Shiro Utaku Shojo

Battle Maiden Castle (U11) in the Manaka province Secrets of the Unicorn, p. 96 was the headquarters of the Utaku family. Way of the Unicorn, p. 116 It was called Shiro Otaku Shoju before 1133, and then renamed as Shiro Utaku Shojo following the Otaku family's renaming to Utaku.
== Location ==
It laid in the centre of the Utaku Plains, surrounded by flat plain on all sides, and easily spotted from hundreds of leagues away, outsiders were never allowed close to it. It was an ideal location, affording freedom of movement for defending troops while still providing a problem for any advancing armies. The Utaku Ancestral Home lacked the splendor of the other Unicorn castles, but was perhaps the best fortified. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 299
=== Appearance ===
Shiro Utaku Shojo was an unequaled lushness land beauty, among most perfect structures in Rokugan. The castle's architecture was a perfect balance between gaijin and Rokugani influence. Secrets of the Unicorn, p. 53 A massive stone wall encircled the city, and many inner walls, separated the city's various districts. Masters of War, p. 144
=== Utaku Stables ===
The fortress was the home of the Utaku Stables, breeding grounds for the greatest horses the Emerald Empire had ever seen, the Utaku steeds. So large were the stables in fact, that they needed their own walls and defensive guard to protect them. The horses here all belonged to the Utaku battle maidens, and were bred and trained in the plains around the castle. 
== Battle Maiden school ==
The castle housed the Battle Maiden school. When not traveling the Empire looking for war, most battle maidens could be found here, serving as a garrison and police force for the rest of the Clan. Oriental Adventures, p. 53
=== Dojo ===
Within the Utaku home laid the Shiro Utaku Shojo Dojo, Way of the Samurai, p. 70 Masters of War Dojos (Missing Dojos) and the World's Balance school Art of the Duel, p. 115 Before their gempukku the Shiotome performed several tests in the Utaku Testing Grounds, between Shiro Utaku Shojo and the forest to the west. South of the Grounds were built the Utaku Infantry Dojo. Secrets of the Unicorn, p. 54
== History ==
=== Founding ===
The Otaku Palace was built by the remnants Shinjo left in Rokugan during the Ki-Rin's Exodus, those who would be known as the Fox Clan. Way of the Minor Clans, p. 28
=== War of Dark Fire ===
In 1171 during the War of Dark Fire the Army of Fire circumvented Shiro Shinjo and marched toward Shiro Utaku The War of Dark Fire, Part 11, by Shawn Carman and Nancy Sauer in the Battle of Shiro Utaku. The War of Dark Fire, Part 12, by Shawn Carman and Nancy Sauer
== External Links ==
* The Utaku Palaces (Hidden Emperor 4)
Category:Manaka province
Category:Articles with Pictures