The Temple of Osano-Wo was the most martial of the monastic orders of the Brotherhood of Shinsei, revering both the mortal life and the divine power of Hida Osano-Wo, the son of the Kami Hida, Crab Clan Champion and Fortune of Fire and Thunder following his death.

Sohei

The first Temple of Osano-Wo was the birthplace of sohei, who trained as warriors. Some looked upon the order with suspicion because of this, but no one could deny that Osano-Wo was indeed blessed by the heavens. Though they operated many temples the largest was the first one created in the Empire, which was located on the Plains of Thunder near Shinomen Mori. It was founded by a retired Crab, and while all the clans had representatives among the retirees the majority had always been Crab. Monks of the order were more worldly than other monks, and often had a keen interest in the outside world. ^[1]

Surrounding Land

The temple was constantly surrounded by thunderstorms which encouraged the local vegetation to become green and lush, and the area was humid even in dry seasons. The land itself was rocky and difficult to traverse, moss covering the rocky landscape. ^[2]

Emerald Champion's Quarters

The monk reserved quarters for the Emerald Champion, whom they viewed as one of Osano-Wo's chosen. ^[3]

School

The primary teachings and devotion of the Temple of Osano-Wo were the Fortunes, but things such as battle, juijutsu and other bugei skills were also taught. ^[4]

Tradition

The sohei believed that enlightenment and mastery of the art of war were by no means mutually exclusive. ^[5] In terms of belief, the Order of Osano-wo was a typical Fortunist sect, seeking enlightenment through the Fortunes (specifically Osano-wo). In their method, however, they were like almost no others. The Order of Osano-wo was the most militant of the sohei orders, maintaining a large private army of monks in their great Temple of Thunder. They were credited with the invention of several weapons, not the least of which are the ono and nagamaki. His members were easy to identify, as all monks underwent ritual scarification and mortification, covering themselves in elaborate wraps and scarves. ^{[6] [7]}

History

Defeating the Iuchi

In 1105 the sohei wielding polearms defeated an Iuchi cavalry forces which were en route to attack a Crab northern village, during the Battle of Thunder Plain. The monks did not let the war-mongers to soil the sacred Plain of Thunder. ^[8]

Clan War

In 1128 the temple was attacked by Yogo Junzo's army in his searching of the descendant of Shinsei, and bravely fought for days until they were forced to retreat ^[9] in the Battle at Shinden Osano-Wo. ^[10]

Brothers of Rebirth

The Brothers of Rebirth was founded by former members of the Order of Osano-Wo, commanded by Osano-Wo himself. They had sworn to obey the will of the new Fortune, Tsukune. ^[11]

Blood Hunt

The Temple was attacked by bloodspeakers in 1166, but saved by the Ninth Imperial Legion led by Yoritomo Egumi ^[12] with the aid of the local sohei led by Ageku, the Master of the Temple. ^[13]

Test of Emerald Champion - 1169

In 1169 the Order of Thunder hosted the Test of the Emerald Champion in the Plains of Thunder. ^[14] With no Emperor the Otomo Daimyo Otomo Hoketuhime ordered the tournament to fill the void of leadership. The winner was Shosuro Jimen. ^[15]

Known Masters

• Ageku

External Links

• Temple of Osano-Wo (Crimson and Jade)
• Brothers of Thunder (Crimson and Jade)

References

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