The Headhunters

The Headhunters are Commander Kitoypoy's personally-trained unit of elite guards who are also traditional Filipino dancers. They typically are used to expand his efforts to protect the Chief Rabbit , Queen Sable Aradia.  

Origins and Cultural Traditions

The group originally performed under the name of the Pit Patrol Troupe, captivating audiences by blending traditional Filipino dance forms with intricate martial arts movements. As part of their authentic performance attire and personal identity, members wore various Agimat tattoos, sacred, traditionally protective charms that they chose to wear as intricate body art. Unbeknownst to them at the time, these geometric markings and rhythmic movements were deeply tied to ancient, dormant arcane practices.

The First Tome War and Awakening

At the sudden outbreak of The First Word War, the troupe was actively touring across Canada. They were locked down in Kelowna when the terrifying presence of The Nite Qing manifested. Thrust directly into the chaotic conflict, Kitoypoy and Company were in the area when Sable Lapin returned home from Billings and joined the fight. During the course of the war, the troupe experienced an extraordinary awakening. They discovered that the fluid dance routines they had practiced and refined for years were not merely theatrical performances, but functional combat styles and carefully concealed Literomantic rituals.

Artifacts and Wartime Operations

In tandem with their martial awakening, their elaborate stage costumes and ceremonial prop weapons were revealed to be genuine ancient magical artifacts. These items became fully reawakened as the return of Literomantic Energy catalyzed their latent abilities, granting the performers formidable combat capabilities. Throughout the course of the war, the troupe adapted quickly, making lethal use of their newfound talents.   Relying on exceptional mobility, stealth, and heightened situational awareness, they have operated frequently behind enemy lines to disrupt hostile command structures. To coordinate complex strikes without compromising their positions, team members utilize distinct bird calls to communicate across vast distances. Their psychological warfare tactics are equally potent: they consistently leave the decapitated bodies of their high-value targets behind as grim warnings to opposing forces, earning them their fearsome reputation.

Legacy as a Special Owsla Unit

The Headhunters were deployed in the defense of Queen Sable at The Battle of Kin Beach, and successfully defended her in the famous attempted rescue of the Forgelings, despite heavy casualties. The survivors saw action at the Battle of Mount Mitchell as well, taking out key targets and keeping a number of Lord GalaWight's military-trained Zombie commanders too busy to be as effective as they could have.   The Headhunters sacrificed themselves to a man defending the Bunny Queen in the Battle of the Tunnels in The Fourth Word War as well, while Owsla Lt. Dame Flubb carried the critically wounded queen to safety. For this, they were issued a unit citation and The Queen's Crescent by Queen Sable the following year.   When deployed or sighted on the battlefield, the group presents a striking and terrifying appearance. Dressed in vivid red and black garb embellished with feather adornments and intricate face paint, their presence strikes immediate fear into the hearts of their adversaries. Transitioning from artistic performers to veteran tactical operatives, this specialized Owsla unit remains one of the most intimidating and elite force-multipliers in the theatre of war.   While technically it is five soldiers per each 20 sub-Bodyguard unit who are permitted to be Literomancers by The Treaty of Monte Carlo, most of House Lapin's allotment is occupied by the Headhunters.