Shiro Utaku Shojo Dojo

The Shiro Utaku Shojo Dojo is like the other Unicorn Clan dojo in that it was not actually built until after the Return of the Ki-Rin in the ninth century. The fighting styles of the Battle Maidens had been passed down for generations since the time of Otaku, but were not finally written down until the actual construction of the dojo. The dojo has become one of the most fortified structures in Rokugan, representing the legendary strength of the Battle Maidens. Shiro Utaku Shojo itself is relatively small, as the Battle Maidens is an extremely exclusive group. Despite their few numbers the Shiotome are the shock troops of the Unicorn and their battle cry is feared throughout the Empire.

Brink of Destruction
During the War Against Shadow the Battle Baidens were nearly wiped out in an ill concieved assault on Oni no Okura at Shiro Matsu, and the later return of Shinjo revealing many of the Utaku to be Kolat further diminished their forces. When Otaku Kamoko sacrificed herself to destroy the Dark Moto it seemed as if the days of the Utaku were numbered, with few remaining with an actual bloodline to Otaku. Ten years after the death of Kamoko she was taken to the heavens to dwell there by Lady Shinjo, and a rain of sparkling stars rained upon Shiro Utaku Shojo. To many it was an ill Omen, but to the sturprise of many the next three years saw an extraordinary increase in births among the Utaku. Some of the Battle Maidens gave birth to twins, and for unknown reasons the mortality rate for mothers and children was at its lowest, and all who were born within this time, with one exception, were girls. Shugenja investigated the strange phenomena and determined it was a blessing from their lost Thunder.

Traditions
The strongest tradition within the Battle Maidens is based on when Otaku swearing fealty to Shinjo. Otaku did not speak a word when she swore fealty, and the Battle Maidens have followed her philosophy of purity through actions, not words. The Battle Maidens do not need to waste words describing their valor or honor, their actions speak loudly enough. They rarely apologize, as they feel if they have made an error they will just correct it instead. Only Utaku are allowed to ride the powerful Utaku steeds, who are descendants of the mighty horse Vata and his herd. Each Battle Maiden is bounds to their particular steed, whom she treats as a friend, an ally and an extension of herself. The female Utaku are told from birth that they have been chosen by the blood of Otaku, and are intended a greater destiny than common women. This leads to many Utaku being brash and confident, but this arrogance is tempered by a strong sense of duty. It is also traditional for all students at the dojo to spend one night within the halls of Otaku Seido, the Shrine to the first Unicorn Thunder.

Training
Training is mostly on horseback, focusing on the naginata and katana. Although some of the Utaku also possess skill in archery the majority leave that up to the Shinjo. The Shiotome prefer to engage their opponents directly where their finely hones prowess and the superior strength of their steeds crush their enemies. They are trained to rely upon other Battle Maidens and to adjust quickly when the strength of lesser allies fails. They thrive on the heat of battle and, contrary to logic, manage to survive in the thick of battle.

Visiting Students
Students of other clans are sometimes allowed to visit the dojo, but never to ride the horses, and the secret techniques of the Utaku are not shown either. The only teaching they would be offered is a minimalist version available in any Ronin dojo. Although students are trained by the vastly superior Utaku sensei they still leave the dojo feeling like they somehow missed something.

Dojo Benefits
The name of the Utaku Battle Maidens carries a great deal of weight in Rokugan, even after their defeats during the War Against Shadow, and only a fool would take the Shiotome lightly. The Shiotome often distinguish themselves by mounting a singe horn upon the head barding of their steed, giving the appearance of a Unicorn. Other Unicorn who do this are frowned upon by the Shiotome.

Sensei
Unlike many other schools in Rokugan the chief sensei of the dojo is always the Daimyo of the Utaku family. Although this may seem as very demanding of the daimyo as she also leads the Utaku into battle it seems to fit very well with the traditions of the Battle Maidens. Though the daimyo is the head sensei, there are usually a group of lesser sisters who perform the actual teaching. The true duties of the master sensei are occasional inspections of the younger students and a group training lesson with the katana or nagiata once a week.

Notable Sensei

 * Utaku Xieng Chi

Notable Students

 * Utaku Yu-Pan

Major References

 * Way of the Samurai Pages 70-71.