Mt. Reikaku
Mt. Reikaku is a mountain in Souun, the western capital of Konan. Inhabited by bandits, it is known to be dangerous as well as a spiritual place. Citizens and bandits alike believe it was where a demon was sealed. Tasuki and Kouji both live in bandit's mountainside stronghold.
Bandit Activity
Bandit Stronghold
The Mt. Reikaku bandits have been lead by many leaders throughout the years. In Genro Den, Tasuki's Light Novel, Hakurou, who also acted as a mentor/father figure to Tasuki, was in charge. As Tasuki slowly acquired all the skills one needed to be a bandit, his leader fell ill. Before his death, Tasuki had left to find a cure, but as soon as he passed, a bandit called Eiken took over. Even though Hakurou named Tasuki as his successor, Eiken would not give up command when Tasuki returned.
Hakurou's Grave
After he met Miaka and the rest of the warriors, he defeated Eiken. But Tasuki did not accept the full responsibility of a leader and left the mountain and the bandits in Kouji's hands while he fulfilled his destiny as a Celestial Warrior of Suzaku.
When the battle with Nakago was over and Miaka and Tamahome went to the real world, Tasuki assumed command like Hakurou intended.
Then Tenkou rose to power and Tasuki left his position once more to fight alongside his priestess and fellow warriors before finally returning to Mt. Reikaku.
Rivalries
Tasuki and Kouji in Genro Den
One of Mt. Reikaku's worst enemies, the Kaou bandits live on Mt. Kaou, a nearby mountain. They are introduced in the light novel but never mentioned in the original manga or anime. Ruled at one point by the perverted Kieron, Reirei's older brother in Genro Den, and then used by Tenkou in his schemes, there is often conflict between the Kaou and Reikaku bandits, although the Kaou bandits are known to be rogues and less organized than their rivals.
Power and Influence
Tasuki, Kieron, and Reirei in Genro Den
It's said Mt. Reikaku harbors a demon that is able to see the good and evil in people as they cross the slopes. A demon called Dokoro was once prominent there before Tasuki and Kouji defeated it after Reirei, a pivotal character in Genro Den, gave her life for the safety of the bandits.
The bandit's influence is not specifically addressed in the original manga and anime, although they are renowned fighters and thieves. But in OVA 2, when Tasuki was denied permission to purchase a room at a tavern along with Miaka, he reminded the master of the house of the day his bandits raided the pub, which certified their criminal activity outside Mt. Reikaku.