Sonohoka
The Sonohoka (Magia:その他, "Others") 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. 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.
Relation to Magical Girls
Despite their danger, 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. However, research into this is prohibited in Magia Regnum.
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.
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".
Shi
Ekibyō
Tōsō
Funsō
Kikin
Sensō
Hantei
