Hengeyokai

A varied race of humanoids if ever there was one, hengeyokai are the result of Kyn priests binding kami into human vessels.  This created a series of humanoids, such as the kitsune, that resemble humans mixed with various species of animals and monsters.  They are thus associated by their shared ancestry and purpose.

### Origins

With Syne’s fall, Kyn knew that it would be incapable of maintaining a valiant defense against the Mokshan Djinn.  So in response they turned to their gods and begged their strength.  The first hengeyokai were thus devout and impassioned citizens of the Empire, but eventually those who were seen as abandoning their duties or guilty of crimes joined them.  As time went on, these various people became their own section within society: servants of the empire, dedicated to its protection.

### Organization

Hengeyokai are generally found in the military and in the service of daimyo. There are some such as those of exceptional beauty that may become ladies of the court, or others of great skill that become performers of some kind.  Still, the majority are expected to serve in the military.

Some are permitted to wander the world, though most feel a strong obligation to Kin’u.  Some associate this loyalty with a sense of slavery and believe the hengeyokai should be free to choose their paths, though of course they would say they have: to live and die for the empire.

Hengeyokai are divided into clans based on their origins. These clans, often serving familial roles, train to gain prominence in their given field of expertise. As a result, hengeyokai are born with a strong belief relating them to their place among these clans. A hengeyokai that has left their clan is known as *ronin*, and wanders in a state of relative obscurity.

#### Clans

* **Hogojou（保護城):** Composed primarily of hengeyokai with resemblances that are canine or lupine, the Hogojou clan is dedicated to the dispatching of enemy forces. They are renowned warriors, often enduring harsh elements and expressing a firm, lasting sense of loyalty and honor. Even among the hengeyokai, the Hogojou Clan's word is considered a bond that cannot be broken. Among their order, generally lupine hengeyokai lead and canines make excellent followers. When not in the employ of the empire, they tend to be mercenaries.
* **Jinsoku （迅速):** A clan known for their stealth and speed, the Jinsoku tend to be the eyes and ears of hengeyokai forces, relaying information quickly and preventing the various clans from falling out of connection with one another. They are generally vulpine, cervine, or feline in nature, though the odd lapine figure may be found among them. When not in the employ of the empire, they tend to be merchants or courtiers and courtesans.
* **Kuroshima (黒島):** The Kuroshima are rarely gifted with an intellect that denies most. Though frail and not given to expert fighting, their quick minds make them excellent strategist that rival even Kyn scholars. Notoriously clever, the Kuroshima are as honorbound as any other hengeyokai, yet they hold a strong belief in testing the limits of one's meaning. They are often at odds with the Hogojou, even though both serve their commanders loyally. They tend to be corvine in nature. When not in the employ of the empire, they tend to work as scribes.
* **Kyoushu (強手):** The clan that stands as the backbone of defense, these towering figures routinely are dispatched when matters have met their zenith. Because of their awesome strength they are feared by some, though they too lack the independence in most cases to bring this might against an undeserving foe. They tend to be Equine or Ursine in nature. When not in the employ of the empire, they tend to be bodyguards.
* **Munezawa (胸澤):** Often seen as laborers, the Munezawa could easily be considered the backbone of any organization's physical needs. Trained to work in teams, they are both capable of defending a fortification as well as stocking it. The Munezawa can raise a castle within a night if needed. They are often at odds with the Jinsoku, who find their steady nature adverse to their swift and somewhat thoughtless patterns. When not in the employ of the empire, they tend to be physical laborers.

#### Military

With the guidance of Kyn masters, the hengeyokai developed extremely efficient forms of warfare.  Unlike their masters who would not partake in wanton warfare, the hengeyokai are blessed with a philosophy known as *Gekokujo*.  In this belief system, those of a lower position may utilize guile and strength to overthrow a superior.  In this case, they view themselves as but lowly members of a collective dedicated to defeating a great evil.

Some are sent to Bastion to train at the Military Academy, where they are gifted with knowledge they bring back to update their own tactics.

#### Enemies

They are sworn enemies of all Djinn and Horselords, viewing both as inherent threats to Kin’u.  They are somewhat xenophobic as a condition of their creation and do hold some uncertainty toward sylphs, who they associate with their eternal enemy.

### Religion

Hengeyokai are animists by nature, though they specifically revere Ohirume, Seibyakuren, and the Emperor of All Heavens.

### Historical Significance

Hengeyokai emerged as a direct challenge to the absence of Syn influence in Jia.  They have performed their duties well and thoroughly, representing the ultimate end of sacrifice for the greater good.

As Kin’u could not engage the Dread Tumult directly they did send a few ashigaru and archers to support their allies.  Hengeyokai made up the majority of these fighters and some remained behind to protect Kyn traders in Syv Nova.

Following the Dread Tumult they seized a region of Horselord territory to Southeast, known as Kokuni, which the shogun states must be maintained as a safeguard against the Horselords. This has led to contention between the two states, though the hengeyokai have for the time being proven a match for the local lords they have disturbed.