| Munetsugu Takeno | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Race | Human, later Spirit |
| Birthplace | Eiganjo, Kamigawa |
| Born | 3171 AR |
| Died | 3227 AR |
| Colors | |
 | |
| Sources | |
| Outlaw: Champions of Kamigawa, Heretic: Betrayers of Kamigawa, Guardian: Saviors of Kamigawa, Duty Bound | |
General Munetsugu Takeno (tah-KAY-noh)[1][2] was the leader of the Eiganjo samurai forces of daimyo Takeshi Konda on the plane of Kamigawa. He was present during the ritual of Konda's crime. Before and after, he served Konda faithfully and without question.
Description[ | ]
Takeno was obsessed with justice, leading some buke claims that he was blessed by the great kami of justice as a young samurai.[2] It was said that he didn't live by bushido, but that Takeno was bushido. He wore full dō-maru armor, and his kabuto bore the Konda crest. His famous daishō, Oathkeeper, hung at his waist.
History[ | ]
At age 34, Takeno was given command of Daimyo Konda's forces, from his 700 samurai to the lowliest peasant piker.[2] The Kami War began two years later. In the early days of the War, Takeno would lead his forces down Eiganjo Hill every third morning, descending the rocky tower’s long, spiraling path on horseback at full gallop to face scores of kami.
Takeno demonstrated his unwavering loyalty, discipline, and dedication to duty as a samurai lord. Upon entering the great hall of Eiganjo, Takeno exuded authority, fully armed and clad in the daimyo's personal guard's armor. He swiftly chastised the courtier, Atsumori Fushimi, for delaying the report of a dire situation in the village of Kodaira. Takeno's sense of responsibility was evident as he rushed to interrogate the young soldier, Shiro, who delivered the message, displaying both sternness and concern for proper conduct.[3]
When informed of the nezumi attack on Kodaira, Takeno immediately organized a response, assembling his elite guard to ride out and confront the threat. Despite the urgency, he remained calculated, relying on his experience to devise a strategy. Leading his men into battle, Takeno's calm demeanor and tactical prowess resulted in a successful surprise attack on the nezumi. During the battle, Takeno was briefly incapacitated but was saved by Shiro, who ultimately sacrificed his life. Takeno admired the soldier's bravery and competence but remained steadfast in upholding the daimyo's strict rules. Upon the battle's conclusion, he harshly reprimanded Captain Matsuda for allowing villagers into the outpost, which was against the daimyo's orders, and ordered his arrest. Takeno's actions reflected the rigid enforcement of rules, even at the cost of compassion.[3]
By the time the War reached its climax, Takeno was already an old man with aching bones. He scarcely left Eiganjo, leaving the field leadership to the younger generals. When O-Kagachi attacked Eiganjo, Takeno refused to abandon his lord. When it was apparent that the castle was going to be destroyed, Takeno demanded an explanation for Konda's actions. When O-Kagachi broke the wall of Konda's inner chamber, Takeno leaped in the way of a huge flying sliver of rock that was about to impale Konda. Impaled himself, he fell with the rock hunk to the yard below.
After Toshiro Umezawa stole the Taken One, O-Kagachi disappeared. Konda found himself left among debris and dead bodies. However, the Eiganjo soldiers that died fighting O-Kagachi were recreated in spirit form, Takeno included. The spirit-Takeno had a hypertrophied sword-arm, fused with his katana. Along with the rest of the spirit army, the spirit-Takeno ceased to exist when O-Kagachi was destroyed by the Sisters of Flesh and Spirit.
Story appearances[ | ]
| Title | Author | Publishing date | Set | Setting (plane) | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duty Bound | Ed Stark | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | Kamigawa | Munetsugu Takeno, Atsumori Fushimi, Shiro, Matsuda |
| Outlaw: Champions of Kamigawa | Scott McGough | September 2004 | Champions of Kamigawa | Kamigawa | Pearl-Ear, Michiko Konda, Takeshi Konda, Munetsugu Takeno, Iki Hisoka, Meloku, Kyodai, Toshiro Umezawa, Marrow-Gnawer, Hidetsugu, Seitaro and Shujiro Yamazaki, Godo, Ben-Ben, Kobo, Myojin of Infinite Rage, Choryu, Riko, Sharp-Ear, Nagao, Myojin of Life's Web, Mochi, O-Kagachi, Myojin of Night's Reach |
In-game references[ | ]
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
- ↑ Magic Arcana (September 14, 2004). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c Wizards of the Coast (October 1, 2004). "Way of the Warrior Deck Insert".
- ↑ a b Ed Stark, Duty Bound