Tsuruchi Keiji

Tsuruchi Keiji
Tsuruchi Bounty Hunter
Clan:	Mantis Clan
Daimyo:	Tsuruchi Shoin
Glory:	6
Honor:	5
Status:	1.4
Rank:	1
Player:	John Lin

Family and Background

Born in the summer of 1118, Keiji's recorded family line starts with his father, Akihito, who abandoned his wife and took his two sons with him to the Tsuruchi family after winning the annual archery tournament at Kyuden Ashinagabachi. Keiji was only 10 at the time and spent much of his time watching over his infant brother in addition to acclimating to training along side the other Tsuruchi children. His sensei credited him with exceptional talent, obviously attained through hereditary means, but somewhat weak in academics and not well practiced. "Too reliant on natural talent, lacking in discipline" was a repeated criticism. In reality, Keiji's studies and practice sessions were often interrupted by his responsibilities for caring for his baby brother, but he made no excuses for falling behind.

1133 was a bittersweet year. While the War Against the Shadow had ended right before Keiji gempukked, news of the final battle reached Tsuruchi provinces. Counted among the dead was Tsuruchi Akihito. At the age of 15, Tsuruchi Keiji was a full fledged member of the Tsuruchi family and samurai of the Mantis clan and head of his household. Keiji soon learned that his father had not only used up his own meager savings to have relocated the family, but had borrowed money from a Shinjo governor who had come to watch the archery tournament. Akihito had been repaying the debt slowly from his stipend and supplementing additional funds gained from personal bounty work. This debt now fell to Keiji to repay. However, between the cost of raising a 5 year old, and his own basic needs, this was difficult, and he understood why his father enrolled him in the Bounty Hunter school: Bounties were lucrative work.

Reputation and Known Information

The name of Tsuruchi Keiji is known to many by now, though the specifics of his exploits are often lost. Most assume, correctly, that he follows his family's trade as a skilled bounty hunter. Several magistrates, both Emerald and Clan, would recommend his services if such a need arose, because they know that he will get the job done.

While a few recommendations and offers have been made for him to work for the Emerald Magistrates regularly, thus far Keiji has refused such offers for unknown reasons. His response is usually "Not at this time".

Memorable Quotes

"Very well, I will be your scumbag."

"If you mean to tell me that the Unicorn and Lion will only respect the Mantis by a show of steel, then one of you can meet me outside for Iaijutsu."

Keiji: *Addressing an captive bandit who has an arrow sticking out of one leg* "So, how's your leg feeling."
Bandit: "It's fine -sama. I'm sure it will heal."
Keiji: *Nocks an arrow* "I wasn't talking about that leg."

Fictions

A Walk Through the Wilds (Pending Approval)

Modules Played

0-8, 10, 11, 13-26