Ume House
Nickname: Ume (respectful), Pits (disrespectful)
Ume House, or Plum House, considers itself the spiritual wing of Tokyo’s zaibatsu. While its members still hold influence in many mortal spheres (for example, Narita International Airport), they focus most of their attention on history and spiritualism. They maintain shrines and museums, historical societies and cults. This of course leaves them behind the other zaibatsu in raw monetary power. They attempt to make up for it by influencing more traditional politicians.
Members of Ume practice an ancient form of blood sorcery called Kigan (literally “prayer”). While it owes some influence to Shinto, the two practices forked over a millennia ago, so their rituals bear only superficial similarity. Kigan allows Ume to spill their blood, effectively bribing spirits to enact mystical effects. Unlike some Kindred sects, the Ume are open about their practices. They offer their services to the other zaibatsu; their curses and blessings come at a premium and keep the Ume operating strong.
In modern tradition, every Tokyo coterie is expected to contain an Ume. The Lancea et Sanctum mostly reject the Ume, many independent coteries eschew zaibatsu attention, and the other zaibatsu try to diffuse excessive scrutiny. Still, nearly half the city’s recognized coteries have an Ume priest. These priests preside over coterie rituals including purifying baths, funerals, and hunting prayers. The general belief is that hunting outside of rigid and esoteric parameters causes spiritual impurity. Many write this off as intentional vagueness to exalt and unnecessarily value the Ume scholarship.
Zaibatsu Advantage: Ume House members can learn Kigan. In game terms, it’s identical to Crúac. The rituals’ names are different, and the basic execution is framed as prayer and bloodletting. Most
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