Lion-Crane War

Crane-Lion tensions
The Crane Clan and Lion Clan have always rubbed eachother the wrong way. After centuries of squabbling and accusations it blew up into full scale war in the 12th century.

Badger Clan Champion Assassinated
In 1118, the Badger Clan Champion was assassinated while visitng the lands of the Crane Clan. The dishonor of the assassination was of great imbarrasment to the Crane. There are rumors that the assassination was a plot to increase tensions between the Crane and the Lion Clan. The killer was never caught. (3E p. 17, [1] (http://l5r.alderac.com/rpg/feature_history_01.html))

Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho
The Castle of the Lion, or Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho, has been heavily contested by both clans over the years. When the Lion Clan Champion Akodo Arasou attempted to retake it in 1120, and was killed in the process this did nothing but further the tension between the clans. (3E p. 17)

Pirates Plague Crane-Mantis trade routes
In 1123 the Crane-Mantis trade routes were being harassed by pirates and many important shipments were lost. The Mantis and Crane began to question eachothers honesty and intentions, and the losses on both sides were light on both sides. When Magistrates determine that a Lion, Matsu Shindoku, had been trying to damage the Crane-Mantis affairs this further hurt the already unstable relationssip between the Lion and the Crane. (3E p. 17)

Conflict Erupts Into Full Scale War
The ancient rivalry between the Crane and the Lion had been under so much tension over the years that when it was manipulated even further by Bayushi Sozui and the traitor Kitsu Goden in 1124 the two clans break into full scale war and the Battle on the Plains of Gaiju Shindai and Battle of the Forgotten Tide take place. Goden made the battles worse by unleashing the vengeful spirits of Toshigoku to possess the bodies of the mortal warriors. Fortunately a small band of samurai discover the plot and expose and defeat Sozui and Goden. Tension between the clans decreases for a short while, but escelates soon again. (3E p. 19)