Traditions of the Kouryo-no-Ken

Though it is a sword school still in its infancy, the Kouryo-no-Ken has already gained several small traditions among its small collection of members; most of these were started by the school's founder, Kakita Koshin, or by his student, Daidoji Koshindou.

The Abyss

One of the strangest traditions of the Kouryo-no-Ken, it is not uncommon to see young swordsmen gazing over a cliff for long hours at a time.  Unlike many traditions, the concept of facing the abyss is never discussed, and each student must choose his own reasons, time, and place for this tradition.  Wen asked about the habit, Daidoji Koshindou made no comment, and his hesitation has infused the strange ritual with an almost mystical presence.

• No Kouryo-no-Ken character can advance to Rank 5 before facing the abyss.  It is up to the GM to decide what, if any, rules govern this test.  Because of this habit, almost all Kouryo-no-Ken characters gain the knowledge of how to swim early in their training.

The Musha Shugyo
Though it is considered an outdated principle in much of the Empire, the students of the Kouryo-no-Ken often request such a journey from their lords. Given the strange nature of the school, most daimyo permit these journeys in all but the worst times, given that the bushi seldom fail to return in good time.

• The cost to take the Musha Shugyo advantage is 1 less for a Kouryo-no-Ken character.

The Name
Though the students of the Kouryo-no-Ken often come from different families or clans, they exist to help one another train. When a samurai joins the school, he or she adds the prefix "Ko-" to their name in honor of the swordmaster. Though some do not use this philosophy (or their names do not fit well with the change) it is common among the students of the Traveling Sword.

The Three Swords
Kakita Koshin wore three swords to honor his ancestors: Kakita and Mirumoto. Though a few of the school's students are neither Crane nor Dragon, they all wear the three swords. Daidoji Koshindou once answered a question about the need for three swords as follows: "Kakita said 'One Spirit.' Mirumoto said 'Two Hands.' My sensei said 'Correct.'"

• A starting Kouryo-no-Ken character may add an additional katana to his starting equipment. Otherwise, the character uses the starting equipment appropriate to his or her family/clan bushi school.