Hantei Kusada
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
| Hantei Kusada | |
|---|---|
| Born: | Unknown |
| Died: | 435 |
| Parents: | Hantei Fujiwa |
| Siblings: | Hantei Muhaki |
| Spouse: | Doji bride |
| Children | Hantei Yugozohime and at least one other daughter, three unnamed sons |
| Titles: | Emperor of Rokugan |
| People | |
Hantei Kusada was the sixth Emperor of Rokugan. Any achievements accomplished during his reign were overshadowed by his status as a figurehead for the Gozoku.
Contents |
[edit] Youth
The young heir, Hantei Kusada, was kidnapped in 391 by the Gozoku. His father, Hantei Fujiwa, died shortly after. The Gozoku, eager to keep their control of the young emperor, placed his great-uncle Otomo Tohojatsu in control of the Imperial Court as Regent in Kusada's stead until he came of age.[citation needed]
[edit] Reign
Kusada was finally crowned Emperor in 397, but because of the concessions made by Tohojatsu to the Gozoku, he was nothing more than a figurehead. Even the coronation was held under the power of the Gozoku.[citation needed]
[edit] The Emperor and the Brotherhood
Beginning in 428, Kusada spent a great deal of effort and funds to increase the influence of religion in Rokugan, creating over 24 temples in places where either Shinsei himself had walked or some holy act had been performed. It was during this time that Kusada hit on the thought of using the Brotherhood of Shinsei as spies and agents, as no one would suspect a monk. The Brotherhood had no choice but to obey their Emperor.[citation needed]
The plan failed miserably when the emperor's monk spies were discovered by the Gozoku. The Gozoku decided to make an example of the monks and executed them as traitors. While this weakened what little power Kusada had remaining, it also adversely affected the Gozoku as well. The average citizen of Rokugan -- samurai and peasant alike -- is not extremely versed in politics, but is fairly knowledgable in religion. Seeing the Gozoku publicly execute a group of monks struck a serious blow to the triad's reputation. Many point to this act as the turning point of the Gozoku's power and the beginning of their downfall.[citation needed]
[edit] The Heirs
Kusada's sons were fostered by the Gozoku to the Crane, Phoenix and Scorpion Clans. This kept all possible heirs close to the triad and under their control. The only mistake of the Gozoku was to foster Kusada's daughter, Hantei Yugozohime, to the Lion Clan. The Lion taught her of honor and duty, lessons she took to heart.[citation needed]
[edit] Mantis Clan
In 429 Kusada invited Mantis Clan Champion Gusai to visit him in the capital. The Emperor and Gusai had a contest of wits, where Gusai drew his sword and held it to his neck, claiming he had won. Gusai was awarded with the Gusai family name for the Mantis Clan and their status as minor clan. The Emperor however had the final say in the matter and had Gusai executed.[1][2]
| "Show me that steel is stronger, and I will make you a lord of my court."
-Kusada
|
[edit] Death
Hantei Kusada died of old age in 435.[citation needed]
| Preceded by: Otomo Tohojatsu | Emperor of Rokugan 397 - 435 | Succeeded by: Hantei Yugozohime |
References
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