Ito Clan
The Ito clan embody the sinister virtues of their totem animal, the snake. Swift and deadly, but also cunning and patient, the Ito are famous for their samurai's peerless swordsmanship. Far more subtle but no less dangerous are the crippling curses of the priestesses of the hungry serpent god.
Obsessed with vengeance, no underhand trick is beneath the followers of Orochi. Poison is their preferred tool; delivered by an assassin's dagger or the asp's fang, but their scheming is without limit. Ambushes, blackmail, mockery, terror, and worse. For the sake of power, the Ito sacrifice honor, underlings, the natural order, and even their own humanity. The Jade Witch calls forth ancient horrors best forgotten while renegade shugenjas steal the power of the spirits to blight the world with new abominations.
Doubters point to the light armor and weak constitution of Ito warriors. They gawk at the disunity and schisms that have rival factions undermining one another rather than empowering them as allies. Fools all! The many hardships the Ito endure make them hungry. Victory goes to those who stop at nothing to seize it.
The hour of the serpent draws near. All shall rue the day they claimed supremacy over the Ito clan!
Playstyle
The Ito Clan is a powerful but unforgiving faction that rewards planning, foresight, and discipline. Generally their models are mobile but fragile, so victory depends on dictating the terms of engagement.
Followers of Orochi are infamous for inflicting negative status conditions. With the 'Blood of Orochi' mechanic, any attacks have the potential to deliver damaging poison. Ki feats and special attacks reduce enemy melee pools with states, or even disable models entirely.
Ito's sword-masters, who rival those of the Takashi and Minimoto, are primed to take advantage of any moment of weakness, especially the ones you create. With superior mobility and lightning-fast draws, they easily strike first to seize the advantage. It's common for Ito models to have a combination of special attacks and defences that enable dangerous mix-ups to disorient and baffle your opponent. Combo attack or sidestep defence? Counterstrike defence or Kurouma koryu? Together these options create a deadly prediction game that the Ito player only needs to win once to leave his enemy bleeding out in the dirt.
Overall Ito is a challenging but satisfying faction that demands an understanding of both Bushido fundamentals and each model's unique capabilities. Those who master its myriad of options will be well-rewarded with victory.
- MechMage, Bushido community member.