Clan Sone

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## General History

Clan Sone is a fundamental clan that can track its lineage to the very beginnings of recorded Japanese history in the Edo period and prior, nearing the age of the Imperial Family itself. As the caretakers of the mystical kitsune and the various major shrines that form the Shinto pantheon, Sone descendants are charged with critical positions in their preservation of Shinto tradition and Japanese culture. The strength of Clan Sone is derived from their warm, personal relationship with Inari-okami, the Great Fox Spirit. Through their relationship, senior Sone members are able to commune with the different *kami* that surrounds the human world, perceiving visions as shrine priests and oracles. Through their prophecies, they can decipher the will of the *kami* and thus, reflect those actions unto the human world accordingly.

Despite their pacifistic nature, Clan Sone has long maintained its power and authority through their experience with the Shinto religion. Being associated with Inari as much as they are, they supply the Kansai region with their kitsune—the children of Inari herself. Furthermore, they supply major shrines with members of their family, ensuring that a Tengoku of Inari would always be able to interpret the will of the spirits within these sacred shrines. Their value is emphasized even more as religious advisors to the Imperial Family within the Kanto region where they serve as Jito. In addition, their "peaceful" nature is sometimes confused as absolute pacifism in the face of danger or a critical threat—for instance, many Tengoku of Inari have begun to openly carry arms into battle since the Great War, using their gifts to challenge the increasing power of Oni and the darkness which surrounds them.

As the only clan which bears the greatest religious authority in the Shinto world, Clan Sone has been able to ignore most of the historical conflict which plagued other Tengoku clans. As the other clans waxed and waned through the centuries, Sone power was consistently preserved to ensure spiritual stability and order. Since the collapse of the Shodai and the Battotai, however, Clan Sone's ability to maintain this spiritual balance was severely threatened. To this day, Sone descendants are often forced to join their Tengoku allies in direct conflict with the Oni.

### Reputation

Clan Sone's historical reputation is often spoken with great optimism, deep respect, and certain gratitude. Though they were able to escape much of the violence that pervades Japanese history, their role in preserving the Shinto world as the modern Battotai may know it, was extremely crucial. Between the Sone and the other Tengoku, it was the Sone who would teach the first Tengoku clans how to harness the ***Hoka-no-Sekai***. As religious figures, senior Sone are charged with interpreting the will of the heavens and ensuring that the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual are not corrupted by darkness.

Since the Great War, the Sone are often identified by comrades by one of the following characteristics: their ceaseless optimism, a small pack of kitsune, or their unique *Tamahagane* lanterns. These lanterns are often inhabited by *kami,* acting as mobile residencies where the Sone could call upon their services in battle or during rituals. As a part of the clan's traditions, Sone members cannot be granted senior responsibilities without first learning and taking on a pact with a *kami* in their own lantern. These powerful lanterns are enchanted by the senior-most members of Clan Sone; without their blessings, these lanterns could not sustain the immense power of the spirits that thrive within them. These lanterns may often be given as a gift to outsiders as a gesture of gratitude and respect.

### Known Locations

Clan Sone is a relatively large family in comparison to many other Tengoku families. As a result, their members are more dispersed throughout the Japanese Battotai. At least two members of the clan are sent at a time to major temples and shrines throughout Japan, ensuring that Inari and the rest of the Shinto pantheon retains its power across ancestral Japanese territory. The Sone also control a large private estate in the midst of Metropolitan Tokyo in the style of a mixed modern-traditional manor. Within the Chiyoda Ward, there is an honorary estate that is granted as private property for Sone members to use at their pleasure.

### Abilities

As the Tengoku of Inari, the Sone are often underestimated when it comes to the artform that is battle. Using their gifts for war against darkness, the Sone are able to harness the ***Hoka-no-Sekai*** to a much more effective extent than any other Tengoku in the entire Battotai. Their ability is further enhanced by their ability to commune with a wider variety of *kami* throughout Japan, many of whom are resistant to normal means of communication, regardless of Tengoku status. In addition, they are also caretakers of the kitsune whose potential is expanded even further by a clever Sone. As oracles and priestesses, the female members of Clan Sone are able to conjure more overt forms of spiritual and ritualistic magic to their advantage against Oni. However, in spite of their ability to use the Hoka-no-Sekai, their powers are mostly limited to a sort of "fast-travel", and as a way to track and communicate with certain spirits. It should be emphasized that though Clan Sone wields a versatile array of powers, they are not as effective as other Tengoku in frontline combat.

### Known Associated Figures

* Aya Sone (**Present**) - Kanto Jito, Tokyo Branch Figurehead, "Eldest Sister"
* Toro Sena (**Present**) - Kanto Battotai, "Youngest Sister"

### Trivia

* Although Clan Sone's powers are versatile and unique, they are secluded to more utility-support roles than frontline roles for two crucial reasons: should one die, it is a critical blow to the Clan's overall ability to maintain the spiritual stability that surrounds Japan. The second reason is that though they can harness the Hoka-no-Sekai more effectively, this power is largely limited to "fast-travel" between specific shrines and to communicate with various kami. As a result, their oracle abilities are far more valuable than what they could possibly contribute in a purely combative role.

* Acting as the Oracles and priestesses in the Shinto world, Clan Sone is a largely matriarchal clan in contrast with other Tengoku clans. Despite this, men are still prized as shrine guardians whilst the females are trained to become shrine priestesses and oracles.