Kuni Utagu
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
| Kuni Utagu | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born: | Unknown |
| Died: | 1158 |
| Spouse: | Kuni Tansho |
| Children | Omen |
| Titles: | Kuni Daimyo, Jade Champion |
| People | |
Kuni Utagu was a Kuni Witch Hunter during the 12th century who rose to prominence after becoming not only the Kuni Daimyo but also the Jade Champion. His career was cut tragically short by an overzealous follower of Toturi Sezaru during the latter's bid for the imperial throne.
Contents |
[edit] Childhood
Unlike most who choose to become Kuni Witch Hunters, Kuni Utagu did not have a particularly traumatic childhood. There was no horrific event that drove him to seek revenge on the creatures of the blighted lands, there was simply his own drive and determination. Utagu was introduced firsthand to the Shadowlands by Kuni Atsutane who explained to him that the Witch Hunter's duty was to face alone the horrors within. Although the Kuni cannot afford to waste time training those who may become unwilling to carry out the Witch Hunter's duties, Utagu was allowed to begin training when he told Atsutane, "I cannot leave now. If I leave, the darkness will have won."
[edit] The Wall
During his long career, Utagu became known as "The Wall", because the people around him felt as safe as if they were behind the Kaiu Kabe. Utagu made many advances to the practices of the Witch Hunters, including the successful combination of martial arts and Kuni magic. Despite his successes, he never seemed to be driven by a hatred of the Shadowlands, merely a need to destroy everything about those dark lands.
[edit] Utagu and Toturi Sezaru
In addition to the forces of the Shadowlands, one target of Utagu's distrust was Toturi Sezaru. During Sezaru's bid for the imperial throne, Utagu was among his most outspoken opponents. The Witch Hunter was keenly aware of Sezaru's madness and did not believe that Sezaru had the strength to overcome it. Utagu saw a very dangerous situation if a man he knew to be unstable were placed in control of the whole of Rokugan.
[edit] The Death of Kuni Utagu
Kuni Utagu's end came tragically as a result of this criticism of Sezaru, not from the evils of the Shadowlnds, as most had long suspected would happen. Asako Ryoma, a fervent supporter of Sezaru, feared that Sezaru would not be able to claim the throne so long as the Jade Champion stood loudly opposing him. One night, Ryoma snuck into Utagu's chambers and murdered the Jade Champion as he slept. Sezaru had no prior knowledge of his follower's plan.
[edit] Major References
| Preceded by: Unknown | Kuni Daimyo ? - 1158 | Succeeded by: Kuni Tansho |
| Preceded by: Kitsu Okura | Jade Champion 1138 - 1158 | Succeeded by: Asahina Sekawa |
