Although the Kitsu Tombs was not the ancestral home of the Kitsu family it was the seat of their power, and all the greatest Kitsu heroes had their remains interred here. Most other Lion families had their dead placed in the Hall of Ancestors. ^[1] The Tombs laid in Matsu lands. ^[2]

Contents 1 Founding 1.1 Appearance 1.2 Underground 2 Tradition 2.1 Gempukku 3 Training 4 Sensei 4.1 Notable Sensei 5 Notable Students 6 History 6.1 Corruption 6.2 Burned by Tsuno 7 External Links 8 References

Founding Edit

Following the Kitsu race custom, the Kitsu family began interring their heroes and leaders beneath the ground in a massive tomb constructed shortly after their family's founding. After cremation was mandated following Iuchiban's rise, the sarcophagi were replaced with urns, but otherwise ritual interment in the Tombs continued. The presence of the remains of the dead made one's passage into the Spirit Realms much easier. This custom lent itself to the formation of a school for the Kitsu Shugenja and Kitsu Sodan Senzo. ^[3]

Appearance Edit

A large torii arch stood above the entrance, with serene gardens in the outside, keeping the shrines to the individual founders of each Lion family, and a small lake nearby. The first floor had a temple and the renowned library of the Kitsu Tombs. The second floor contained living space, and a small dojo. In the third floor the bloodsword Revenge was taken into custody for years, the prison of Okura's Remnant, and the study of the Kitsu Daimyo. The four floor was completely occupied by the Shrine of the Ancients. ^[4]

Underground Edit

The first of the lower levels had many tombs including the alcoves with the remains of the Kitsu, while the second level was the mausoleum of the Sodan Senzo. In the third level resided the urns of the First Five, and the place where the Kitsu opened portals to other Spirit Realms. ^[5]

Tradition Edit

The Kitsu performed old-fashioned lenghty rituals, the same than those that their ancestors performed when alive. The attention paid to the interment of the family's greatest heroes, the records of the life and deeds of every prominent Kitsu, and the accumulated magical research into the Spirit Realms passed to every new generation of Kitsu. ^[3]

Gempukku Edit

When a potential sodan-senzo was prepared for his gempukku, the family's ancestors gathered to pass judgment. Worthy students were accepted as equals, but those who were found wanting were stripped of their magical talents and banished from the family. ^[3] The most gifted student from the Kitsu Tombs was nominated to tend the Shrine of the First Five, which sheltered the remains of the founders of the Kitsu family. ^[6]

Training Edit

Students sought in the family's extensive records, learned the complex rituals they practiced, developing the patience and knowledge students needed to speak to their ancestors. Before their gempukku each student crafted his own mask, a mental construct the Kitsu created when journeying through the Spirit Realms. The mask identified the shugenja, and also protected him from the dangers of less hospitable realms. ^[3]

Sensei Edit

The sensei of the Kitsu Tombs was the Kitsu Daimyo. The only exception was when the Kitsu daimyo did not possess the gift for communing with ancestors, and the sensei was selected among the daimyo's cousins. ^[3]

Notable Sensei Edit

• Kitsu Juri

Notable Students Edit

• Kitsu Hisashi

History Edit

Corruption Edit

The tombs were once corrupted by the traitorous Jade Champion Kitsu Okura, but have since been cleansed of that dishonor. ^[1]

Burned by Tsuno Edit

In 1159 a Tsuno attack caused extensive damage, ^[7] the defender of the Tombs, Matsu Domotai was kidnapped and the sacred scrolls vanished as well. ^[8] Tsuno Soultwisters had opened a passage from Toshigoku, where the Tsuno dwelled, to the battlefield where Akuma no Oni had fought the Otaku Battle Maidens, allowing their rapid invasion of the Kitsu Tombs. ^[9] Four of the five urnes with the ashes of the original Kitsu were lost, limiting their ability to reach other Spirit Realms.  The Kitsu could still reach the other Realms so long as they possessed the remaining urn. ^[5] The Tombs were repaired. ^[1]

External Links Edit

• The Kitsu Tombs (Ambition's Debt)

References

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