Shugenja Taryu-Jiai

Shugenja Taryu-Jiai is the title of the scroll written by Kakita and Isawa Ujikki detailing Taryu-Jiai, the protocol for shugenja to have tests of honor against each other.

History
Kakita was the Emerald Champion of Rokugan, and as such was a staunch supporter of iaijutsu duels and their place as a way of deciding matters of honor. Shortly after publication of his treastie "The Sword," he was approached by the Elemental Master Isawa Ujikki. Master Ujikki asked Kakita how shugenja should defend their honor, since they were not devoted to the sword. Kakita found himself with no answer.

The Champion and the Master spent much time over the following days in discussion with each other on this topic. After many nights of meditation and many days of conversation, the result of their conversations was published in the scroll entitled "Shugenja Taryu-Jiai."

Shugenja and Duels
A shugenja is not typically taught the ways of kenjutsu or iaijutsu, so a shugenja that does not wear a katana can have a champion take his place in a duel and can refuse to fight in a battle. Many shugenja, especially those from the Isawa family, view the calling of the shugenja as of more importance than rank or awarded honor, and strive to use their powers only for peace, entering battle only when convinced that more lives will be lost if they do not act.

However, if a sugenja wears the katana, he must be prepared to use it, whether that be in a duel, on a battlefield, or in any other manner demanded of him. A shugenja may choose instead to wear only the wakizashi as a symbol of his status as a member of the samurai caste, or the shugenja may choose to wear neither blade, simply leting his scroll satchel reflect his favor with the kami. (Phoenix p. 23)

Taryu-Jiai
A taryu-jiai duel functions nearly identically to an iaijutsu duel, except that elemental magic is used instead of swords. Prior to the duel, the challenger must receive permission from his daimyo, who must then request permission for the duel from the challenged shugenja's lord. Once both daimyo have agreed to the duel, the two contestants will face each other, and either will have a chance to concede victory to the opponent, as it is never a loss of face to recognize a more superior opponent.

The major difference between duels of bushi and shugenja is that shugenja tend to focus on their opponent's weaknesses less and instead simply shower the other person with raw elemental power. It is a spectacular sight to behold, and in the end, the shugenja who is in the better condition afterward is declared the winner.

Major References

 * Way of the Phoenix Pages 53-54.