Clan of Origin: Ki-Rin
Dojo: Shiro Otaku Shojo

Description: The Otaku Swordsman School is unique in that it is the only all-female School in Rokugan, province of the feared Otaku Battle Maidens. It is also the only fighting force to field Otaku warhorses, faster and stronger even than the horses of the rest of the Ki-Rin Clan.

Battle Maidens fight with crushing force, melding speed and destructive power seamlessly. One of the most fearsome things about a Battle Maiden charge is the fact that they do not yell a battle cry. No Battle Maiden ever has, since Otaku herself wordlessly followed Shinjo on her journey from the Empire.

The weakness of the Otaku School is its brashness. A Battle Maiden has so many advantages, she assures herself of victory. A canny foe can use her overconfidence against her and cost her the battle.

Basic Curriculum: Kenjutsu, Rider
Knacks: Cavalry Attack (Kenjutsu), Charge, Exploit Weakness (Otaku), Lunge (Kenjutsu), Trick Riding

New Swordsman Knack: Cavalry Attack. This replaces the Attack (Kenjutsu) Knack when using a sword from horseback. This is the same as the Cavalry Attack Knack found in the Kenjutsu Skill, but it is considered a Basic Knack for students of the Otaku School.

New Swordsman Knack: Trick Riding. Trick Riding lets you stand while riding (TN 15), do handstands on horseback (TN 20), hang off one side of the horse for cover (TN 20), and other flashy tricks. In addition, this Knack allows you to  mount your horse both while running (TN 15) and while leaping off a one-story building (TN 20). A well-trained mount may reduce such Target Numbers by five. This is the same as the Trick Riding Knack found in the Rider Skill, but it is considered a Basic Knack for students of the Otaku School.

Apprentice: The horsemanship displayed by the Otaku is renowned throughout Rokugan, and the feats they accomplish border on the legendary. An Otaku Battle Maiden receives one free Raise per Mastery Level on any use of her Trick Riding Knack.

Battle Maidens are trained at the dojo in Shiro Otaku Shojo. Well-respected within the Ki-Rin clan and renowned throughout Rokugan as fierce (and deadly) warriors, they receive a free Raise on all uses of the Repartee System against an inhabitant of Rokugan (or any gaijin who happens to know of their reputation).

Journeyman: A Journeyman Battle Maiden has learned to avoid damage by rolling with the impact while on foot, or by turning her mount at precisely the right moment to avoid the brunt of the blow while on horseback.The Journeyman may subtract twice her Mastery Level from all Wounds inflicted against her by a successful attack. This also applies to wounds inflicted as a result of the Mass Combat rules.

Master: The connection between a Master Battle Maiden and her steed is the stuff of legend. The Master receives the Bonded Mount Advantage (as described on page eighty-five of the Crescent Empire sourcebook) for free. This is typically the only way that someone from Rokugan can gain that particular Advantage.