The Ancestral Shrine, a revered site nestled within the sacred grounds of the Castle of the Swift Sword, serves as both a spiritual sanctuary and a venue for clan arbitration. This hallowed space is meticulously maintained to honor the ancestors of the Kitsu clan and other clans, welcoming visitors who come to pay their respects with offerings of rice, sake, and candles, all integral to the rituals performed here.
As one steps into the shrine, a chill gust often sweeps through, capable of extinguishing candles and hinting at the presence of the spiritual realm. The atmosphere is imbued with a serene and contemplative quality, fostering deep reverence for the spirits of the departed. Attended by skilled priests and priestesses, the shrine is a place of solemnity where visitors are guided in making proper offerings and invoking the names of their ancestors during ceremonies. The rituals conducted here are vital not only for the Kitsu clan but also allow other clans to summon their ancestors, provided they honor them appropriately.
Among the notable features of the shrine is the spectral figure of a woman clad in heavy armor, clutching a katana with a fresh wound visible on her form. This apparition, identified as Katsuki Yui, appears behind the altar, suggesting a profound connection to those who visit and emphasizing the shrine's role as a conduit for ancestral communication.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the Ancestral Shrine has been secured and sanctified as a venue for arbitration regarding disputes among the clans. Representatives from various clans, including the Unicorn Clan and Scorpion Clan clans, gather here to present their evidence and arguments. The space has been meticulously prepared for these proceedings, with blessings from the shrine priests intended to invoke ancestral favor. Senior Emerald Magistrates Kitsuki Kaage, along with magistrates such as Doji Setsuna and Bayushi Monban, convene within its walls to review documents and authenticate claims related to disputed mines, underscoring the shrine's importance as a cultural and judicial landmark in the realm.