Twenty Goblin Winter

The Twenty Goblin Winter was an occasion declared by the Crab Clan Champion always at the start of the winter. During the five months of winter, any ronin who ventured into the Shadowlands and returned with the heads of twenty goblins would be granted fealty in a vassal family, no questions asked. Way of the Wolf, p. 101 On rare occasions even ashigaru were accepted. Great Clans, p. 36 Suspicious or dangerous ronin were given unimportant duties or immediately placed on the front lines where they would either learn their duty or die. Secrets of the Crab, p. 6
== Fealty ==
The custom was instituted by Hida Ichido in the 4th century. Secrets of the Crab, p. 25 The newcomers usually were taken the Moshibaru vassal family name. Fealty, though, was not required and was sometimes refused. For example, the ronin Kihei appeared in Shinsei's Last Hope every time the Twenty Goblin Winter was declared and always left the way he came. Shinsei's Last Hope,Part I, Part II Shinsei's Last Hope, Part III
== Sozen ==
In 1169 Hida Sozen participated in a Twenty Goblin Winter to spirit those who tried this year. To Defend the Empire (The Race for the Throne Book), by Rusty Priske
== Notable Participants ==
The following is an alphabetical list of people who joined the Crab by a Twenty Goblin Winter:
* Hida Isamu Hida Isamu (Diamond flavor) Blood Dawn, Part II: Son of Stone, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf - 1164
* Yasuki Hachi - 1160
== External Links ==
* Twenty Goblin Winter (A Perfect Cut)
Category:Crab Clan
Category:Ronin