The Onna-bugeisha are female fighters of the Samurai caste, the daughters of proud warrior families, and the equal of any man in combat. These women have the responsibility of defending the family lands and castle in times of war.
From the earliest days of Japanese rule, women were trained in the art of battle, becoming proficient with knives and pole weapons. When communities were short of male fighters, the women would step up to bolster the ranks, using their naginata and tanto to great effect!
Some Onna-bugeisha became legendary figures during the various wars that punctuate Japan’s storied history. One, the Empress Jingu, allegedly conquered the whole of the Korean peninsula without spilling a single drop of blood. Another, Onamihime, became the de facto head of the Nikaido clan and led their armies into battle during the Sengoku period.
Onna-bugeisha with Longbows
Female Samurai are adept with all kinds of weapons and their favourite armament is the heavy-bladed naginata, but they are also accomplished archers and it is in this guise that they are presented here. Our Onna-bugeisha carry sturdy longbows capable of shooting a heavy arrow with great accuracy and deadly effect.
Armoured Onna-bugeisha with Naginata
The favoured weapon of the Onna-bugeisha is the heavy-bladed naginata Clad in protective yet flexible armour these Onna-bugeisha wield their iconic naginata with deadly skill and grace – woe betide those foolish enough to cross their path…
Onna-Bugeisha on the Battlefield
ONNA-BUGEISHA
Warrior Unit
Points Value: 62
| Unit: Onna-Bugeisha | Ag | Acc | Str | Res | Init | Co | Special |
| 1x Onna Bugeisha leader with naginata | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | Tough |
| 4 x Onna Bugeisha with naginata | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 |
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The Onna-Bugeisha are a solid second-line unit, with a decent variety of equipment, allowing them to be tailored to many different battlefield roles. Armed with bows, they are an excellent way to support your samurai as they lead the charge, or bolster a firing line of handgun armed Ashigaru.
Land of the Rising Sun!
The Samurai list for Warlords of Erehwon (available as a free download here) allows players the freedom to field a Samurai force that best reflects their sensibilities; whilst the environment of Erehwon is indeed a realm of fantasy, this list allows players the opportunity to construct a list based more in history if they so wish, or indulge in the most fantastical elements to create and wield a unique, satisfying and truly resplendent army on the tabletop.
Dan Hewitson
