War Against Shadow

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

War Against Shadow
Location: Rokugan
Date: 1131 - 1133
Major Forces: Rokugan, Lying Darkness
Generals: Toturi I, Goju Adorai
Battles of Rokugan

[edit] The Scorpion Lands

Bayushi Aramoro made a deal with Yoritomo in 1131. In exchange for his son, Bayushi Aramasu, Yoritomo would hold the Scorpion lands until their return from their exile to the Burning Sands. Yoritomo Aramasu travelled to Mantis lands bearing maps and secrets so Yoritomo could further his power in the Empire and fulfill his promise to Aramoro. Citing their charter from Toturi I to tax and regent any "unaligned" lands, Yoritomo travels to Scorpion lands, but when Yoritomo travels he had to be escorted through Crane lands. Doji Kuwanan himself travels with Yoritomo, but when Yoritomo turns to thank Kuwanan upon arriving in Scorpion lands it becomes clear Kuwanan had made his own plans, using the Scorpion children adopted to the Crane as the excuse for rigthful ownership to the Scorpion lands. Kuwanan ambushes Yoritomo as soon as they hit Scorpion lands, and Yoritomo is forced to retreat. Kuwanan is unaware of it at the time, but his decisions were based on advisors sent by the Lying Darkness to cause strife in the Empire. This is widely regarded as the beginning of the War Against Shadow. (3E p. 21)

[edit] Mantis Invasion of Phoenix Lands

In 1132 in an effort to expand his power, Yoritomo seizes control of the lands of the Phoenix Clan claiming they were too weak to hold them themselves. Yoritomo hoped to take them quickly, but the Phoenix Clan Champion Shiba Tsukune sees this as an act of war and responds in kind. As the Phoenix were nowhere near combat ready Yoritomo slowly makes his way deeper into Phoenix lands. It was later concluded that Yoritomo's actions were based on advice given by shape-shifting minions of the Lying Darkness. (3E p. 22)