Matsu Tsuko

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Matsu Tsuko
Born:	1090
Died:	1125
Parents:	Matsu Uniri, Matsu Yunaki
Siblings:	Matsu Hiroru
Spouse:	None
Children	None
Titles:	Lion Clan Champion, Matsu Daimyo
People

Matsu Tsuko was the cousin of Matsu Ketsui who succeded her as Matsu Daimyo. ^{[citation needed]}

Contents 1 Battle at Fate Gorge 2 Tsuko and Toturi 3 Scorpion Coup 4 Becoming Clan Champion 5 Seppuku 6 Matsu Domotai 7 References

[edit] Battle at Fate Gorge

At the age of ten, Tsuko watched her father killed by Phoenix assassins and saved her mother's life by killing one of them with her boken. The morning after, she stood next to her mother, urging the Lion Clan on to victory in the Battle at Fate Gorge.^[1][2]

[edit] Tsuko and Toturi

Tsuko was engaged to Akodo Arasou. After he died in 1120 trying to retake Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho from the Crane, his brother Akodo Toturi became Lion Clan Champion, but Tsuko did not believe he could live up to his brother.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Scorpion Coup

Immediately following the news of the assassination of the Emperor by Bayushi Shoju in 1123, Tsuko sent out a general call to arms to the entire Lion Clan. Denouncing the Scorpion, Crane and even Toturi and the Akodo family she vowed that the Lion would be the ones to strike back at the Scorpion.^[3] Until Toturi's eventual arrival the leadership of the united clans was going to be held by either Tsuko or Shinjo Yokatsu.^[4]

[edit] Becoming Clan Champion

Tsuko's animosity towards Toturi was legendary and she leapt at the opportunity of becoming Lion champion in 1123 after Toturi's dishonor. ^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Seppuku

The winter is bleak Shadows are long with despair My eyes are the dawn - Death poem of Matsu Tsuko [5]

Tsuko committed seppuku to release herself from her personal vow to protect the Emperor. Her death would also release those Lion who were sworn to serve her in that task, and she hoped that they would follow the spirit of their family's ancient vow and protect the Empire, rather than the corrupted Emperor. To do so, she sought out the disgraced Toturi to serve as her second, returning the mantle of leadership for the Lion Clan to its former Champion.^[6][5]

After news of Tsuko's death spread, many Lion rallied to the banner of Toturi, but not all. Many could not abandon the letter of their ancient vow, and chose instead to defend the Emperor, whoever and whatever he may be.^[7]

[edit] Matsu Domotai

Tsuko personally met Matsu Domotai in Yomi when he ascended in 1160 following his death which had been in much the same fashion as her own.^[8]

Preceded by: Unknown	Matsu Daimyo ? - 1125	Succeeded by: Matsu Ketsui
Preceded by: Akodo Toturi	Lion Clan Champion 1123 - 1125	Succeeded by: Ikoma Tsanuri

[edit] References

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