Eyes of Nanashi

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

The Eyes of Nanashi are a local otokodate in Nanashi Mura who regulate all local affairs under the direction of a village headman and the appointed Dragon magistrate. With the assistance of a band of sohei from the Temple of Ebisu they also police the village.^[1]

1 Dojo
2 Training
- 2.1 Gempukku
3 Sensei
- 3.1 Notable Sensei
4 Major References

[edit] Dojo

The dojo of the Eyes of Nanashi is a converted temple and even the monks who used to meditate there have thrown in their resources with the Eyes. The sensei of the dojo resides here alongside the monks who find it a perfect place to spread the teachings of Shinsei. The Eyes are firecely loyal, and only those who understand honor and attempt to follow it's path are allowed within the walls of the dojo.^[2]

[edit] Training

The Eyes only train those who are interested in upholding the tenets of Bushido and the way of the Emperor's law. Any ronin who expect it to be an easy place to sleep are quickly turned away. Beside swordplay teaching is also focused on the Tao and the finer points of law.^[2] While many different Martial Weapons are used to train the students, the sensei make certain that their students are well versed in the art of Iaijutsu.^[3]

The Eyes also train in using non-traditional weapons, which they believe gives them a psychological edge over their opponents. As most samurai disdain non-traditional weaponry, they are unprepared to face someone wielding such a weapon. This also allows the Eyes to use more non-lethal means to defend their city; a samurai that isn't killed is a family that cannot declare a blood feud. ^[3]

A small group has formed in the years since the Eyes were formed, and they call themselves the Voice of Nanashi. ^[3]

[edit] Gempukku

The gempukku ceremony consists of passing a law exam as well as quoting several passages from the Tao while performing a complex kata with a polearm. This does sometimes seem tame compared to the rigourous training the student has been through thanks to the unforgiving monks of the dojo. Once they have passed their test, the ronin is considered a full member of the Eyes of Nanashi, and an equal partner in their interests. These interests coincide frequently with the goings on within the city of Nanashi Mura and their missions often reflect this.^[2]

[edit] Sensei

There have been only three sensei of the Eyes since its beginning. The humble monks who run the place have no wish to take full control of the facilty, not even when the position has become vacant. The position as master sensei is a dangerous one, as he must keep a constant balance between the wishes of his ronin brothers and those of the nearby Lion Clan.^[2]