Kuni Witch Hunter
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
The Kuni Witch-Hunters, the Tsukai-sagasu, are an elite group within the Crab Clan. Members of the Witch Hunters are tasked with dealing with Tainted individuals, Bloodspeakers and other servants of the Shadowlands that operate within the Empire. [1]
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[edit] History
After the rampages of Iuchiban, questions were raised about the safety of Rokugan from the more insidious elements of the Shadowlands. As a response, the Kuni decided to form the witch hunters. 100 samurai were chosen from the Kuni family for their hardiness, potential combat skill and knowledge of the Shadowlands, tasked with destroying any creature or servant of Fu Leng found north of the Kaiu Wall as well as looking for signs of Iuchiban's return. [2]
[edit] Training
Unlike most schools in Rokugan who train in large dojo, a witch-hunter is trained by serving as an apprentice to a more experienced tsukai-sagasu. The new witch-hunters are chosen from prospective candidates during the Winter solstice every year at Kyuden Hida. The witch-hunters are rarely chosen from families other than the Kuni - historians could count the exceptions on one hand.
They are then trained on the road by their sensei, learning the use of mystical wards and bindings, the detection of angry spirits as well as combat techniques useful against forces of the Shadowlands, through example and experience. Some Witch-Hunters continue further training with the Kuni shugenja. This fusion of bushi fighting techniques with the ability to call upon the kami is unique within the Empire. [3]
[edit] Appearance
Kuni Witch Hunters are identifiable by their trade mark stark white kabuki style face paint, and the jade amulet is a symbol of their status as a hunter. [4] The jade amulet may have a pair of crossed claws, much like the Kuni family mon that represent their ever-present defense. The amulets also often have spells to enhance the protective ability of the jade. [5]
[edit] Tactics
The Kuni Witch Hunters are merciless when destroying the corrupt. Their violent tactics often earn them the fear of those they protect, but the Hunters see this fear as a useful tool to keep others pure. [6]
