Chi

In Kindred of the East, Chi is the stuff of life itself, the vital energy that drives the universe. Kuei-jin process chi internally, absorbing it from various energies of life (blood, breath, their surroundings) in order to animate their bodies. Chi is also pulses through the world along ley lines, coalescing at dragon nests.

Kuei-jin maintain three kinds of chi. Yin chi and Yang chi are the passive and active energies of creation. Yin chi is cold, dark, wet, dead, feminine, passive - it is the energy of the corpse - Kuei-jin who use yin chi are able to operate for longer periods without burning energy, but they adopt a corpselike mien. Yang chi is hot, bright, dry, alive, masculine, active - by burning yang chi, Kuei-jin are able to masquerade as living creatures, but burn the energy quickly.

Absorbing too much chi for too long results in chi imbalance, where the vampire is subject to permanent changes. Vampires with an excess of yin become more corpselike, adopting the frightening appearance of a ch'ing shih. Vampires with too much yang become too lively - a host for diseases and possibly also children.

In addition to yin and yang chi, Kuei-jin also have access to Demon Chi, energy provided by their P'o. Demon chi allows potent physical activity, but also risks causing shadow soul if used too much.

When Kuei-jin use disciplines, they are often required to spend chi of a certain type. This is the major use of chi, apart from animating a corpse.