Tarma is a rare survivor of a tribe of Ao-Oni (blue oni). Most of them were wiped out by the smaller yet militarily superior Aka-Oni (red oni). She and a small group of Ao-Oni were seeking shelter in the Forest of Shadows near the Black Citadel. The Empress' handmaiden Sitheena and her escorts accidentally stumbled across them. She convinced Tarma to spare their lives, and she would talk to the Emperor to grant them sanctuary and to help re-build their society. They have proved themselves a great asset to the Emperor's army, as they are strong and voracious warriors on the battlefield.