Kyuden Hida
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
There is nothing subtle about Kyuden Hida, no gardens surround the walls, no paintings adorn its state rooms. It is the mightiest fortress in Rokugan, made seemingly of the mountains themselves. In more than a thousand years, no Rokugani had ever dared to assault Kyuden Hida, and when fortress was in view of the Battle of the Cresting Wave and the War Against Shadow, not so much as a single arrow hit its walls. It overlooks the cliffs of Earthquake Fish Bay and is the headquarters of the Crab army. [1]
Contents |
[edit] The Power of the Crab
The skulls of The Maw and Tsuburu no Oni hang above the gates of Kyuden Hida, a testament to the strength of the Crab. Having been purified by Kuni shugenja, the skulls protect the mortal realm, as these Oni cannot return to Ningen-do while they exist. The gates are often left open, a hundred Hida bushi standing guard at all times. [2] [3]
[edit] Hida Bushi School
The main Hida Bushi school is housed here, where the students train in full armor, and the graduates must venture into the Shadowlands and kill one of it's denizens to receive their wakizashi. [3]
[edit] The Kuni gatherings
Once every year, at winter equinox, the Kuni meet to discuss findings, exchange spells, recruit new shugenja and engage in scholary matters concerning the clan. At this time the Kuni Witch Hunters return from their wanderings to select new members. [4]
[edit] The Temple of Persistence, Sun and Thunder
A new addition to the castle has been a private shrine to three of the Hida family's greatest ancestors -- Kisada, Yakamo, and Osano-Wo. Only those of the central Hida line and those closest to them have been admitted, and no non-Crab has ever seen the temple. The temple's stained glass windows open to allow the morning sun to flood the room. The glass was obtained through the Crab's Unicorn allies. The temple holds an artifact from each ancestor--Yakamo's wakizashi, Kisada's tessen, and a shard of wood split from the gate of Shiro Shiba that was struck by lightning by Osano-Wo. This is where the Clan Champions go to to commune with their ancestors. Hida O-Ushi began the tradition of visiting it in order to seek guidance from her divine ancestors in moments of doubt, a practice that both her sons adopted after becoming champion. Only a few Crab outside the central Hida line have been admitted. [5]
[edit] Layout
 Kyuden Hida Overview |
 Donjon Basement and Levels 1-7 |
 Donjon Sublevel |
 Main Barracks |
 Lower Gatehouse |
 Main Gate |
 First Floor of Upper Gatehouse |
 Second Floor of Upper Gatehouse |
