More lore.

.
.
After foam brought up another Trickster, and looking that over, I decided to see what else might be out there.  To be sure, it seems every culture seems to have some form of the Trickster.  Some are good, some bad.  Most are a mix between the two, having to struggle with various aspects of their needs and wants, people, and the vagaries of life.  Some of them match well with tales I have written.  Others more vaguely, or in only a few ways, follow the line.

The Japanese version, based on the fox, was quite interesting.  I even found a minor video.  I don't know that the video... well...  I found it interesting.  I am not sure it is easily informative.  You will have to read along.  Much of it can be found in this article, though.  The difference is, in the video they suggest a fox spirit gets a new tail every thousand years, while the article suggests a new tail is added per hundred years.  I tell you, the things you... see... when you look.  No wonder so many choose blinders.

By the way.  You don't create illusions.  You find out what someone wishes to see, then you merely... encourage them to see as they wish.  No magic involved.  Trickery is required to have someone see what isn't there, or not see what is, against their better judgement.  But, again, not magic.  And, yes, monks, priests, and other holy men are... immune, to a degree.  Academics can be, it depends on if they are herd following academics or independent, and their skills... whether based on the real or the perceived.  Social scientists are pushovers.  Actually, so are psychologists.  Any who don't believe there is a right or wrong way, a certain way, are subject to... visions.

As to the dream thing...  That is true.  But I don't think that is well understood, by any.  Certainly not by Tricksters.  I've done that myself, and had it done to me.  No clue how or always why... well... the why part, for my part, I knew.  I ought to play with that some more.  Yes, that's a heads up.  Oh, you.  Next thing I know and you'll be looking for tails!  Just enjoy the story.  As I've mentioned, I would love a tail.  If nine might be a bit much.

While I was at it, I found links for the Chinese version of the Trickster, and that  Māori version.  Monkey is the Chinese form, and a human seeming being, named Māui is the Māori form of the creature.  I have little else to do, while waking, than to explore and perhaps add to my own tales.  Supplementing, obfuscating, changing, bolstering, and just making a mess of things.  Not that I like to do that, mind you.  I simply have no choice.  *grins*

Well... on to a shower.  And perhaps a phone call.  Enjoy as you will.  I know I will.  Later.