all foes. Innate Growth 2 Passive Persona gains 1/2 EXP while inactive. 50 Wind Boost Passive Strengthens Wind attacks by 25%. 51 Red Wall 18 SP Add Fire resistance to 1 ally (for 3 turns). 52 Resist Elec Passive Reduces damage from Elec attacks. 53

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

Arcana Level HP + SP + Inherit Extract Fragment Hermit 40 130 28 - Magarula - List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Tengu's Vigil Passive [Navi] Reveal shortcuts within 5 squares. Innate Garula 28 SP A medium Wind attack. (1 enemy) Innate Vorpal Blade 94 HP A heavy Cut attack. (1 enemy) 41 Magarula 36 SP A medium Wind attack. (All enemies) 42 Absorb Wind Passive Absorb damage from Wind attacks. 43 Wind Amp Passive Raise Wind attack strength. 44

Persona 5 / Royal

Arcana Level HP SP Type Strength 65 Magic 90 Endurance 20 Agility 46 Luck 38 Hermit 56 560 468 Irritable Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Wind Psy Nuke Bless Curse Almi - - - Weak - Repel - - Strong Strong 20 EXP Yen Material Drop Skill Card 424 969 Aluminum Sheet Brain Buster List of Skills Skill Effect Garudyne Heavy Wind damage to 1 foe. Technical dmg: Burn. Masukunda Debuff agility of all foes for 3 turns. Brain Buster Heavy Physical damage to all foes. Low chance of Brainwash.

"I am Kurama Tengu. It looks like I'm your mask now, so I guess I get to train you as much as I want." Arcana Level Strength 34 Magic 38 Endurance 34 Agility 42 Luck 27 Hermit 56 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Wind Wind - - Bless, Curse Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Heat Wave 20% HP Heavy Physical damage to all foes. Innate Brain Buster 21% HP Heavy Physical damage to all foes. Low chance of Brainwash. Innate Masukunda 24 SP Debuff agility of all foes for 3 turns. Innate Garudyne 10 SP Heavy Wind damage to 1 foe. Technical dmg: Burn. 57 Growth 3 Auto Persona gains full EXP while inactive. 58 Magarudyne 20 SP Heavy Wind damage to all foes. Technical dmg: Burn. 60

Arcana Level HP SP Type Strength -- Magic -- Endurance -- Agility -- Luck -- Hermit 16 516 226 Irritable Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Wind Psy Nuke Bless Curse Almi - - - - - Null - - - - 20 EXP Yen Material Drop Skill Card - - - -

"I am Kurama Tengu. It looks like I'm your mask now, so I guess I get to train you as much as I want." Arcana Level Strength 20 Magic 19 Endurance 21 Agility 24 Luck 16 Hermit 31 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Wind Wind - Ice Bless, Curse - Persona Trait Skillful Combo: Increase Attack after Baton Pass. Only valid for single-target attacks. List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Double Shot 12% HP Light Gun damage to 1 foe 2x. Innate Masukunda 24 SP Decrease Agility of all foes for 3 turns. Innate Magarula 14 SP Medium Wind damage to all foes. Innate Wind Boost Passive Strengthen Wind attacks by 25%. 32 Brain Jack 8 SP Inflict Brainwash (med odds) to all foes. 34 Growth 2 Passive Persona gains 50% EXP while inactive. 36

Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth

Arcana Level HP + SP + Type Extract Hermit 42 69 22 Nav Magic Mallet List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Magic Mallet Passive Greatly raise chance of rare items at Treasure Spots. Innate Tengu's Vigil Passive Display wide range of hidden passages on map. Innate Eternal Melody 3 Gauges Extend buffs by 3 additional turns. (Party) 43 Orb of Power 2 Gauges Raise attack for 3 turns. (Party) 44

Persona 5 Strikers

Arcana Level Strength 32 Magic 35 Endurance 32 Agility 39 Luck 25 Hermit 52 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Wind - - Wind Bless, Curse Gun, Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Heat Wave 20% HP Heavy Physical damage to a wide range. Innate Garudyne 10 SP Heavy Wind damage to a narrow range. Technical dmg: Burn. Innate Nocturnal Flash 12 SP Medium chance of inflicting Dizzy to a wide range. Innate Wind Boost Auto Strengthen Wind attacks by 25%. 54 Marakunda 24 SP Debuff defense of a wide range for a certain period of time. 56

Gallery

Kurama as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Kurama Tengu in Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army

Kurama Tengu in Persona 5 Royal

Kurama Tengu in Persona O.A.

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Trivia

• According to Kazuma Kaneko's Work III, Kurama Tengu's design was influenced by the namesake media franchise Kurama Tengu by Jiro Osaragi (大佛 次郎) with its original novel premiered in 1924, in particular the 1928 movie adaptation starring Kanjuro Arashi (嵐 寛寿郎). The protagonist who is a loyalist-activist assumes the "Kurama Tengu" persona to carry out his vigilante missions. This explains why Kaneko's Kurama Tengu lacks the symbolic elongated nose as the famous statue erected in Mount Kurama, Kyoto.
• Although Kurama Tengu's design has several elements of a yamabushi (山伏, "mountain hermit") which is said to be the basis of the mythical Tengu, his tokin (頭襟), a small cylindrical box with a slight pointy top, worn on the forehead resembles the Jewish tefillin much more for its cubic shape. This deviation is believed to be an intent to infuse the Japanese-Jewish common ancestry theory, despite lacking official clarification.
• In the debug mode of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, there are two leftover beta cutscenes featuring the Demi-fiend, Chikatilo (ティカティロ^?) and Izuna (イヅナ^?) with the latter two using the models of Incubus and Kurama Tengu respectively. Izuna's mannerism is reminiscent of the Chaos Hero for his ruthlessness. On a side note, Izuna using a Tengu model is probably based on Izuna Gongen (飯縄権現), a Japanese folk god of amalgamation who takes the form of a Karasu Tengu while riding on a white kitsune/fox.
• Kurama Tengu's 3D model differ between Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal with the latter incarnation features fewer facial details, resulting a younger looking Kurama Tengu.

See Also

• Tengu
• Koppa Tengu
• Karasu Tengu