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:

• Ryūzaki Sanosuke

General Rank
SS
General Type
Kensei

Current Location

The Tanuki's Glee

Species

Tsuchigumo

Ethnicity

Japanese

Honorary & Occupational Titles

• Former Champion of Susano'o
• Guardian of Nara
• Founder of Hōzōin-ryū

Gender

Female

Eyes

Amber

Hair

Dark brown, very long, straight

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Fair

Height

5'11

Weight

170 lbs

Related Plots

• A Favor for Hisahide - Mimasaka

Related Historical Events

• 1559
  The Shōta Problem
• 1559
  The Fujiwara Effect
• 1559
  The Behandsoming of Maxim
• 1559
  Return to Glee