Encounter-a-Day

When he was mortal, it is said Kenuchi was the greatest swordsman alive. He reportedly never lost a fight, but even harder to believe he never killed anyone. Kenuchi believed that defeat was the most important lesson to be learned in swordplay, and to kill your opponent is to rob them of such valuable knowledge.

Kenuchi’s swordsmanship attained such perfection that he actually transcended mortality, becoming a god. His followers run the gamut from strictly-regimented soldiers to chaotic barbarians. Some follow his tenets more closely than others. Kenuchi’s priests are almost entirely composed of duelists who have dedicated themselves to mastering their chosen weapon. A number of craftsmen also follow Kenuchi, less interested in his skill at swords than his dedication to his chosen discipline.

Kenuchi’s charge is given by the Five Doctrines of the Sword:

1. Never refuse a challenge. If you believe you will win a fight, it is your duty to teach your opponent so that he may improve his own skills. If you believe you will lose, then embrace the opportunity for learning.
2. Seek out challenges. If you always stick to what you’re sure you can do, you will stagnate.
3. Fight fairly. Do not hold back, for doing so would only deprive your opponent.
4. Do not fear death. The path of the warrior is the path of death. It is not a goal, either to be attained or visited upon others, but it nonetheless is the inevitable outcome.
5. Do not kill needlessly. The true test of skill for a warrior is the judgment, ability and restraint to turn a killing blow into an incapacitating blow.

The second and fifth doctrines are the most sacred to followers of the Sword Saint. It’s worth noting that the third doctrine is not intended to forbid “dirty tricks;” indeed, they are as important to have in your arsenal as any of your other skills. Rather, the third doctrine commands that you fight to win and that you respect your opponent.

The third doctrine is, however, more literally adhered to by Kenuchi’s non-martial followers. Related to the first and second Doctrines, they feel it is important not to sabotage the crafts of one’s competition. Success in the marketplace should be attained on your own merits, not by devaluing the work of others.

Kenuchi’s holy symbol is a simple sword, and he is also associated with owls and ants.