Kaiu

Kaiu was known as the First Smith, Way of the Samurai, p. 6 the builder of ships and armor and was the founder of the Kaiu family. Way of the Crab, p. 20 Kaiu also apprenticed the famous Crane smith, Doji Yasurugi. Immortal Steel, by Shawn Carman
== Initial Duty ==
Kaiu was intially tasked with the construction of Kyuden Hida, and created armor for many of the Crab Clan's first followers including Hiruma. Kaiu's relentless application to his work however caused him to be banished from the construction site by one of his sons, who thought he pushed the peasant workers too hard and would cause the project to fail. Defenders of the Empire, by Shawn Carman
== Oni no Hatsu Suru ==
In 43 when Hida first began his search for followers, Kaiu stepped forward with Hiruma and Kuni. To prove themselves they had to enter the Shadowlands and kill Oni no Hatsu Suru, a guardian left behind by Fu Leng. Kaiu's part in the fight with the oni was crafting the weapon Chikara which was wielded by Hiruma and later became the Ancestral Weapon of the Crab Clan. Kaiu was badly wounded by Hatsu Suru in the fight protecting Kuni, but survived. Afterwards Kaiu's reward was permission to found his own family and granted the honor of coordinating the defense against the Shadowlands. He was a blacksmith and forged the weapons used against the Shadowlands. Way of the Crab, pp. 19-22,70
== Kaiu family ==
The Kaiu family was formed with craftsmen and builders who were helping construct the castles and fortifications in the lands of the Crab. Imperial Histories, p. 20 After Kaiu founded his own house, he was offered a bride by the Bayushi family. Kaiu Norio was his eldest son and heir. Imperial Histories 2, p. 48
=== Claiming the Lands ===
When the fledging Crab Clan moved to southern Rokugan to claim these lands, Kaiu was sent to a particular isolated area. There he was met by a woman named Iko, leader of the Tribe of the Closed Eye, who was waiting his arrival. This tribe was formed by sages, and many had the gift of Divination. Iko promised to pay taxes, but refused to fully join the new Clan. No longer a tribe anymore, the began to be known as the Order of Fukurokujin's Eyes. Book of Air, p. 101
== Sensei ==
Kaiu was the sensei of the legendary swordsmith Doji Yasurugi. 
== External Links ==
* Kaiu Sensei (Spirit Wars)
* Shiryo no Kaiu (Time of the Void)
Category:Crab Clan Leaders