Realm of Garo
The fictional world of the Japanese tokusatsu series Garo features the conflict between Horrors, demons who manifest themselves through the darkness in humans, and the Makai, an ancient order dedicated to protecting normal humans from the Horrors. The primary fighting force of the Makai order is called the Makai Knights, who are dispatched mainly to exterminate Horrors and most of the time, each knight is assigned a district to watch over. There is also the Makai Priests, whose jobs are primarily to support the knights, mainly as their armorers or as their sidekicks, as well as operating on their own. In addition, there are various magical areas within the world which display supernatural qualities or are home to otherworldly beings.
People
In the fight against Horrors, two groups are formed in the Makai Order: The armored warriors called Makai Knights and the magic users called Makai Priests. Though both groups are forbidden from killing humans, even if they are the ones behind Horror incidents, Makai Knights and Priests are allowed to execute only those in their order who have turned dangerous rogues whose actions threaten all and those who have been infected with Horror blood as a form of mercy killing. Regardless of formality and familiarity, members of the order address each one by given names instead of family names.
Makai Knights
The Makai Knights (魔戒騎士 Makai Kishi) are the primary elite fighting force of the Makai and formed for one specific purpose only - to hunt down Horrors. As mentioned in the Madō Book of Origins, the seeds that Zedom would have used to create Madō Horrors are utilized by Makai Priests to create plants that produces Soul Metal. From mastering Soul Metal and forging it into wolf-themed suits of armor, the Makai Knights came into being. Like Makai Priests, Makai Knighthood is also known to be a family affair, with the Seajima and Yamagatana lines among the revered, and are documented in Makai books for information purposes. But while title of a Makai Knight is passed down the generations, it can be inherited through the bond of master and apprentice. According to Kengi, one of Kouga's old mentors, only men are allowed to become Makai Knights for reasons yet to be explained. Regardless, raised to control their emotions and their yin and yang balance, Makai Knights are trained to use blades in combat with only a few using magic in their fighting styles.
Due to rigorous daily training since young as well as perhaps using some magical means as well, Makai Knights are stronger, faster and tougher than average humans and are capable of seemingly superhuman feats, often seen fighting for prolong periods without tiring and brushing off otherwise severely crippling injuries. Suzumura Rei is noted for his immunity to poisons, although it is not known if it is his unique physiological trait, or a common trait shared by all Makai Knights.
Up until around the time of Yami o Terasu Mono, many Makai Knights carry Madōgu as personal advisers and Horror detectors. All Makai Knights wear magical dusters as part of their everyday attire, as a way to identify themselves to the Makai community, augment their physical abilities, and for storing objects, primarily their weapons. There is no uniformed rule regarding colors and looks of these coats, as such, they vary greatly in design, with some ornately designed while others look plain. Depending on the magical properties of the coats, they can also sport other functions like changing sizes and looks, as in the case of Takeru Jakuzure where his duster can transform into a biker jacket. Makai Knights can summon mystical armored horses, possess lighters that emit Madō Fire to help detect Horrors, and can use Madō flames to encompass their bodies and weapons to increase damage. Using the Madō Brush, they can perform a powerful technique called the Shooting Star of Light Arrow (光矢流星 Kōshi Ryūsei).
The armor of a Makai Knight can change appearance in some cases for unexplained reasons, as it did when the Garo armor was passed down from Taiga Saezima to his son, Kouga, and then Ryuga Dougai from the Golden Knight who came before him. A common rule is that no Makai Knight can wear his armor for more than 99.9 seconds as it would consume them or turn into Lost Soul Beasts (心滅獣身 Shinmetsu Jūshin) if influenced by their inner darkness. But the time limit is also circumvented whenever a Makai Knight is fighting in the home realm of a Horror, or any area with a particularly strong magical presence. Furthermore as seen in Garo: Makai Senki, experienced Knights like Kouga and Rei found a means to extend their armors' time limit. The armor can be enhanced by infusions of spiritual energy, evidenced by the different forms Garo takes during the series. For reasons yet to be explained, a Makai Knight's armor can be tarnished and blackened. The armor has the mystical effect of protecting the wearer from a wide varieties of otherwise fatal or crippling injuries even when breached, maintaining the integrity of the body parts and organs protected when the armor is lifted, but not preventing the knight from suffering the pain and other debilitating effects resulting from the injuries.
For reasons unknown, the man who takes the title of Garo is regarded to be the strongest Knight, widely known throughout the Makai community. This is not a formal ranking in itself and no preferential treatment is given to the said Knight, as evident with Kouga in Garo: Makai Senki who was in service for years before being promoted to be a Knight serving under the Senate. Regardless, the title nonetheless commands respect and even awe among the Knights, so much so that the symbol of Garo itself, a golden circle containing a red triangle is instantly recognized by any Knight. Even various Horrors, who are either ancient or notorious enough to be documented, also show knowledge of the Golden Knight's existence as well.
Makai Priests
Prior to the emergence of Makai Knights, the Makai Priests (魔戒法師 Makai Hōshi) and Priestesses were the first to battle the Horrors before the aftermath of Zedom's sealing, which catalyzed the formation of the combat specialist task force. Despite their prestige, the ineffectiveness of Makai Priests in dealing with Horrors in straight-up fights made them more suited to dealing with weaker Horrors while Makai Knights replaced them as Horror combat specialist task force, with only a few able to use Soul Armor. As a result, the Makai Priests become more of a Makai Knight's support, creating and maintaining anti-Horror devices, the Madōgu, and various other weapons. The Makai Priests possess a vast knowledge of spells, purification and sealing techniques to aid Makai Knights along with a varying degree of martial capabilities. All Makai Priests wield at least one Madō Brush as a means of channeling magical energies. Unlike the Knights who are combat specialists, areas of study as well as capabilities of Makai Priests seem to vary by great degrees, with some working on the front-lines often to support Makai Knights, sporting advanced martial capabilities and adept use of combat magic; while some others work almost exclusively behind the scenes, specializing in magics that are more delicate and time-consuming. As such, unlike Makai Knights, they do not answer to specific authorities, and their duties and roles are very much self-defined. In the absence of Makai Knights in an area, a Makai Priest can serve as that area's protector and opt to temporarily take the Knight's place in hunting Horrors. While their magics and the items they craft are often meant for locating, analyzing and combating Horrors, their expertise in magic do not necessarily always relate to the supernatural, as shown in Garo: Yami o Terasu Mono where Rian easily hacks into the classified SG-1 database with little more than a cauldron of water and her brush, and later disguising herself completely as Enhou.
Makai Guides
The Makai Guides (魔戒導師 Makai Dōshi) are trained fortune tellers, capable of sensing the fate and outcome of things through the use of tarot cards, little else is known about them other than that. Though they can predict the outcome of certain events, they weren't valued in the Makai Order, presumably for their limited abilities as well as limited need for such abilities, and they had nearly become extinct. Elda was the only known Makai Guide of her time.
Watchdogs
Priests of the Watchdogs (番犬所 Bankenjo) are the middle-persons behind the works of the war between Makai and Horror. It is they who usually detect Horror activities and inform the Makai Knight of their missions. The Makai Knights are usually informed by a letter called "Orders Document" that's mailed to them. Watchdogs have no real control over Makai Knights, but they have been involved in directing the actions of the Makai for centuries and thus, have certain extent of powers over the Knights nonetheless. They help purify the Knights' weapons, refuel their Madō Fire Lighters, and send the spirits of the defeated Horrors (in the form of small daggers) back to their realm. Whenever they collect up to a dozen blades they will send the blades back into the demon realm. The story suggests there are many watchdogs existing and directing the Makai's will in different districts around Japan, and one was originally human. That very human splintered her form and addressed Garo as three cherubim-like girls who, though having the appearance of young teenagers, are technically centuries old.
Senate
The Senate (元老院 Genrōin) is the upper organization of Watchdogs, where only exceptional Knights and Priests serve directly under it. How the organization is different from the regular Watchdogs in any sense remains to be seen.
Items
Madōgu
Makai Knights carry a piece of sentient gothic jewelry called Madōgu (魔導具 Madōgu) that aid them as both an advisor and trainer in addition to detecting Horrors. One noted model is the Madō Ring (魔導輪 Madōrin), but Madōgu come in other shapes such as pendants, bracelets, and small handheld mirrors. Each Madōgu has its own unique capabilities, personality, and powers. Madōgu are given life and sustained by a special purifying water, which stagnates over time and causes the Madōgu to rust and come down with a burning fever before its supply is renewed. Forming contracts with Makai Knights, a Madōgu takes one day of life from its knight which gives it an additional month of life. Based on Zaruba's capabilities, the Madōgu may empower certain techniques when a Knight is in their armored form, and possess other abilities like dispelling Horror influence.
By the time of Garo: Yami o Terasu Mono, Madōgu are no longer common among the knights and are more or less treated as relics from a bygone era, as noted by Takeru who quips about Zaruba's status and expressing curiosity as he had never seen one personally before.
Madō Fire
Madō Fire (魔導火 Madōbi) is a multipurpose spiritual fire that's commonly used by the Makai to detect (eyes of Inga Horrors-in-disguise will show runes around the pupils) and destroy Horrors, enhance offensive capacity, and heal injuries. This unique fire is contained in a specially made lighter by Makai Priests, though the Priests themselves can generate the fire by various means without using one. The origin of Madō Fire was never explained. Madō Fire varies in color, though is usually seen as a vivid green or blue-white.
Madō Lighter
The Madō Lighter is a gothic themed Madō Fire lighter that resembles a demonic eye. All Madō Lighters have a special piece of gemstone that can be revealed by removing the outer casing of the lighter. The lighter requires maintenance by the Makai Priests from time-to-time or it can stall (as seen with Amon working on Kouga's lighter). The Madō Lighter also requires occasional "refueling". Madō Fire is blasted into the gemstone piece for refueling by the Watchdogs' wolf statue. The Madō Lighter is often seen used to heal, open "Orders Documents" (see below), detect Horrors, and activate the Blazing Armament technique. By the time of Garo: Yami o Terasu Mono, these lighters can be made small enough to be worn as rings.
Madō Horses
The horse-like Madō Horses (魔導馬 Madōba) are one of Makai Beasts (魔戒獣 Makaijū) familiars that those of the Makai community use in combat. Madō Horses have the ability to enter and travel through other realms and can leave the battlefield if the Makai Knights so choose. Makai Knights can only ride Madō Horses in their armored form. Only those who slay over one hundred Horrors can qualify for a special trial to gain a steed. After passing the trial, they can summon Madō Horses at will. Madō Horses have the ability to enhance their rider's combat abilities. Madō Horses are not bound to their owner exclusively and can be lent to others, such in the case of Jabi when she summons Gōten to fight against Sigma.
Only four Madō Horses have appeared in the series so far, Gōten (轟天), which is Garo's Madō Horse, Ginga (銀牙), which is Zero's Madō Horse, Hayate (疾風), which is Dan's Madō Horse, and Raigō (雷剛), which is Kiba's Madō Horse. Gōten has shown that he can increase Garo's battle potential by transforming the Garoken into the Garo Zanbaken and in two occasions, even doubling the size of the already massive cleaver. However his sword can only transform with the help of Gōten. If Garo is not riding on Gōten and needs help, Gōten would stomp the earth to send a magical shockwave to transform the Garoken. Raigou can transform the Kokuenken into the Enma Zankouken.
Time for Reverter
The Time for Reverter (リバートラの刻 Ribātora no Toki) is a healing potion used treat minor injuries such as cuts. The potion is ingested by the injured party, who then applies Madō Fire to the wound, which heals it completely.
Evil-Crushing Dagger
The Evil-Crushing Dagger (破邪の剣 Haja no Ken) is a kunai-like assassination weapon used for killing targets at a distance. Many Makai Knights had fallen to this weapon before. Rei was using this weapon to vent out his anger towards Kouga under suspicion of killing his family.
Orders Document
The Watchdogs always mail letters to dispatch the Makai Knights. The Orders Document (指令書 Shireisho) itself is sealed in a traditional letter and branded with a wax seal. The Madō Lighter is used to burn the document and the contents magically revealing orders and/or invitations written in Makai Script. The majority of the documents are usually about the appearance of a Horror or invitation to speak with the Watchdogs.
Madō Timer
The Madō Timer (魔導刻 Madōkoku) is a sandglass.
Soul Metal
A product derived from a plant grown from the seeds of Zedom as part of a Makai Priest ritual, the resilient Soul Metal (ソウルメタル Sōru Metaru) is used to develop various suits of Makai Knight armor and weapons to combat Horrors. Soul Metal has magical properties and responds to the wielder's strength and thoughts: Those strong of body and mind are effectively able to lift anything made out of Soul Metal of visible sizes, and can use weapons made out of them to cut through rocks with ease. Users like Taiga Saezima even displayed the ability to make Soul Metal light as a feather or heavy as a meteorite. Direct contact by those untrained in Soul Metal usage will lead to injury as the metal can burn human flesh with Makai Knights trained to withstand use for minutes. Because of their connection to the Madō Horrors, Soul Metal-based weapons require purification after being used to slay a Horror. When a Makai Knight falls into darkness, like in Barago's case, the Knight's Soul Metal turns into Death Metal (デスメタル Desu Metaru).
Horror Blades
Tiny blades created after the purification of a Soul Metal weapon after slaying a horror. These daggers have many different shapes. Kouga is often seen putting his sword into the mouth of a wolf statue that purifies the dark energies of recently defeated Horrors, converting their dark essences into small blades. However, in its natural form or in a altered state, a person who thrusts a blade into his/her body can defile the purification and Horror's free essence to reconstitute itself within a new host body.
Madō Brush
The Madō Brush (魔導筆 Madōhitsu) is a calligraphy brush which the Makai Priests use for various purposes, mainly as a focus for channeling magical energies into whatever the wielder is working on. The hairs of the brushes are made from pelts of Spirit Beasts, giving them the unusual magic-channeling qualities. Like many magical artifacts, their powers can weaken over time. Although many brushes are of the standard size of a traditional calligraphy brush with ornate decorations, there are nonetheless some odd ones. For example, Rekka's doubles as a flute or a dagger, Akaza's is oversized, wielded much like a large staff, and Ratess wields a two-pronged brush. Though usually seen to use and carry only one brush, Makai Priests can also have several brushes in their possession, such as in the case of Reo having several brushes stored in his suitcase.
Madō Bagua Tag
The Madō Bagua Tag (魔導八卦札 Madō Hakkefuda) is a tag which contains the power of Madō letters used by the Makai Priests. Eight different varieties of tag are used by the Priests. It is also referred to as World Charm (界符 Kaifu).
Sounding Plate
The Sounding Plate (鳴札 Narifuda) is the Makai Priests' Madō Fire generator. To use it, the Priest blows on a small spinning plate, which sends out a small orb of Madō Fire, which can be used to track Horrors or complete spells.
Magic Clothing
The Magic Clothing (魔法衣 Mahōi) are special attire worn by Makai practitioners. To Makai Knights, the term refers specifically to their dusters, while to Makai Priests, their Magic Clothing, often of dark-colored leather, to identify themselves to other Makai, but they can wear clothing of their own liking.
Barchess
Barchess (バルチャス Baruchasu) is a game similar to regular chess, but played with Makai magical skills. The pieces represent a type of warrior in the form of a colored block decorated with a black ink illustration of a warrior. When the pieces encounter each other, the player puts the uncolored sides together and put the pieces on their sides. The players then charge energy to the pieces, and the ink-illustrated pieces come to "life" and fight. The pieces respond to players' reactions and if the piece is slain, the defeated pieces fly off the board and disintegrate. An old Makai tradition has a Makai Knight give a Barchess piece to a good friend going on a dangerous journey for luck.
Phosphorus Arrow
The Phosphorus Arrow (鷹麟の矢 Ōrin no Ya) is an arrow guarded by the Makai of Kantai and was made from the feathers of the Phosphorus Bird (鷹麟鳥 Ōrinchō). During the solar eclipse, the arrow must be shot into the barrier sepraating the world of the Horrors and the world of humans to prevent darkness entering the human world. However, if it draws blood during that event, it would revive the demonic Legules tribe. The Arrow possesses power to enhance and strengthen a Makai Knight's armor as seen with Garo's armor when he fought Legules. That feature, however, was never mentioned by the Makai Priests.
Demon Compass
The Demon Compass (魔針盤 Mashinban) searches for the Horrors, able to project a three-dimensional map of an area.
Demon Sword of Rubis
The Demon Sword of Rubis (ルビスの魔剣 Rubisu no Maken) is a device designed specifically for Makai to safely enter the mirror the Horror Karma is housed in. When thrown at the mirror, the Demon Sword, initially just a bell-shaped hilt, splits open and produces a small blade, which impales the mirror and creates a temporary portal into Karma's realm.
Gōryū
Gōryū (号竜) are semi-sentient artificial Makai Beasts, usually folded in suitcases when not needed, invented by Reo to aid Makai Priests. A Makai Priest can control one using his or her brush and it is capable of spitting Madō Fire. Although they are not very powerful creatures and could not do much on their own, they nonetheless give Makai Priests significant leverage in the fight against lesser Horrors. While introduced in Garo: Red Requiem, the Gōryū become more numerous in the events of Garo: Makai Senki as Reo owns a unique upgraded version named Colt (コルト Koruto) and Ratess pilots a floating sphere-like Gōryū. Reo's brother Sigma conceived functioning Gōryū designs on his own with his humanoid Gōryūjin (号竜人 Gōryūjin), bird-like Tekki (鉄機), and two-faced Rigl (リグル Riguru) models. Sigma also conceived the ultimate Gōryū Magōryū Idea (魔号竜イデア) as the weapon instantly destroy Horrors and their gates, though it requires human lives as fuel and was taken over by Gyanon before the machine is destroyed.
Madō Train
The Madō Train (魔導列車 Madō Ressha) is a train that can go to the True Demon World.
Ragō
Ragō (羅号) is a Makai Beast that serves as Burai's familiar, able to pursue a target and devour Horrors. Ragō was also used as a sparring partner for Ryuga during his training to become a Makai Knight, momentarily killed by the youth as part of his final test. Prior to his death, Burai entrusts Ragō's care to Rian.
Madō Horror Detector
The Madō Horror Detector (魔導ホラー探知器 Madō Horā Tanchiki) is a music box-like device developed by Burai using the tongue of the Madō Horror Rivera as its core. Due to the ineffectiveness of conventional Horror detection method, the group was originally reduced to rely solely on investigative deduction to locate Madō Horrors. The Madō Horror Detector's creation enables the Makai Knights stationed in Vol City to easily find and kill most of the remaining Madō Horrors within days. The detector functions like a music box, emits a chime that reveals the identities of any Madō Horrors within earshot much like the Madō Flame does with Inga Horrors. Due to the use of Rivera's tongue for development, the initial disadvantage to the device was that Rivera was able to use it as a means to locate the Makai Knights' base.
Rituals
Forced Repatriation
Even after being defeated by a Makai Knight, a Horror does not truly die. Instead, a Horror's essence is sealed within the Soul Metal sword used to slay it and thus, the blade must be purified before it is used on another Horror. After the purification, the Horror's essence is reduced to a dagger and even in this state, a Horror may return to life, usually by the dagger being used to stab a human if it falls into the wrong hands. In order to prevent such an event, whenever twelve daggers are collected, the Watchdogs perform a ritual to open the gateway to Demon World to dispose of the daggers. This process is called forced repatriation. This technique is not limited to the Watchdogs however, Makai Priests are capable of performing such a ritual called the Moonlight Circle (月光陣 Gekkōjin), which opens the gate to Demon World, without the aid of the Watchdogs as done by Makai Priestess Jabi.
Soul Restoration
When a human soul has been taken, it can be restored. When the soul is safely contained, it has to be ingested by the person saving the soul-less body. After ingestion, mystical words are spoken and followed by "kissing" to restore the soul. After soul-separation and restoration, the human body is weakened and suffers fatigue as a side-effect.
Demon Suppression Ceremony
Demon Suppression Ceremony (天魔降伏の儀 Tenma Kōfuku no Gi): Whenever a solar eclipse appears, the very dimensional barrier that separates the human realm and the nether realm becomes a gateway. When that happens, countless Horrors would unleash themselves onto humanity. The last time this event occurred unchecked, the demon family Legules was resurrected. Many Makai Knights and Priests died keeping the horde at bay that day.
To prevent future horrific events, the Makai order prepared for solar eclipses by performing a sacred ceremony in Kantai to put demons into submission. The Phosphorus Arrow is shot into the barrier during the solar eclipse to prevent darkness from spreading, by sealing the gateway itself. Because of the potential danger that may occur in the ceremony, additional Makai Priests and Knights from various districts are summoned as backup forces to ensure things don't go awry.
Seal of Destruction
The Seal of Destruction (破滅の刻印 Hametsu no Kokuin) is an ornate tattoo that is magically imprinted on a person's chest and slowly drains their life away. The process is hastened every time an afflicted Makai Knight dons his armor, causing him intense pain and weakness, eventually killing him. Sigma Fudō uses the seal to systematically eliminate Makai Knights so Makai Priests can be rid of the role as the Knight's support once and for all, taking what he perceives to be their rightful place as defenders of mankind from Horrors. He planned to activate the seal at the night of the Awakening Moon (解我生来の月 Kaiga Shōrai no Tsuki), an event said to be a time where unlimited power will be bestowed upon anyone who wields Madō powers. It was eventually stopped by Kouga by cutting off Sigma's left forearm, and the seal was lifted from all the Makai Knights's bodies.
Peacefulness Ceremony
The Peacefulness Ceremony (安穏の儀 An'non no Gi) can convey one's feelings to someone the one cares about.
Phoenix Flame Spell
The Phoenix Flame Spell (フェニックス炎の呪文 Fenikkusu-En no Jumon) is one of the most powerful spells a Makai Priest can use, and also the most difficult to master with the slightest mistake potentially having a fatal consequence. The spell's process involves ten Madō Pencils (smaller versions of a Madō Brush) that the priest launches with an array of melee punches and kicks to throw nine into the sky in a circular pattern and add the final Madō Pencil in the middle to create a phoenix that would home onto the targeted opponent and incinerate upon impact. During the events of Garo Gaiden: Tougen no Fue, Rekka was attempting to master the technique with Jabi and her Madō Pencils. It was only while fighting the revived Higari that Rekka mastered the Phoenix Flame Spell and uses it to obliterate the monster.
Location
Saezima Estate
The property is well over one hundred years old, since three generations have lived in this house. Saezima Estate (冴島邸 Saejima-tei)'s actual location is not mentioned, but known to be in a country area close to the city and up in a hill or mountain. The mansion is destroyed in the final episode of Makai Senki, during Sigma Fudō's attempt to enact revenge on Kouga for thwarting his plans.
Crimson Forest
The Crimson Forest (紅蓮の森 Guren no Mori) is a spiritual realm in the form of a forest, a plane of existence between life and death. This realm is guarded by the Makai and it contains numerous Horrors ready to devour weak spirits, or those who end up there on the 100th day of being exposed to Horror blood via out-of-body experience and have lost the will to live. The Grou Dragon exists in the realm as a custodian, slaying any Horror in its path. Though Makai Knights are unable summon their armor while inside the forest, their Makai weapons take on the form they assume when armored. Kouga was able to use the Sword of Garo inside the forest to fend off Horrors before facing the Grou Dragon in order to win the Varakas Fruit (ヴァランカスの実 Varakasu no Mi) to purify Kaoru. There is the Amber Rock Valley (珀岩の谷 Hakugan no Tani) in the forest.
Kantai
Kantai (閑岱 Kantai) is the training ground for people who study the ways of the Makai. All Makai Priests and Knights are trained here at one point or another, usually beginning their training at an early age with their parents or guardians and then sent here at an older age, to contribute to Horror suppression. This is also the place that leads up to the Makai Forest. As a place for training and for ceremonial rituals this area is filled with Makai Priests, as well as future Priests and Knights. Kantai is the entrance to various realms that blend into the forest, and is Tsubasa's/Dan the Midnight Sun Knight's district of protection.
Makai Forest
The Makai Forest (魔戒の森 Makai no Mori) is a spiritual realm in the form of a forest of monochromic trees where Makai creatures exist. This particular forest gives a sensation of quietness even though spiritual creatures of Makai live there. These creatures are not under the control of the Makai, making the forest dangerous for those caught unprepared.
Abyss Forest
The Abyss Forest (奈落の森 Naraku no Mori) is an area in Kantai that has mystical properties and no Makai Knight has ever stepped foot in until Kouga, Rei, Tsubasa, and Jabi had to go rescue Rin. The gravity in this realm is unusual. The shift and change of gravity is not gradual, but by distance. As soon as a person steps close to the proximity of Abyss Forest, their gravity will almost instantly change from 270 degrees to 180 or 0 degrees. Once past a certain point, gravity returns to normal. The possible reason why no one has returned from this forest may be its gravity that prevents people from returning, though Kouga's group was able to return with no problems after the defeat of the Legules tribe.
Jewel Forest
The Jewel Forest (宝玉の森 Hōgyoku no Mori) is a spiritual realm in the form of a forest where only the Makai Priests can enter. There is the Life-Circulating Waterfall (巡命の滝 Junmei no Taki) in the forest. When enduring water in the Madōgu stagnates, the Makai Priests purify them with enduring water of the waterfall.
Promised Land
The Promised Land (約束の地 Yakusoku no Chi) is mentioned in the finale of Garo: Makai Senki, and is where the events Garo: Soukoku no Maryu take place. It is a fantastical realm that is home to anthropomorphic representations of various items that have become lost and forgotten in the human world, with memory a vital means for such beings to exist. When an object fades into nothingness, the memory of its existence forgotten by other objects and its name lost, it becomes a shade called a Nanashi which desires an identity that only a new name can provide to regain physical form. There are various locations in the Promised Land: The Forest of Chaos (混沌の森 Konton no Mori), Temple of Wisdom (知恵の祠 Chie no Hokora) and the surrounding graveyard that the Nanashi reside in, the Land of Bliss (至福の大地 Shifuku no Daichi), and the Seas of Lamentation whose waves briefly form building structures.
Vol City
Vol City (ボルシティ Boru Shiti) is the setting for Garo: Yami o Terasu Mono. It is an independent city-state located in the middle of a vast forest, a futuristic metropolis built around a volcano that has a low cost of living with free healthcare and education, as such the city is regarded as a paradise or utopia by residents and outsiders alike. The city is noted for its bilingualism, as while Japanese is the common tongue, English is often used in official affairs. The city run by the Kaneshiro Group (金城グループ Kaneshiro Gurūpu), often called "Kaneshiro City" as well due to the Kaneshiro family being omnipresent in all forms of socioeconomic development, who use their privatized paramilitary force SG1 (Security Guardian 1) to enforce the law while concealing any criminal activity from the public. However, despite the utopian presentation, Vol City is also a hotspot for Horrors and one of the few places where Madō Horrors are active. The reason for this is that the land on which Vol City is built on was once the first Makai Priest village that have came to be known as the Hill of Zedom's Head as it long served as the burial grounds of the Horror's disembodied head. All Makai Priestesses are all taught to sing a special song some call Zedom's Requiem, a song used to open a Zedom seal enough to obtain one of the Horror's seeds as part of a ritual to develop Soul Metal. However, Tousei Kaneshiro, who worked behind the scenes to usurp control of the city and create a shadow empire, allowed the return of the Madō Horrors with Hakana used to quicken the process despite acting against him. Statues of a praying goddess, originally seen where Zedom's body parts are sealed, are erected at various sites in the city.
Unlike the usual Makai methodology of Horror hunting and slaying where the Knights and Priests do not usually concern themselves with discretion, the Makai Knight group in Vol City opts to cover their tracks whenever possible, going so far as to knock out civilians onsite and even erase memories of civilian witnesses if deemed necessary. But upon Tousei becoming the Kaneshiro Group's new leader, the Makai Knights group finds themselves portrayed as terrorists to give him and the Madō Horrors an advantage. Furthermore, Tousei's actions indirectly cause Zedom's resurrection that would lead to Vol City's destruction once the Horror breaks free from his seal. Luckily, winning the SG1 over, the Makai Knights and Rian manage to destroy Zedom before the Makai Priestess wipes out the human residents' minds of any memories concerning themselves and the Horrors. Out of the surviving group of four, only Aguri remained to protect the Makai Priest Village.
See also
| ||||||||||||||