Sonohoka

The Sonohoka Shi

The Sonohoka are a group of malevolent lifeforms that the Ōrumaiti originated from before fleeing due to their insanity. Like the Ōrumaiti herself, little is known of the Sonohoka before the Era of Ruin. They are believed to be ancient magical girls before the ruin, however this is mostly speculation due to their relation with the Ōrumaiti. Unlike the Ōrumaiti, these beings are hostile towards sentient life and are often described as "cleansers" of mortal life. While the Sonohoka do not seem to be discriminate with who they target it has been noted that due to the association that magical girls and their magic are high attraction targets. The Sonohoka are said to have powerful magical abilities and are capable of causing widespread destruction if left unchecked. They are also known to be incredibly elusive and difficult to track, often disappearing without a trace after carrying out their attacks.

To combat the Sonohoka threat, various magical girl organizations have formed specialized teams to deal with them. The Kotoba regularly monitors and reports attacks that originate from the Sonohoka.

Relation to Magical Girls

While the Sonohoka do not directly attack, their magic as well as conjurations are regularly fought off by the Seigi Kaikan, a group of magical girls dedicated to protecting Magia Regnum from all threats. These teams consist of skilled and experienced magical girls who are trained in dealing with the Sonohoka's abilities. Due to the elusive and dangerous nature of the Sonohoka, these teams often require extensive resources and planning to track and neutralize them. The Siegi Kaikan uses a combination of magical and technological means to locate and analyze the Sonohoka's energy signatures, and work closely with other teams to coordinate attacks and neutralize the threat. They use powerful shields and barriers to block the Sonohoka's attacks, and their abilities allow them to shield others from harm. The Seigi Kaikan works closely with other teams to create safe zones and evacuate civilians during Sonohoka attacks.

While most magical girls view the Sonohoka as a dangerous threat that must be neutralized, there are some who believe that they hold a deeper power and purpose. There are some who believe that the Sonohoka may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the magical girl universe. Some theorize that the Sonohoka may have a deeper connection to the origin of magical girls and their powers, and that understanding them could lead to breakthroughs in magical girl research and technology. However, such theories remain largely speculative, and the Sonohoka remain a formidable and mysterious threat to the magical girl world. There are also individuals who see the Sonohoka as embodiments of chaos and destruction, but also as forces of change and transformation. For some, worshiping the Sonohoka represents a rejection of the status quo and a desire to embrace a new, more powerful way of being. However, such beliefs are considered taboo within the magical girl community, and those who openly embrace the Sonohoka are arrested. This is because the Sonohoka are seen as inherently destructive and malevolent, and their worship is viewed as a dangerous and potentially destabilizing influence.

Despite this, there are still those who are drawn to the power and allure of the Sonohoka, and who continue to secretly worship them. Such individuals may be seen as dangerous and unpredictable, and are often closely monitored by the Kotoba.

Appearance

The appearance of the Sonohoka is a subject of fear and fascination among Magians. While they are rarely seen by mortals, those who have encountered them describe them as horrifying and otherworldly beings, with twisted and distorted features that seem to reflect their cruel and destructive natures. According to accounts from survivors and the Ōrumaiti, most of the Sonohoka have a ghastly appearance, with coarse hair, sallow faces, sunken or even empty sockets for eyes, and crusted lips. Their teeth are often stained, broken, and rotten, and their joints may appear wasted while their limbs may be swollen. Their skin may be ashen, and they may have an excess of saliva at the mouth, with other bodily fluids oozing from orifices.

This terrifying appearance reflects the destructive and malevolent nature of the Sonohoka, who are seen as forces of chaos and destruction. It is believed that the Sonohoka draw power from the negative emotions of those around them, and their appearance is a reflection of this. Their twisted forms are said to be a manifestation of the despair and fear they inspire in others. As a result, encountering a Sonohoka can be a traumatic experience for even the most seasoned magical girls. While they may have different areas of influence, they are united in their desire to sow discord and cause suffering, and their appearance serves as a warning of the dangers of crossing their paths.

Known Sonohoka

Shi

Shi (Magian:死), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Death appears to be the leader of the pantheon and is said to be the eldest sister of the Ōrumaiti. Shi is seldom seen but her influence is felt across the magical realm. She is known as the Sonohoka of Death for her widespread use of destruction and her position with the group as the issuer of the judgement of death upon mortal life. Shi is one that the Ōrumaiti speaks of frequently and it appears that the other Sonohoka heed Shi's commands recognizing her as their leader and the most powerful of their number.

The Sonohoka Hantei

Ekibyō

Ekibyō (Magian:疫病), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Pestilence; said to be an older sister to the Ōrumaiti. Ekibyō is referred as the Sonohoka of Pestilence due to her magic personifications of deadly disease. As a bringers of plague and sickness, Ekibyo is a slow and deadly killer with all walks of mortal life feeling her presence. Due to this preferred method, Ekibyō does not use direct attacks nor does she spawn manifestations to do her will Ekibyō is said to be able to spread her diseases through physical contact or even from a distance, causing entire populations to fall ill and die. Her influence is often felt in times of widespread pandemics. Despite her deadly nature, Ekibyō is known to be patient and methodical in her approach, taking her time to spread her plagues and watching as mortals succumb to her influence. She is one of the most feared of the Sonohoka and considered the most dangerous due to the devastating impact she can have on entire civilizations.

Tōsō

Tōsō (Magian:闘争), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Strife; said to be an older sister to the Ōrumaiti. As a being of chaos and upheaval, she embodies the energy of rebellion, conflict, and dissent, and is seen as both a destroyer and a catalyst for change. Tōsō is considered one of the most dangerous and unpredictable of the Sonohoka, whose actions can have far-reaching consequences. Many Magians fear and respect her as she is seen as too powerful and unpredictable to be controlled.

Funsō

Funsō (Magian:紛争), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Conflict; said to be an older sister to the Ōrumaiti. Like her older sister Tōsō, Funsō embodies the energy of conflict and discord, but she is often associated with more mundane and personal disputes. Funsō is not a passive or neutral observer. She is also a force of conflict in her own right, and her presence can often exacerbate existing tensions and disagreements. Some Magians, most exclusively the Society, worship her as a necessary evil, who helps to balance out the forces of order and stability represented by the Ōrumaiti. However this worship is officially outlawed.

Kikin

Kikin (Magian:飢饉), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Famine; said to be a younger sister to the Ōrumaiti. Kikin is a powerful and malevolent beign, who delights in causing famine and starvation. She is said to be able to reduce entire regions to barren wastelands, where nothing can grow and no food can be found. Her touch is said to curse those who come into contact with her with never-ending hunger, which can drive them to madness and despair. Her overall cruel nature makes her one of the most feared of the sonohoka.

Sensō

Sensō (Magian:戦争), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of War; said to be a younger sister to the Ōrumaiti. Sensō delights in the chaos and destruction of war. She is said to be able to incite conflicts and stir up violence wherever she goes, and her touch can fill magical girls with a bloodlust and ferocity that borders on madness. She is obsessed with culling the weak and promoting the strong within Magical Girls. She is not worshipped directly, but instead propitiated with offerings and prayers to avoid her wrath.

Hantei

Hantei (Magian:判定), otherwise known as the Sonohoka of Judgement; said to be the youngest sister of the Ōrumaiti. Hantei a unique member of the Sonohoka pantheon. Unlike the other Sonohoka, she is known to directly interact with humans and magical girls, offering them a twisted version of the magical girl contract to make her own magical girls. However, Hantei's true nature is one of darkness and cruelty. She uses her powers to manipulate and control those who have signed her contract, and her judgement is often harsh and unforgiving. the powers of the Sono Shoujo do not draw off of Hantei like they do from the Ōrumaiti with Mahou Shoujo, and instead draw off the users life-force itself. Hantei is often referred to as the Sonohoka of Judgement as she believes those who form contracts with her, by signing a contract with death, rule them against the mortal world and therefor it is she who decides who gets exempt with this "gift".

Otherspawn

The Sonohoka themselves are rarely seen, and instead, they often manifest through their minions. These minions are what magians refer to as Otherspawn and are twisted and contorted much like the Sonohoka themselves. They are created through the Sonohoka's powerful magic, and their sole purpose is to carry out the Sonohoka's bidding. the Otherspawn are more numerous than the Sonohoka themselves, and they are responsible for carrying out many of the attacks attributed to the Sonohoka. They are known for their brutal and ruthless tactics, and their appearance is just as unnerving and otherworldly as that of the Sonohoka.

Despite their fearsome appearance, the otherspawn are not invincible, and they can be defeated by skilled and experienced magical girls. However, their connection to the Sonohoka means that they are often much more powerful than other magical girls of their rank, and defeating them requires careful planning and execution.

Types of Otherspawn

there are different types of otherspawn that are spawned by the Sonohoka, with varying degrees of strength and abilities.

Ghostspawn

The weakest type of otherspawn posess a ghost-like in appearance, and they are often referred to as "ghostspawn." These entities are typically the easiest to defeat, as they lack the physical form and durability of other spawn. However, even these weaker ghostspawn can still pose a threat to unprepared or inexperienced magical girls. They are known for their ability to phase through solid objects, making them difficult to hit with physical attacks. Additionally, they can use their ghostly powers to drain the energy of their opponents, making it harder for them to fight back. As one would expect, there are stronger types of minions that can be much more difficult to defeat. Some of these minions have physical bodies that are incredibly resilient, and they can be capable of delivering devastating attacks that can quickly overpower an unprepared opponent. Others may have unique abilities or powers that make them especially dangerous, such as the ability to control the elements or to manipulate the minds of their opponents.

Beastspawn

Another type of minion that can be spawned by the Sonohoka are beastspawn. These minions take on the form of ferocious and monstrous beasts, often with razor-sharp teeth, claws, and other deadly features. Beastspawn are much stronger than ghostspawn and can be much more difficult to defeat. They possess incredible physical strength and endurance, making them formidable opponents in combat. Additionally, many beastspawn have unique abilities or powers, such as the ability to breathe fire, regenerate lost limbs, or move at incredible speeds. Due to their strength and ferocity, beastspawn are often deployed as the largest force in the Sonohoka's attacks. They are capable of wreaking havoc on cities and towns, causing widespread destruction and terrorizing the inhabitants. For this reason, dealing with beastspawn requires a great deal of skill and strategy.

A necrospawn

Necrospawn

The Sonohoka have been known to reanimate corpses and use them as disposable infantry in their attacks. These undead minions are known as "Necrospawn" and are generally considered the weakest of the otherspawn on their own. Necrospawn are created when the Sonohoka infuse a dead magical girl with dark magic, animating it and turning it into a mindless servant. These creatures are often disfigured and decayed and are usually armed with crude weapons and attack with reckless abandon, swarming their opponents and overwhelming them with sheer numbers.

Necrospawn are not particularly intelligent or skilled, but their strength and durability make them formidable opponents. They are difficult to kill and can withstand significant amounts of damage before finally succumbing to their injuries.

Mimic

There are some known to mimic the appearance and abilities of magical girls. These entities are particularly dangerous, as they can often blend in with the general population and strike without warning. They come in two types.

Shadowmancer

Shadowmancers are the more common type of Otherspawn that are known for their ability to create shadow duplicates of magical girls. Their shadow duplicates are not physical copies, but rather illusions that possess the same magical abilities and fighting skills as the original magical girl. They are also known for their ability to manipulate shadows and darkness to a high degree, and they are able to create shadowy illusions that can deceive and confuse their opponents. Despite their incredible power shadowmancers are highly unstable and are easier to identify than their other mimic counterparts.

Doppelgänger

A wraith

Doppelgängers are a more particularly insidious type of Otherspawn that are known for their ability to mimic the appearance or magical abilities of magical girls. These entities are shape-shifters, able to assume the form of any human or humanoid creature they encounter. Dealing with a Doppelgänger can be particularly challenging for magical girls, as they are often difficult to identify. Their ability to assume the form of any human or humanoid creature means that they can blend in with the general population and strike without warning. Moreover, their ability to copy magical abilities means that they can be difficult to defeat in battle, as they can counter the tactics and abilities of the magical girl.

Wraith

Wraiths are dark, shadowy entities that are known for their ability to drain the life force and magic of their opponents. They are often encountered in areas that are steeped in negative energy, such as abandoned buildings or cursed forests. Wraiths are particularly dangerous to magical girls, as they can drain their magical powers and leave them vulnerable to attack. Additionally, they can use their shadowy powers to obscure their movements, making it difficult to track and attack them.

In most cases, wraiths are accompanied by other minions, such as ghostspawn or beastspawn. This can make them even more difficult to deal with, as magical girls must contend with a range of threats all at once.

Monstrosity

These are some of the most fearsome and dangerous minions that magical girls can encounter. Monstrosities are enormous and grotesque beings that are often composed of multiple creatures or body parts. They possess incredible strength and endurance, making them nearly impossible to defeat through brute force alone. Additionally, many monstrosities have unique abilities or powers, such as the ability to regenerate lost limbs, breathe fire, or summon other minions to their aid. Due to their immense size and power, monstrosities can cause widespread destruction and terrorize entire communities. They are often encountered in the midst of large-scale attacks launched by the Sonohoka, and are used as shock troops to overwhelm the defenders and pave the way for further assaults.

Sovereign

A Sovereign

The Sovereigns are the most powerful and rare type of minion that can be spawned by the Sonohoka. These entities possess an incredible amount of magical power and strength. Sovereign are often described as towering figures, with immense size and bulk. They are also known for their unique appearance, which often includes a distinctive horn structure which resembles a crown or headdress which is where they receive their name from. In addition to their size and strength, Sovereigns possess a wide range of magical abilities that make them incredibly dangerous opponents. They are able to conjure powerful spells and manipulate the elements, and can also summon other minions to their aid. Additionally, Sovereigns are often accompanied by a retinue of elite minions, which can include other types of minions such as beastspawn, ghostspawn, or monstrosities.

Due to their incredible strength and magical abilities, Sovereigns are some of the most formidable opponents that magical girls can face. It takes a team of skilled and experienced magical girls, working together in a coordinated effort, to have a chance at defeating an Sovereign. Even the most elite members of the Seigi Kaikan would not attempt to face an Sovereign alone.