Toritaka Tatsune

Toritaka Tatsune was born in 1103 on the day of the coronation of Hantei XXXVIII, in the Falcon Clan provinces. He was raised and trained alongside his cousin, Toritaka Genzo. He was fostered to the Crab only days after his gempukku, and during the next decade, he worked as a liason between the Falcon and the Crab. He was posted at Face of the East Castle, where he became respected for his strength and his ability. When he learned of a Shuten Doji attacking his clan, he requested leave and rushed back to Falcon lands to find his clan decimated. He and Genzo, who had become daimyo, used their connections to the Crab to save their family from complete destruction. In 1125 the Falcon Clan became the Toritaka family of the Crab Clan. Angry at having failed his family, he entered Dojo of the Razor's Edge and became a berserker. Later, he realized his place was at Sunda Mizu Dojo.

Battle at Oblivion's Gate
In 1133, Tatsune led the Crab during the Battle of Oblivion's Gate. His units destroyed hundreds of bakemono and trolls, but was overrun by a battalion of ogres. Genzo was killed and Tatsune’s leg was crushed. Back in Crab lands after the battle, Tatsune was named daimyo of the Toritaka and sensei of the Sunda Mizu Dojo.

Sensei
The gruff old warrior was the first sensei at the Sunda Mizu Dojo to bear the Toritaka name. He possesses an infinite patience and has been known to never give up on a student (though some have fled the dojo due to the hard training regime). He would rarely praise a student and if they don't perform they are severely punished as he sees no reason to treat them with compassion since the Shadowlands will show none. He gives no favours, as he is out to make strong bushi, not friends. Only previous students who have been successful in campaigns into the Shadowlands however are greeted with any warmth, although if they request further training his harsh demeanor returns.

Daimyo
In addition to his duties as sensei he is the daimyo of the Toritaka family. The family is however so small that the two duties seldom interfere with each other, and he leaves most of the daily daimyo duties to his wife, Toritaka Koiso.

Appearance
Tatsune is a quiet man, but built like a mountain, with thick limbs and a broad chest. He walks with a severe limp, as his leg was crushed by an ogre at the Battle of Oblivion's Gate. The wound bears no taint, but emits a terrible rotting odour if not treated weekly by a Kuni. If he could permanently heal it he would, as it is a constant reminder to him what happens when someone is not prepared for the Shadowlands.

Major References

 * Way of the Samurai Pages 15-17.
 * Secrets of the Crab Pages 77-78.