Legend of the Five Rings - Cobalt and Steel
Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho (Violence Behind Courtliness City)
Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho, Violence Behind Courtliness City, became the capital city of Rokugan in 1160 after the Fall of Otosan Uchi in 1159. It was commonly referred to simply as “Toshi Ranbo”.
Contested City Edit Contested City sectionEdit
For generations the city had been fought over by the Lion Clan and the Crane Clan. The common folk had been forced to do what they could to survive in a city frequently consumed by war. As a result, the city was riddled with hidden rooms and escape tunnels, where refugees from the current regime could hide until friendly forces ruled again. 1
Crane – Lion Tensions Edit Crane – Lion Tensions sectionEdit
The city had been heavily contested by the Lion and Crane Clans for centuries. In 1120, the Lion Clan Champion, Akodo Arasou, and his betrothed, Matsu Tsuko, attempted to retake the castle, then under Crane control. Despite their valor, Arasou was killed and the Lion were routed by a smaller, well entrenched Daidoji garrison. 2.
Crane Assume Control Edit Crane Assume Control sectionEdit
Riot provoked by disguised Harriers
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In 1159, when the Lion Clan were distracted by the conflict with the Tsuno and troubled by Shiba Aikune’s assault, the Crane Clan engineered a plot in Toshi Ranbo to excuse a militar intervention. They provoked several riots with the secretive Daidoji Harrier units. 3
Kakita Nakazo then marched into Toshi Ranbo as it’s protector, citing the Lion Clan’s inability to protect it. Hantei Naseru intervened to arbitrate a diplomatic solution, eventually deciding in favor of the Crane Clan due to the incompetency of the Lion in avoiding the riots. 4 5
Imperial City Edit Imperial City sectionEdit
Toshi Ranbo: Imperial City
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The continuing conflicts between the Lion and Crane ended with the unlikely alliance between the two Clan Champions Matsu Nimuro and Doji Kurohito. 6 The new capital of the Empire was decided in 1160 in the newly rebuilt Imperial Court at Kyuden Miya. Doji Kurohito stepped in the Court and informed the Crane had already begun its construction, as a form of penance, to cause the distraction in the Crab from his duty due to the Yasuki issue. The city decided was the disputed Toshi Ranbo, under Lion at that time. Matsu Nimuro joined the Court and confirmed the location and their united effort with the Crane in improving the city. Nobody among the Court said a word against. 7
When it become the capital, Toshi Ranbo was growing faster than any other city in Rokugan despite some setbacks, most notably the Fires of Toshi Ranbo. In a few more years the capital would be the same size as Otosan Uchi was. The Imperial Families were the first to establish estates, but the Great and minor clans soon followed. New Doji estates were built, becoming well known throughout the Empire for its beauty and serenity. 8
Tunnel System Edit Tunnel System sectionEdit
Unknown to the rokugani the city had a tunnel system beneath the old part of the city. The nezumi used them, but they were very narrow to dwell within. 9
Districts Edit Districts sectionEdit
Since it was rapid increased in size, the city was divided into districts to better handle its day to day management.Benten District – contained the Mantis Embassy. 10 Ichidou District – contained the major shrines and temples of the city. Kurai District – largest of the districts, and home to many clan embassies and diplomatic residencies. Senzai District – quiet gardens, Toshi Ranbo’s entertainment and culture District Shijou District – the major markets and riverside docks of Toshi Ranbo
Notable Locations Edit Notable Locations sectionEditHouse of the White Jade Fan – Tea House and Imperial prison
Fires of Toshi Ranbo Edit Fires of Toshi Ranbo sectionEdit
In 1165 the city was ravaged by a fire in the side controlled by the Lion Clan. Tthe fire had begun in a warehouse which had Black Powder inside. 11 The Crane and the Lion were outraged and began independent investigations without much progress. 12 After the Rain of Blood the investigations were halted during one year. In 1166 the Lion gave all the information they gathered to the Crane, and the Crane patroled the City as well as they investigated. 13
The Iron Fans Edit The Iron Fans sectionEdit
The Crane were concerned that the war-weary populace might revolt against both sides, and issued an edict forbidding any non-Crane residents to bear weapons within the city. Many ronin were angered that the endless war between Lion and Crane left their samurai little time to keep the streets safe. They organized themshelves, assuming the role of vigilantes and carried the iron fans that were their namesake, the Iron Fans, in the place of forbidden swords. 14
The Khan’s Invasion Edit The Khan’s Invasion sectionEdit
In 1169, the city was heavily damaged following an attack by the armies of Unicorn Clan Champion Moto Chagatai. The battle culminated in a number of important figures being killed. Kaneka fell to the Khan after being distracted by his half-brother, Isawa Sezaru, who appeared over the city and started to rain destruction. Sezaru was killed by his wife, using the final remanent of Isawa’s Last Wish. Bayushi Kaukatsu was killed by gaki while observing the battle from a balcony of the palace. 15
The CityThe city is structured like a wheel around the central keep. The Imperial Highway cuts through the city, in a gated trench with heavy wooden bridges spanning it in several places. The bridges have guard posts on at least one side.
Courtliness Keep: The main fortress stands proudly over the plains, it currently acts as the estate of Ikoma Ryuuzaki. It is well-staffed by his aides and house guard, but it is not difficult to spot the telltale signs that this was until very recently a Crane holding. The Crane and Scorpion embassies are presently housed in the guest chambers of Courtliness Keep, kept safe (and under watch) by Ryuuzaki’s personal guard.
The Trade District (East): Containing the creature comforts of the city, such as the Sake house, Geisha House, Trading House, Bath House and the Inn of the Brooding Tempest, this is the busiest part of the city for most commoners and visiting samurai alike.
The Inn of the Brooding Tempest: A sizable and very comfortable inn, any Samurai who are not part of the Lion garrison, Ryuuzaki’s household, advisors and guards or the Crane and Scorpion embassies will find their lodging here or at the Temple of Shinsei. It is a large complex taking up nearly a full block with multiple gardens and ponds, presently under the indirect ownership of Ikoma Ryuuzaki himself.
The Temple District (West): Dominated by the large Temple to Shinsei, built upon a rock where the Little Teacher once gave a lecture, one supposedly attended by the Seven Thunders. The temple is maintained by a significant number of Brotherhood Monks, led by Master Kasen, and is a popular destination for pilgrims all over the empire, especially samurai wishing to partake in the wisdom and power of Shinsei and his Seven Thunders. The city’s library, containing records of trade, births, deaths, duels and other noteworthy events is also here.
The Military District (North): Only frequented by porters and soldiers, this district is where the castle keeps its food, weapons, treasury other supplies, all kept under guard. There are also significant practice yards, archery dummies, sparring rings and enough open space to practice battlefield maneuvers. This quarter is mostly empty aside from Lion Samurai, and is generally off-limits.
The Magistrate’s District (South): The General’s Estate, currently the estate of Matsu Chiharu, with the parade grounds, strategic offices and command barracks are in this quarter. It is also the district which the Gates open into, so it sees a fairly large amount of traffic. The public stables are kept here, as are the Magistrate’s offices and the city’s public gardens.
Outside the City: The lands outside Toshi Ranbo are fertile, and a number of small farming villages are visible from the keep to harvest the grains and vegetables produced in the outlying fields. Ronin will find it easier to find work and lodging here, out of the watchful eye of the magistrates, and many of the Monks from the Temple of Shinsei leave the city’s walls regularly to assist with the physical and spiritual maladies of the people.
Murakushi: The largest of the nearby farming villages, Murakushi is the village out of which most of the Lion offensives onto Toshi Ranbo have been staged, and as such it is something of a hotbed of patriotism. The peasants there are overworked and often underfed, but many families there have had children be elevated to become samurai throughout the centuries for bravery in battle. The city also maintains a significant ashigaru presence, though at the moment those forces are elsewhere in Lion lands. At the moment the town is still jubilant over their clan’s victory and the capture of Toshi Ranbo.
Zenkishi Mura: On the far side of Toshi Ranbo from Murakushi is the town of Zenkishi, which presently belongs to the Crane. The tone of Zankishi is much more stressful than Murakushi, as they are perfectly aware that they are going to be the Lion’s first target next summer, if they are still on the offensive. As such there is a steady but quiet military presence being built up there by the Crane, and the Daidoji already have a small standing garrison there. In more peaceful times, Zenkishi is known for a fine silk works.
Hayasha: A smaller village to the northeast of Toshi Ranbo belonging to the Lion. It stands on the border of a large and supposedly haunted forest, and is primarily a farming and lumber-producing community. Peasants there are slightly more superstitious than normal, but there have been no significant incidents lately.