Shiro Matsu (TCG)

Shiro Matsu

Shiro Matsu, also known as Last Breath Castle, or Matsu Castle, was the ancestral seat of power of the Matsu family. It was located close to the Lake of Sorrows and the Three Stone River. Shiro Matsu Toshi was the thriving castle town, which would become the largest and most industrious settlement in Lion lands. The Hall of Ancestors was under the keep's protection.

Layout and Surroundings

Last Breath Castle was a towering structure which rose from a sea of grass, looking out over a vast golden plain. Its walls glowed in the afternoon light, and the keep seemed to loom over the buildings of the sizable community surrounding it. Located on top of a low rocky hill just below the north end of the Beiden Pass, staking a claim of control over the Crossroads of the Empire. Last Breath Castle's footprint was one of the largest in Rokugan. The castle complex was very wide, spreading across and alongside the hill. The pass opened around the castle. To the east lied the Lake of Sorrows, beyond which lied the Crane lands. Just to the west against a stony hillside rested the Hall of Ancestors. To the north was the Valley of Storms.

Purpose

Last Breath Castle

Matsu Castle was a military installation, a citadel devoted to the instruction of its garrisoned soldiers. The castle's greatest strength was founded not only on a low hill over a profoundly important strategic trade route, it was founded on and continued to draw its strength from its denizens' sweat and toil, their labor and discipline. Shiro Matsu had never fallen in battle. The castle's high location not only aided in defense, but provided a vantage point over the pass and surrounding lands. The soldiers trained ceaselessly, maintaining more than enough force of arms to respond swiftly and overwhelmingly to any invaders. The grasslands surrounding it offered no cover on the approach, and the switchback road leading out of the pass—known as the Lion's Teeth—hosted more guardhouses than any other in Rokugan. Every building within the inner walls was built to be defended, with sturdy walls, thick doors, and thin windows that doubled as arrow slits. Finally, the keep itself was accessible only by lengthy stairways that would leave intruders exposed and vulnerable. Even during times of peace, Last Breath Castle maintained a garrison of thousands of ashigaru and samurai. Shiro Matsu also hosted diplomats from other clans year round.

History

Founding

Last Breath Castle

Last Breath Castle stood on the site where Matsu first met the Kami Akodo. Its walls, constructed with the aid of Crab Clan engineers, were built to withstand fire, earthquake, and even supernatural threats.

References

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