Storms over Matsu Palace

The battle of Storms over Matsu Palace, also called the Battle of the Valley of Storms, Hidden Emperor, p. 45 and Storms over Matsu Castle, took place in 1132 in the Month of the Horse.
== Imperial Command ==
In 1132 the Unicorn Magistrates were tasked by Toturi I with forcing the Lion Clan to answer for their crimes commited during his absence. The Lion had been practicing maho and even the Jade Champion Kitsu Okura had been a major part of the corruption of the Lion. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 22 Hidden Emperor, p. 27
== Parley ==
Matsu Ketsui sent Ikoma Gunjin to parley with Shinjo Hanari before the battle, but the Lion stood firm in their belief that the Unicorn had no authority to enforce an archaic dictate, while the Unicorn demanded that the letter of the law be obeyed. Storms over Matsu Castle, Rulebook The Unicorn forces were backed by three hundred Battle Maidens led by Otaku Tetsuko. Hidden Emperor, p. 25
== Engagement ==
By the command of Toturi I, the Unicorn engaged the Lion near Shiro Matsu. The Lion’s corruption became clear when oni took the field beside Tainted bushi and shugenja under the command of Lion commanders. The Imperial Histories Part II (1130 - 1158)
== The Confrontation ==
As the Unicorn took the field outside Shiro Matsu, two unaccounted legions appeared to halt their progress. The corruption of the Lion became clear when oni were taking the field alongside the tainted bushi led by Kitsu Okura, Matsu Ketsui and Kitsu Motso. The battle was fierce, and the oni, Oni no Okura, slew a hundred Battle Maidens single-handedly. Most of the Otaku Battle Maidens were defeated and those left retreated back to Unicorn lands. Touch the Lands (Dark Journey Home flavor) After the battle, a large storm settled over the land for a day's travel from Shiro Matsu covering the land in a darkness not seen since the corruption of the Last Hantei by Fu Leng. Hidden Emperor, p. 28
== Aftermath ==
The Unicorn were defeated, but the Lion’s power was severely crippled. There were many dead in both sides, and even Hanari's son was counted between the lost. Shinjo Hanari (Storms Over Matsu Palace flavour)
== Participants ==
The following is a list of notable participants in the battle:
* Shinjo Hanari
* Shinjo Sadato
* Otaku Tetsuko
* Kitsu Okura
* Matsu Ketsui
* Kitsu Motso
* Ikoma Gunjin
* Matsu Morishigi
* Ikoma Matoko
* Iuchi Daiyu
== External Links ==
* The Fallen Lion Fortress (Ambition's Debt)
Shiro Matsu