Hōzōin In'ei
Master of Many Styles
(a.k.a. 宝蔵院 胤栄)
A former monk and patron of the martial arts. Hōzōin In'ei was not originally a yōkai. Rather, she was a human who transformed herself into a Tsuchigumo. Her reasoning for this was to grant herself more arms to practice multiple styles at once, but the methods through which she accomplished it are unknown. Though she left temple service after transcending her mortal form, many religious centers still consider her a saint and she continues to hold the title "Guardian of all Temples in Nara".
Throughout her long life, In'ei studied many different schools of martial arts, most centered around weapons. Her own contribution is the development of Hōzōin-ryū, a polearm style which utilized a cross-shaped spearhead of her own design. She also contributed to the development of many other techniques, including the basis of those used by fellow Kensei Miyamoto Musashi and Kamiizumi Hidetsuna.
In'ei's dedication to the god Susano'o was not entirely intentional. As she increased in skill and technique, the herald of the Storm God approached her and invited her into the deity's service. Seeing that Susano'o's tenets closely resembled her own ideals, In'ei gladly devoted her worship to him and eventually grew so skilled that she was able to easily defeat the god's previous herald.
For the past several decades, she has traveled central Japan in this capacity. Everywhere she goes, she searches for individuals capable enough to be recruited into Susano'o's service, and passes on her own techniques to them. Though she finds great joy and fulfillment in helping others to better their own skills, In'ei has stated on multiple occasions that she has absolutely no intention of being defeated herself.
Mental characteristics
Failures & Embarrassments
Defeated by:
General Rank
SS
General Type
Kensei
SS
General Type
Kensei
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
- Former Champion of Susano'o
- Guardian of Nara
- Founder of Hōzōin-ryū
Children
Gender
Female
Eyes
Amber
Hair
Dark brown, very long, straight
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Fair
Height
5'11
Weight
170 lbs
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