Blademasters

Wielders of the Heron-Marked Blade
Some followers of I'kitai who have shown great promise with the blade are taken to the Jade Palace to train to become Blademasters. The heron-marked blade of a blademaster strikes fear into even the most battle-weathered veteran. Blademasters are known far and wide, their exploits the stuff of legend. Blademasters train for several years to perfect their craft of swordsmanship, to the point where they envision themselves more as artists than fierce fighters, moving through their forms in an unending, darkly beautiful dance of death. Once they have completed their training, the only way to become a blademaster is to kill one (there are only 100 swords) and claim their blade. If a blademaster seeks to further their abilities they may present the blade to the Jade Lady. The specifics of what transpires is clouded, but what is known is that if the the victor survives he or she is bestowed the title Warder, which is held at an even higher level. Warders are linked to the power of the Jade Lady, and may draw from her power to move quicker, become stronger, and enact amazing feats of physique.