Hall of Ancestors (TCG)

The Hall of Ancestors was the most sacred site to the members of the Lion Clan, which honored the fallen heroes of the clan. It was built against the western hillside above Shiro Matsu, its protection the responsibility of the Matsu family. By tradition, the administrator and chief guardian of the Hall of Ancestors, known as the Defender of the Hall, is the second-born sibling of the Matsu Daimyō. Courts of Stone, p. 21 Inside the complex were the histories of the dead, one of the richest collections of genealogical information available to the clan. Traditionally, Lion samurai visited this place at least once in their lifetime to honor the memories of the great heroes who went before them. Fields of Victory, p. 54
== Appearance ==
The Hall of the Ancestors was a massive temple complex that held the earthly remains of hundreds of the Lion Clan's greatest heroes. Statues of these ancestors stood before each urn, serving as shrines to the sorei. If a Lion worthy of interment there died and their remains could not be recovered, the clan erected a statue and placed an empty urn, such as Matsu. Plaques recorded the names, lineages, births, deaths, and deeds of many of these heroes. Courts of Stone, pp. 23-24
== Caretakers ==
By tradition, the administrator and chief guardian of the Hall of Ancestors, known as the Defender of the Hall, was the second-born sibling of the Matsu Daimyō. Monks dedicated to Bishamon, Fortune of Strength, tended to the Hall of Ancestors under the leadership of the Defender of the Hall. These monks acted as caretakers and stood ready to defend the honored ancestors from any threat, spiritual or mundane. However, they deferred to the priests of the Kitsu family, who held a unique authority there, for they could hear the voices of the sorei. The head priest held a responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the ancestors. Only a worthy guest received permission to enter the hall; the occasion was invariably marked with ceremony, and the visitor was accompanied by an honor guard during their time among the Lion ancestors. Courts of Stone, p. 24
Category:Yama Province