Lion's Pride

The Lion's Pride is one of the most renowned units in Rokugan. The Lion's Pride contains only female bushi in a manner similar to that of the Otaku Battle Maidens. The group originates from the first group of female warriors who served Lady Matsu. These women, mostly hillmaidens and ronin, were accepted into the Matsu family without question, and since that day the unit's tactics have remained largely unchanged: find the enemy leaders and wipe them out. The Pride charge into utterly hopeless situations and have been known to stay behind to allow their own commanders safe movement.

No men have ever been allowed into the unit, as the Matsu consider them "irritating, antisocial creatures," and the matriarchy of the unit leaves little room for argument. The Pride are taught that the other members are her sisters, and none are to be left behind. The Pride eat together, live in a communal house, and share their talents and wisdom with the Matsu daimyo.

When a new daimyo is installed, she spends the first half-year of her position living with the Pride. This tradition includes the rare male daimyo of the family. Only under these intense condititons can the daimyo be truely accepted by the unit, and without this acceptance the unswerving loyalty could be lost.

Major References

 * Way of the Lion Pages 36-37.