Origin:
The "Blades of Takata" have their roots deeply entwined with a period of chaos and uncertainty. After the war of independence for the Vache Kingdom. In this tumultuous era, exiled and masterless Samurai found themselves grappling with a profound sense of displacement and longing for purpose. Among them, a remarkable warrior by the name of Kenzo Takahashi emerged as a pivotal figure in the sect's genesis.
Kenzo's journey towards becoming the first Grandmaster of the Blades of Takata began with his own personal exile. Banished from his clan and stripped of his former allegiances, he was left to wander alone, a ronin without a lord. It was during this period of solitude that he experienced what would be described as a divine revelation—an encounter with the god Takata, deity of war and endurance.
In the midst of his solitary travels, Kenzo claimed to have received a profound vision, an encounter with the very god whose domain he now sought to embrace. Takata's divine presence, it is said, spoke to Kenzo in a way that transcended the mortal realm. The god called upon him to undertake a sacred mission: to forge a path for those who, like him, had been cast adrift, bereft of home and lord.
With unwavering conviction, Kenzo accepted this divine mandate. He returned from his spiritual encounter as the first Grandmaster of the emerging sect and set about establishing the foundational tenets that would guide the Blades of Takata. These principles would not only shape the sect's code of honor but also serve as a beacon of hope for masterless Samurai seeking meaning and a sense of belonging in a world fraught with uncertainty. Thus, the legacy of the Blades of Takata was born, forever bound to the vision of their visionary founder and his divine revelation from the god of war.
Dogma:
The Blades of Takata adhere to a strict code of honor, inspired by the ways of the warrior. They hold unwavering loyalty to their comrades, courage in the face of adversity, and self-discipline as sacred virtues. They believe in the sanctity of combat as a means of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Their dogma emphasizes that combat should only be undertaken when necessary, and they will not harm unarmed or unprepared opponents. Death in battle is seen as a transformative experience, a way to understand the true value of life.
Organization:
The sect operates as a loosely organized network of solitary warriors, with no central authority or hierarchy. Individual members are responsible for their actions and adherence to the code of Takata. While there are no formal ranks, those who have survived numerous duels and battles may earn respect and recognition within the sect.
Leadership:
Each member is essentially a leader unto themselves. Grandmasters, recognized for their exceptional skill and wisdom, may provide guidance and mentorship to newer members but do not hold authority over them. The highest authority in the sect is seen as Takata himself, and members look to their patron deity for inspiration and guidance.
Activities:
The primary activity of the Blades of Takata is honing their martial prowess through combat. They seek out worthy opponents, often challenging other Samurai or members of the sect to duels. These duels, known as "Takata's Trials," are intense battles of skill and endurance. Additionally, they engage in various physical and mental training exercises to push their limits and prepare for life's challenges. Prayers and offerings to Takata are an integral part of their daily routine, seeking blessings and strength from their patron deity.
Symbols & Signs:
The symbol of the Blades of Takata is a stylized depiction of a torii gate, or a katana blade crossed with a war fan, representing the dual aspects of martial prowess and discipline. Members often bear this symbol on their clothing or weapons. The color red, symbolizing courage and passion, is commonly associated with the sect.
History:
The history of the Blades of Takata is marked by tales of valor, honor, and legendary battles. Over the years, they have remained an ever-present force in the lands they inhabit, sometimes revered as champions of virtue and other times feared as formidable adversaries. Their enduring commitment to the way of the warrior and their patron deity, Takata, has allowed them to transcend the boundaries of time and become a symbol of unwavering devotion to martial excellence.