Nikushimi Shinden

Nikushimi Shinden, or the Temple of Hatred is the dojo of the Tsuno. These massive horned beasts are enarly twice as tall as humans, and notorious for their lightning raids. They strike without warning and disappear just as fast. They have faught beside the Onisu that killed Emperor Toturi I and organized the raid on the Kitsu Tombs of the Lion Clan. This ability to organize combined with their savagery and power makes them a strong threat to the Empire. Deep in the Shadowlands they train young Tsuno to become warriors, preparing them to strike against their human foes. The Temple of Hatred is the largest of these schools, and although it has only been in the Shadowlands for a short time it's large commanding presence makes it seem like it has been a part of it's surroundings for countless ages. The walls of the temple are covered in the strange carvings of the Tsuno cuneiform language, depicting famous Tsuno warriors of the past. The Tsuno claim the temple has always existed, and they brought it with them when Daigotsu invited them to the Shadowlands.

Tradition
The Tsuno have a warrior tradition as strong as that of any of the Great Clans. They consider themselves to be more honorable than the humans. The Tsuno have a distinct pecking order, and treat those lower down on that order little better than animals. They are vicious and cruel in combat, as their weapons and combat styles are designed to inflict as much pain as possible. Sometimes they choose to leave their enemies horribly disfigured rather than killing them. To the Tsuno bearing pain is a sign of great strength, and thus inflicting a huge pain on an enemy and letting them live is a noble gesture. The Tsuno have an intense hatred for humans, and consider them animals that need to be exterminated. This hatred is most focused against the Lion Clan or anyone associated with Toturi I. Even their allies among the Lost are looked upon with disdain, and Tsuno would prefer the company of ogres and trolls above them. The sole exception to this is Daigotsu, whom the Tsuno treat with a respect and reverence often reserved for divine beings.

Training
Tsuno training is harsh, and they are given real weapons on their first day of training. Not all practice duels are to the death, but all still use leathal weapons. Injury is common, and those who are injured so badly they cannot fight are expected to destroy themselves in a ceremony similar to seppuku in Rokugan. Tsuno are often left in harsh areas of the Shadowlands in packs, and expected to survive through teamwork and interdependance. These pack members become fiercely loyal to eachother, to the point where they can read eachothers minds and share eachothers pain. Or so rumour has it. While the truth of this is only known to the Tsuno, it has been observed that they will gladly sacrifice their lives for other pack members. Pack members will also never leave the corpse of a fallen member on the battlefield.

Elite Troops
Their elite troops are known as the Tsuno Ravagers. They are not made, but born, and are the natural leaders of the Tsuno packs. Occasionally a Tsuno chieftain will order an entire pack of Ravagers to train together, creating the elite units such as the one that was responsible for the raid on the Kitsu Tombs.

Sensei
The dojo is always led by an elderly Ravager, who is too old to effectively fight anymore, but too wise for his experience to be wasted. They are expected to be mercyless in training.

Notable Sensei

 * Tsuno Kizuato

Notable Students

 * Tsuno Kurushimi

Major References

 * Way of the Samurai Pages 88-89.