Koma Inu

"*Be strong, but not rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be bold, but not bully. Be humble, but not timid. Be proud, but not arrogant. Let us show that everyone is welcome to perch on our branch, but that our enemies must stay wary!*"
—Samarra Inari

 **Type** | Legal Branch

**Koma Inu** (駒 犬 *Koma Inu*) is a long standing and famous Branch of Northern Hylion, and its message has filled all its residents with hope! Branch members value kindness, acceptance, and individuality among the group. They believe that everyone has their own unique strengths that can contribute to the overall goals of the Branch. When these strengths are combined, nothing is impossible! Koma Inu prides itself on its strong moral code and its members ability to see the best in people. It is these ideals that has attracted members, making Koma Inu the largest Branch in Hylion. With that being said, Koma Inu's branch members will level the earth if someone threatens, or strongly violates, their core values. Do not mistake their kindness for weakness!

## Location

The Branch is located within the Kingdom of Fiore, situated at the forest entrance in the northern Hylion town of Arakashi, where it is currently the only branch. The exterior of the main building has the appearance of Shinto Shrine surrounded by four tall watch towers. The central building, known as the main guild hall, is identified by its twin Komainu statues guarding the entrance to the hall. Flanking the central building are male and female mage dormitories, where members may apply for subsidized living quarters complete with basic necessities and a communal kitchen. Located on the crossroads of the guild are Torii gates with the branch's name and symbol to help distinguish its territory.

The exterior of the building is slightly deceiving, though. When first entering the main building, one comes to realize the grand interior and subterranean levels that are hidden from an outsiders view. Once inside there is a lavishly decorated foyer room filled with soft light from the surrounding forest. This room serves as a central meeting place for members to accept job requests from the job board and relax. There is a full-service bar and grill, with a deck raised above it for seating. Aside from the dining area, the foyer room is largely open with couches and cushions for members to relax and converse. After a recent expansion, a large stage was installed where performances can be held during an event. Mages of the branch tend to give their own private concerts during their time off, which can be a blessing and a curse depending on the skill level of the performer. However, everyone is encouraged to make their grand stage debut at one point, which allows the bonds between the members to become even closer.

There are two subterranean levels below the main foyer room that can be accessed via the central staircase. Sub-level One consists of the branch's library and the branch master's office. This is where the branch stores a large collection of data obtained from missions, as well as a wide assortment of other books. Due to branch master Samarra Inari being part of the Toranku 15's Elite Custody Enforcement Unit, she has obtained information on many known criminals. This allows her to be able to devise a plan for detainment if the council asks for her assistance.

Sub-level Two is made entirely into a training area for branch members to practice their magic. It has four main sectors comprised of different terrains and tools to be able to provide branch members with the most realistic conditions to practice their skills. These sectors are as follows: magic sector and a Physical Abilities Sector to allow mages to strengthen both their body and their magic. The equipment provided includes a variety of practice weaponry, an archery range, an underground track along with a full gym. Thus, it gives complete variety for any of the many mages Koma Inu hosts.

Out behind the branch itself is a patio with outdoor seating and a small pool that opens further into a large meadow, lined by tall deciduous trees. The wide, open space is regularly used for events such as picnics and day-to-day sparring not to mention general shenanigans. One of the most well-known features of this meadow is the garden which provides the branch members with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Another feature that catches the eye of many is the Koi pond bordering the forest and the meadow. It is large with multiple stone benches bordering it and is often known as one of the most relaxing features of this branch.

## History

Leaving her home in Unanim at the age of 17, Samarra Inari went forth to have a new beginning. It was on her travels that she encountered a team of Cinders named Chaos Prophet. Having taken over Arakashi, these thieves were the lackeys doing the dirty work for a much larger dark guild named Shattered Dusk. Arriving in Arakashi, Samarra was approached by the town's mayor and asked to take on these band of thugs and reclaim the town in the name of the people.
After successfully driving away Chaos Prophet, Arakashi was now back in the hands of its mayor. Still needing a place to stay, Samarra asked the mayor where she should go. It was then that the mayor told her of an abandoned building on the outskirts of town, that once belonged to a legal guild years ago. Seeing the potential for the abandoned building, Samarra decided that she wanted to protect these people and restore the town to its former glory. It was that day that Samarra began working on building up a legal branch, that she would later name Koma Inu.
In the time that followed, Koma Inu has grown quite big, having over ten active responsible mages who seemed to be happy with the outcome. Having the ruins of a once famous guild residing there completely repaired, Samarra helped the Arakashi restore its glory to the fullest. However, there was one thing no one could've seen coming... A war. This was the first time the guild was victimized ever since it had been founded four years prior. The group of Cinder's in a fallen Branch had appeared near Arakashi, deciding to avenge their fallen comrades and engage in a war they thought could win easily in order to restore what belonged to them, referring to the town itself.
The said dark mages used the most unfair move there is - harming the youngest mage simply by engaging her in a battle of sheer numbers. Rage had filled the hearts of young mages, and so in order to prevent any other attacks, decided to attack the fallen branch Shattered Dusk while they were still plotting their own revenge. Justifying her title as the Flash Tactician, the guild master, Samarra, worked flawlessly with the rest of the mages, taking out the large guild without any lives lost. After defeating the infamous guild master, the young mages quickly claimed their victory, protecting the Arakashi from the harm once again.
A year later, the guild has grown even bigger, gaining even more members than ever before. In order to recognize those who have grown in strength and will, Samarra decided to hold a Rank-Up Trail in order to determine those worthy of ascending their rank on their Branch Identification Card. Testing their physical, as well as their mental strength, six mages decided to participate in the following events. Three rounds were held where their capabilities, intelligence, willpower, and loyalty was questioned.
The first part of the trials was a simple written test whose results were to show the way how the mage thinks; testing their priorities and logical reasoning. In the second part, the mages were given a map of a labyrinth that they were located in themselves. Faces a multitude of traps and obstacles, their goal was to reach the central zone to continue to the following and final round. When all of the mages found themselves at the center, they were once again tested mentally - being given an ultimatum. The mages saw clearly what this test was aiming for, and thus passed the second part. In the final round, mages were dueling amongst themselves so that they could finally test their physical capabilities and combat tactics. The one claiming the title ended up being to be named. After the promotions were finished, all of the mages were invited to an extravagant Grand Ball in order to celebrate all of their achievements throughout the year. The night followed with laughter, heart warmth and joy. This was a chance for all of the members to get to know each other a little bit better.
Around the same time, the guild master started working on building good relationships with other branches in Hylion. At the annual Branch Master's Meeting, three branches decided to form an alliance, them being Koma Inu, Galdrabók, and Kairos Flight; all of which agreed on proclaiming Samarra Inari as the leader of said alliance. They have decided to name themselves the Toveri Alliance and started gladly accepting new guilds in order to strengthen their relationships, as well as to seek mutual protection in times of crisis. Having one mutual goal, to preserve and uphold peace and to protect the people of Hylion, numerous branches started joining the alliance, but the original six are usually referred to as The Six Pillars.
Years of peace passed as the branch continued to grow in both numbers and power. Their admirable reputation skyrocketed them to the largest branch in Hylion, surpassing that of their friends in Hydra Head. With this recognition they went forth into the Jigoku Games with their heads held high and set to defend their title. Going against five of the most powerful guilds in the Toveri Alliance was an intimidating sight, but the team of Koma Inu mages were unafraid and prepared to enjoy themselves in this opportunity to test their strength and forge new friendships.
With a guild full of powerful and caring mages, there is never a dull moment within the four walls of Koma Inu. It's history is complex and vicissitude, but only acts as a means to strength the bond felt between all those who bear the komainu emblem. We don't know what path the guild will go down, but we know that the members will walk it together.

## Special Events

### Koma Inu Beauty Pageant

The Koma Inu Beauty Pageant happens every June on the Summer Solstice, symbolically marking the beginning of a new season. People from all over town are invited to watch the mages show off their magic in beautiful ways. However, only those bearing the branch's insignia are able to participate. Like in every beauty pageant, there is a male and a female category. The mages work individually in order to amaze the crowd and the judges panel them in the following categories: Swimsuit, Evening Wear and a Talent Competition. Each one of the categories has its own points, but the ranks are determined by summing up all the points. This pageant awards only the top three contestants with prizes, grand prize being 200,000 Drasil and a guaranteed spot in the next Jigoku Games! The contestants work hard each year to prove that magic, while powerful, is beautiful as well, and a gift to share with the world, making this event is an all time favorite for the residents of Gyo.

### Grand Tournament

All mages of the branch are offered to participate in this bi-annual event to test their strength against one another! This event allows mages to show their newly learned spells as well as other improvements they have made. The master likes to use this event as a measure for who will be the following years representatives at the Jigoku Games.

### Leaving the Branch

Although it has only happened on occasion, Koma Inu likes to be prepared for everything, even for saying goodbye to one of their comrades. That's why  the branch master has come up with a codex in case such action were to happen. Samarra wanted to keep the codex to a bare minimum, thus writing only three "rules" that the leaving person must uphold to.

1. You can not share sensitive information with anyone about Koma Inu, it's members, or any of the data stored within the branch's library. You may not contact past employers for work or information; unless they request you specifically.
2. Although you are no longer part of the guild, we wish that you would uphold the guild's values of kindness and acceptance, and continue to grow to be the best person you can be.
3. Know that, no matter where you are, Koma Inu will always be part of your family and we will always be there to help you and will gladly accept you back.

## Guild Spells

* **Shisa Blade**(シーサーブレード, *Shīsāburēdo*): One of the most powerful swords forged, this blade was made specifically for the branch. The sword is the embodiment of the branch's collective Ki; deriving its power from the bond shared between members of Koma Inu and anyone who bears the branch's mark. It stores the Ki it collects in the Magic Gems in it's eyes and head. This sword has the unique ability to amplify the user's magical levels to unfathomable amounts, giving their attacks power greater than that of a Wizard Saint. The sword can also regenerate any damage it sustains by utilizing the magic stored inside the gems, making it nearly indestructible. Given its power, the sword is stored in a secret level of the branch hall, only known to the current master and their successor, that can only be summoned after a delicate process of syncing the mages magical signature to the blade. This even prevents the master from summoning the blade, should their magical signature become stained by darkness.

* **Shishi Honden** (獅子本殿, *Shishi Honden*): This 'ultimate defense' requires the power of the Guild Master, as well as four Gold level mages, to activate it. Each Gold mage must take a spot at the four torii gates aligned with the cardinal directions of the guild's border. The Branch Master takes home in the center of this border, to complete the spells required formation. All five mages begin the unique incantation to construct the barrier while concentrating a large amount of Ki into their index fingertip.

 *"Come forth, A snare without escape, set for evil.
With door and bolt, a bar immovable, shall withhold.
 May it cast out all phantom, night-wraith, or handmaid demon;
For what lieth within is that of the light.
Let this force repel and refute its void,
 And let the darkened souls it shuns be destroyed."*
Once the incantation has been recited a large rune circle will appear above the center of the guild that has five unique points etched into the center of it. Each mage must fire their Ki at the marking that aligns with their current position. Should their magical power be sufficient, the spell will be complete and a dense field of Ki will surround the given area dictated by the mages positions. This high-level spell does come at a cost though. Should the participating mages no have enough magical energy within them to sufficiently activate the spell, their expelled Ki will have been wasted. I has also been proven futile to try and override this predicament by combining the magic of two normal ranking mages, as the magic circle itself will only accept a total of 5 Ki offerings. The current S Class of the guild, as well as its master, have shown that the power they hold between them is capable of erecting this ultimate defense. The barrier that is constructed appears with a pattern on it, as well as gives off an immense magical pressure. In the circles of this pattern are giant 界 (kai, Literally meaning: boundary), the second kanji of 結界 (kekkai, barrier). This barrier is a self repairing barrier and is able to use the disturbing Ki to mend the damages it sustains from such attacks. It has been tested, and proven, to hold up against the strength of three Wizard Saints, alongside a coalition of mages, showing that this spell is of the highest caliber in all defensive spells.

## Trivia

* The guild's mark represents a Komainu, which is a guardian of many Shinto shrines and temples. Usually shown as a pair, these lion-dogs are meant to ward off evil spirits and protect the good spirits within their domain.
* If anyone would like to join the guild, please leave a comment on this page and one of the guild members will let you know! We ask that, should your mage have dark or immoral attributes, that you amend their page and say they are working on reforming themselves to align with the guild's core values.
* The guild's opening theme is "Heisei Voyage" by onelifecrew, while the closing theme is "Be With You" by Tiara.