Bitter Lies Swordsman

Please note: This article is about the school. For other uses of the term, please see Dark Sword of Bitter Lies (disambiguation).
The Bitter Lies Swordsman was a school of kenjutsu developed by Bayushi Tangen Legend of the Five Rings; Fourth Edition, p. 254 and popularized by Bayushi Kwanchai. Initially it was taught exclusively in the Dojo of Bitter Lies. The techniques taught by this school seemed to work only for those who were extremely lucky, mad, or both. Secrets of the Scorpion, pp. 21 & 26 The popularity of the school made it to extend its training upon the Honor's Lesson Dojo. Emerald Empire: Third Edition, p. 194
== Techniques ==
The samurai practicing the Bitter Lies techniques tended to be extremely lucky in battles and duels, especially when facing difficult or impossible odds. Tangen himself earned the nickname "the Failed Martyr" when he survived numerous suicide missions, and his protegee Bayushi Kwanchai miraculously survived a battle with the onisu Fushin in which he was burned and fell from a high bridge into the river below. 
Tangen, who had never successfully passed on his technique, agreed to teach Kwanchai only after months of pestering. He was both shocked and dismayed when Kwanchai proved able to master the style. 
== Trademark Mempo ==
Many Bitter Lies students wore a Fire Maple Mempo to emulate their sensei Bayushi Kwanchai. Fire Mempo (Rise of the Shogun flavor)
== Military Tactics ==
The Scorpion used the Bitter Lies in combat with suicidal charges. Nothing stroke more fear into an army like a Bitter Lies Swordsman charging the front lines alone. Defensive Screen (Lotus flavor) Their battle cry, "Prepare to face the Dark Sword of Bitter Lies!" inspires dread in allies and enemies alike. Secrets of the Scorpion, p. 28 The Bitter Lies samurai had never been more than a joke or a dispensable tool by the Scorpion, but Kwanchai's wife, Bayushi Hisako, had turned them into something greater. Bayushi Yousui (Words and Deeds flavor)
== History ==
=== Second Dojo ===
Another dojo was built at Toshi Ranbo under the patronage of Bayushi Tsimaru. Tales of the Emerald Championship (Imperial Herald v2#23), by Shawn Carman
=== Legion Fostered to the Mantis ===
In 1200 a legion of the Bitter Lies was placed under the command of the Mantis Clan Champion Yoritomo Hiromi, as a show of good faith to the Mantis, who had been attacked by rogue Scorpion forces, leading in the corruption of the Shrine to Yoritomo. Spring Kotei 2015 Fiction Act 1: Opening Moves, Day 3, by Chris Hand, Maxime Lemaire, Mari Murdock, Fred Wan, and Robert Denton
== Notable Students ==
* Bayushi Akagi
* Bayushi Azumamoru
* Bayushi Ebara
* Bayushi Eisaku
* Bayushi Gaho
* Bayushi Hisako
* Bayushi Ishikura
* Bayushi Kaneo
* Bayushi Kayama
* Bayushi Kwanchai
* Bayushi Mago
* Bayushi Minoru
* Bayushi Orijitte
* Bayushi Ryouya
* Bayushi Sakai
* Bayushi Shaiga
* Bayushi Sharaku
* Bayushi Shigehiro
* Bayushi Shusui
* Bayushi Tangen
* Bayushi Toshimo
* Bayushi Yousui
Category:Scorpion Clan Schools