Tapasa

The Tapasa are stoic, disciplined and fiercely loyal to Silat. They speak infrequently, but their comments demonstrate independent judgment rather than mindless obedience.

They are protective of both their young master and the future of the Bakiraka. When Silat considers dangerous courses of action, they sometimes question whether the potential reward justifies the risk to their clan.

Despite their intimidating appearance, the Tapasa occasionally display a dry sense of humor. Their attempts to behave inconspicuously can have the opposite effect because their enormous physiques and exaggerated smiles make ordinary people nervous.

The Tapasa are among the most physically formidable ordinary humans in Berserk. Their bodies have been conditioned until their hands and feet effectively function as weapons.

They can smash armored soldiers with strikes, deflect incoming arrows and throw objects of extraordinary weight, including stone pillars. Their speed is equally remarkable considering their enormous builds.

Unlike many opponents encountered later in the series, the Tapasa do not rely on supernatural transformation. Their feats come from the extreme martial training of the Bakiraka clan. Even Rakshas acknowledges their reputation, although his Apostle abilities allow him to outmaneuver them.

The Tapasa first accompany Silat during the Bakiraka mission to locate and capture the prophesied White Falcon. They remain beside him as the political situation shifts from Midland's collapse to Ganishka's invasion.

When Griffith appears, the Tapasa attempt to reach him but are intercepted by Rakshas, whose presence reveals that the exiled Bakiraka has become something the clan considers taboo.

They later accompany Silat while investigating Ganishka's increasingly horrific supernatural military program. Their loyalty gradually shifts toward protecting the Bakiraka rather than blindly serving the Kushan emperor.

In Falconia, the Tapasa help Silat protect Rickert and Erica from Rakshas. They use equipment modified by Rickert to cover Rakshas in flammable liquid and participate in the group's escape alongside Daiba.

Silat is the Tapasa's young master and the leader they protect throughout their appearances. Their loyalty to him is one of their defining characteristics.

Rakshas is an exiled former Bakiraka whom the Tapasa regard as a taboo. They confront him repeatedly but struggle against his supernatural Apostle body.

Griffith is initially the target the Bakiraka hope to capture in exchange for restoration of their clan.

Ganishka employs the Bakiraka during the Kushan campaign, though Silat and the Tapasa become increasingly unwilling to entrust their clan's future to his monstrous rule.

Rickert becomes an ally during the escape from Falconia, with his inventions helping the Tapasa fight Rakshas.

Erica travels with the group the Tapasa help protect from Rakshas.

Daiba joins Silat, the Tapasa, Rickert and Erica during their escape from Falconia.