Realm of Garo

The fictional world of the Japanese tokusatsu series Garo features the conflict between Horrors, demons who manifest themselves through the darkness in humans, and the Makai, an ancient order dedicated to protecting normal humans from the Horrors. The primary fighting force of the Makai order is called the Makai Knights, who are dispatched mainly to exterminate Horrors and most of the time, each knight is assigned a district to watch over. There is also the Makai Priests, whose jobs are primarily to support the knights, mainly as their armorers, supports or as their sidekicks, but there are also those operating on their own. In addition, there are various magical areas within the world which display supernatural qualities or are home to otherworldly beings.

In the fight against Horrors, two groups are formed in the Makai Order: The armored warriors called Makai Knights and the magic users called Makai Priests. Though both groups are forbidden from killing humans, even if they are the ones behind Horror incidents, Makai Knights and Priests are allowed to execute those in their order who have turned into dangerous rogues whose actions threaten all, and those who have been infected with Horror blood as a form of mercy killing. Regardless of formality and familiarity, members of the order usually address each one by given names instead of family names.

In the Garo: The Animation's universe, rules regarding dealing with humans are even stricter. Knights and Priests alike are forbidden to raise arms against non-practicing humans under all circumstances, even for self-defense. The rule of not harming humans extends even to those within the Order, as while it is allowed to fight fallen fellow Knights and Priests, execution, be it on-site or as a verdict of a trial, is strictly forbidden. Punishment of the direst offenders is carried out by expulsion and branding them with cursed marks all over their body, which passes down the bloodline, both to remind the offender of the offense, and to prevent future association of the offender and their bloodline with the Makai Order.

The Makai Knights (魔戒騎士, Makai Kishi) are the primary elite fighting force of the Makai and formed for one specific purpose only--to hunt down Horrors. As mentioned in the Madō Book of Origins, the seeds that Zedom would have used to create Madō Horrors are utilized by Makai Priests to create plants which Soul Metal is derived from. From mastering Soul Metal and forging it into wolf-themed suits of armor, the Makai Knights came into being. Like Makai Priests, Makai Knighthood is also known to be a family affair, with the Saezima and Yamagatana lines among the revered, and are documented in Makai books for information purposes. While title and armor of a Makai Knight is usually passed down the generations, it can also be inherited through the bond of master and apprentice. According to Kengi, one of Kouga's old mentors, only men are allowed to become Makai Knights for reasons yet to be explained. Regardless, raised to control their emotions and their yin and yang balance, Makai Knights are trained to use Soul Metal blades in combat with some incorporating magic in their fighting styles.

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