The Bushido (pronounced: /buːʃidoʊ/ boo-shee-do[2]) were a mercenary company from Kara-Tur that were based in Chessenta in the early 1360s DR.[1]
History[]
The samurai Noro Amoto founded the Bushido army to defend the lands of Kara-Tur against the Tuigan Horde during the Horde Wars of the 1350s DR. They fought valiantly, and continued marching westward.[1]
After the Tuigan's defeat, they were inspired by contact with the west to go on to Faerûn on a fact-finding mission, hoping to learn more about Faerûnian culture and military techniques. They planned to report back Kara-Tur.[1]
By the early 1360s DR, they were operating in Chessenta. The Bushido had fought two inconclusive battles against the Renegades.[1]
Organization[]
Organized as an army, the Bushido comprised 60 heavy infantry, 60 medium cavalry, and 60 mounted archers, with a 181 members in total.[1]
Activities[]
The Bushido operated as both a standing and a roaming army. Although curious about local customs and military matters, they made few attachments and remained transient.[1]
They followed the code of bushido at all times and never looted the dead.[1]
Tactics[]
Usually, the Bushido set their footmen in strong position as a wall against foes while the archers harried them. The cavalry was used for a final attack or to cover a withdrawal. Hard-riding messengers maintained contact between Noro and his three lieutenants.[1]
Equipment[]
Archers were equipped with composite shortbows, short sword, and leather armor. Cavalry wielded katanas and lances and wore banded mail. Footmen carried spears and wore brigandine armor.
Contracts[]
The Bushido accepted only honorable work and were picky over what contracts they took. They charged 700 gold pieces per week for their services.[1]
Leadership[]
They were commanded by the samurai Noro Amoto with a firm hand and total authority.[1]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Tim Beach (1992). Gold & Glory. (TSR, Inc), p. 24. ISBN 1-56076-334-5.
- ↑ James Wyatt (October 2001). Oriental Adventures (3rd edition). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 249. ISBN 0-7869-2015-7.