Akodo
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
| Akodo | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born: | Pre-calendar |
| Died: | 99 |
| Parents: | Onnotangu, Amaterasu |
| Siblings: | Hida, Bayushi, Doji, Fu Leng, Hantei, Ryoshun, Shiba, Shinjo, Togashi |
| Spouse: | Nisiko |
| Titles: | Lion Clan Founder, Lion Clan Champion |
| People | |
Akodo was the son of Amaterasu and Onnotangu and the Kami who founded the Lion Clan.
Contents |
[edit] Tournament of the Kami
During the Tournament of the Kami, Akodo defeated Doji after carefully studying her techniques. In the final battle, Akodo faced Hantei, and almost killed him before the sunlight reflecting from Hantei's sword shone in Akodo's eyes. Akodo was shocked by what he had nearly done, and realized then that Hantei could have defeated him at any time, but was not willing to shed his brother's blood. Akodo then kneeled to Hantei, who became the first Emperor.[1]
[edit] Founding of the Lion Clan
As the other Kami searched for followers, Akodo stood alone, saying, "I do not look for men to follow me. I look for men worthy to stand by my side." For nearly three years Akodo wandered the Empire, challenging each mortal who came to him, yet none were worthy in his eyes. Each year he would return to the Emperor's palace alone, saying, "I do not seek them. They must seek me." [2]
[edit] The Kitsu
Believing the lion-like kitsu to be a threat to Rokugan, Akodo lead two dozen of his warriors into the mountains to exterminate them. His forces slew many, and the last few kitsu made their last stand in a hidden valley. After grappling with the largest one, Akodo was thrown to the ground, but the creature spared his life. Thanks to one of his followers, Akodo Mirotai, Akodo realized that the creatures were intelligent and meant no harm to the people of Rokugan. He pledged to make amends to the creatures, which eventually resulted to the creation of the Kitsu family.[3]
[edit] Lady Matsu
Akodo's clan slowly grew, his troops led by Ikoma and Kitsu - yet Akodo was not yet satisfied, for Lady Matsu, perhaps the greatest mortal warrior in Rokugan, had still not come to be tested by his blade. He eventually sought her out and challenged her, but she initially refused. When she finally assented, their battle was said to have shaken the earth and sky. Akodo asked for her hand in marriage several times, but she always rejected him. [4]
[edit] The War Against Fu Leng
During the War Against Fu Leng, Akodo lost the use of his left eye after the acrid black blood of an oni he was fighting splashed into his face. This earned him the moniker of Akodo One-Eye. [5] Akodo later wounded Fu Leng in battle, but refused to finish him as he believed that a child of heaven should not murder his brother, no matter his crimes. [6] Akodo refused to wield that sword again and broke it after the war. [7]
[edit] Gathering Thunder
At the height of the war, the armies of Fu Leng were pushing the defending Crab back slowly. None of the Kami were willing to confront their mad brother, and defeat seemed inevitable when a wise man named Shinsei appeared. He revealed that a small group of individuals could infiltrate the Shadowlands and defeat Fu Leng, but they would have to be mortals. Hantei, grievously wounded from a recent battle, declared that one individual from each clan be sent to join in this endeavour. Akodo was about to put forth Ikoma Jujinin, the eldest son of Ikoma, as the Lion candidate but was interrupted by Matsu who took the position. Akodo did not say farewell to Matsu, and did not watch her leave for the last time. Shinsei assembled the remaining Seven Thunders personally, and joined them on the quest to defeat the Ninth Kami.[8]
[edit] Day of Thunder
The Seven Thunders and Shinsei made their way deep into the Shadowlands, where they found Fu Leng and defeated him. The cost was heavy, as only Shinsei and Shosuro survived the fight. They fled north, with the First Oni and many other creatures pursuing. The timely intervention of Shiba allowed Shinsei and Shosuro to reach Rokugan, but at the expense of Shiba's life. Fu Leng had been defeated, but at a very high cost.[9]
[edit] The Death of Akodo
As the Ikoma Libraries and Hall of Ancestors were being built they were unexpectedly attacked by Tsuno in 99. Akodo confronted the army in Seikitsu Pass, and just as the battle seemed lost Akodo called out to Amaterasu. Akodo's mighty roar collapsed the pass on himself and the Tsuno. During the Twenty-Seven Days of Darkness, the Lying Darkness claimed responsibility for the death of Akodo, but this has never been proven.[10]
[edit] Legacy
Akodo wrote a treatise on war called 'Leadership', which became the most-read book on the military arts. It can now be found in most dojo throughout Rokugan. Akodo also laid down the tenants of bushido, the code by which nearly all samurai strive to adhere to.
[edit] External Links
- Akodo (DotE)
[edit] References
- ↑ Dawn of the Empire by Rich Wulf
- ↑ The Way of the Lion, page 16
- ↑ Glorious Battle
- ↑ The Way of the Lion, page 17
- ↑ The Way of the Lion, page 5
- ↑ Dawn of the Empire, part 9 by Rich Wulf
- ↑ Broken Sword of the Lion
- ↑ A Gathering of Thunder
- ↑ Day of Thunder
- ↑ Legend of the Five Rings Roleplaying Game: Third Edition, page 10
| Preceded by: None | Lion Clan Champion Pre-calendar - 99 | Succeeded by: Unknown |
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