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Swift-Arm
Swift-Arm, Golden-Tail headmaster
Details
Race Kitsune
Birthplace Kamigawa
Lifetime Mending Era

Swift-Arm is a kitsune member of the Hyozan Reckoners from Kamigawa.

Description[ | ]

Swift-Arm is a kitsune who runs the elite Golden-Tail Academy for Imperial samurai. He is described as wearing Imperial armor that is strategically designed to fit his kitsune shape, with the armor displaying shades of gold, bronze, and russet. An extravagant fan spreads out behind his back, and his helmet matches the rest of his armor. Swift-Arm has a strict and stern demeanor, which is reflected in his speech and the way he interacts with others, particularly in his role as a trainer of samurai. He values discipline and respect, evident in his reaction to Kaito Shizuki's initial hesitance and later sparring performance.[1]

History[ | ]

Swift-Arm appeared as part of Kaito's journey within the Imperial Palace. Initially, he was assigned to oversee Kaito's training after Light-Paws decided that Kaito and his sister, Eiko, should no longer be sparring partners. Swift-Arm introduced Kaito to his new sparring partner, who turned out to be the Emperor of Kamigawa herself. During their training sessions, Swift-Arm remained a watchful presence, ensuring that Kaito maintained the decorum and seriousness expected of an Imperial student.

Over time, Swift-Arm's role as a mentor diminished as Kaito's personal beliefs began to clash with the Imperial teachings. Kaito's growing disillusionment with the rigid structure and limitations imposed by the Imperials, particularly regarding technology and its regulation, distanced him from the expectations Swift-Arm and the rest of the palace had for him. Ultimately, Light-Paws informed Kaito that he would no longer train with the Emperor, and Swift-Arm's involvement in Kaito's life came to an end as Kaito decided to forge his path, rejecting the role of a samurai and the rigid structure of the Imperial system. This decision marked a significant turning point for Kaito, separating him from the guidance and influence of figures like Swift-Arm.[1]

In-game references[ | ]

Quoted or referred to:

Story appearances[ | ]

Title Author Publishing date Set Setting (plane) Featuring
Episode 1: A Stranger in Eiganjo Akemi Dawn Bowman 2022-01-24 Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Kamigawa Kaito Shizuki, Eiko Shizuki, Light-Paws, Swift-Arm, The Wanderer, Katsumasa, Kyodai, Tezzeret
Duskmourn: House of Horror - Episode 2: Don't Split the Party Mira Grant 2024-08-20 Duskmourn: House of Horror Duskmourn Kaito Shizuki, The Wanderer, Nashi (mentioned), Zimone Wola, Niv-Mizzet (mentioned), Tyvar Kell, Niko Aris, Himoto, Swift-Arm (mentioned), Birgi (mentioned), Winter

References[ | ]

  1. a b Akemi Dawn Bowman (January 24, 2022). "Episode 1: A Stranger in Eiganjo". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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