Fall of Shiro Moto

The Fall of Shiro Moto was a battle fought between the Lion Clan and the Unicorn Clan in 1170. It was the final part of Matsu Yoshino's march against the Unicorn.

The Vow
Following the Battle of Toshi Ranbo, Yoshino vowed that he would punish the Khan, Moto Chagatai, for his assault on Toshi Ranbo in 1169. Yoshino was to assault Shiro Moto in one year's time. He boasted that he would personally kill Chagatai.

The March
Chagatai returned to his lands in a very disadvantageous position. His Khol army had lost at least half of its men and the Baraunghar lost ninety percent of their number. Chagatai put the defense of Unicorn lands into the hands of Shinjo Shono, leader of the Junghar, as that army had not participated in the march and had thus suffered no casualties.

During the next year, Shono led a brilliant defense of his territory, often utilizing unorthodox tactics to keep the Lion at bay. In the end, however, the Lion made it to Shiro Moto, and exactly on time to complete Yoshino's vow.

The Battle
The battle was led on the Lion's side by Akodo Bakin, Akodo Shigetoshi and Matsu Yoshino. The Unicorn were led by Shinjo Shono while Chagatai stayed within the castle and coordinated events from there. The fighting was fierce and many lives were lost on both sides, including Akodo Bakin, and Shinjo Shono.

Yoshino was able to fight his way into the castle and face Chagatai. Yoshino dismissed his guards to fight his enemy alone. The young Champion proved to be no match for the seasoned Khan. Chagatai ran Yoshino through with his blade, but Yoshino was able to wound Chagatai. Chagatai realized that Yoshino never intended to win the duel, but rather cause Chagatai to have the blood of two Champions of the Lion Clan on his hands. To prevent an unending blood feud between the clans Chagatai commited seppuku.

Aftermath
After the battle Akodo Shigetsohi stepped forward as the new Lion Champion. He parlayed with Moto Chen, who had been appointed regent Khan by Chagatai prior to Chagatai's death. The Lion withdrew from the Unicorn lands in order to prevent further bloodshed.

Participants
Several heroes of the Lion and Unicorn participated in the battle. Below is a partial list:


 * Akodo Bakin
 * Akodo Shigetoshi
 * Matsu Yoshino
 * Moto Chagatai
 * Moto Chen
 * Moto Jochi
 * 'Shinjo Shono

Casualties
Several heroes of the Lion and Unicorn died in the battle. Below is a partial list:


 * Akodo Bakin
 * Matsu Yoshino
 * Moto Chagatai
 * Shinjo Shono