For most of its history, Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho, also known as Violence Behind Courtliness City, has been a flashpoint of conflict between the Lion and Crane, upon whose shared border the city rests. The city has changed hands countless times between the two clans, each bloodier and more costly than the last, but the city’s possession has often been a matter of honor. Both the Lion and the Crane have historical records that indicate they are the rightful administrators of the city, and no arbitration or mediation has ever been able to determine which account is correct. Countless heroes have been made and died in the sacking or defense of the city, and it is littered with shrines to the thousands who have died within its confines.
In 1118 the Tsume Daimyo Doji Retsu launched a vicious attack out of his holdings in the Kintani Valley, seizing Toshi Ranbo in a daring and violent incursion that destroyed the Goseki family. In 1120 the Lion Clan Champion, Akodo Arasou, and his betrothed, Matsu Tsuko, attempted to retake the castle but, despite their valor, Arasou was killed and the Lion were routed by a smaller, well entrenched Daidoji garrison. Tsume Retsu handed command of Toshi Ranbo over to another Crane general and retired to Kyuden Kyotei, which he establishes as the new seat of Tsume power and governance. In the meantime, the Lion finally succeed in recapturing Toshi Ranbo, only to lose it again to the clever political machinations of a Crane general named Doji Chuto.
At present the Lion are again waging war to retake the city under the command of Matsu Tsuko who stages her armies from the town of Oiku.
After moving her army to the town of Ninkatoshi, Matsu Tsuko launched a new assault on the city that was successful in taking control of it. However instead of returning it to the Lion Clan, she declared that now was the time for national unity, not continued squabbling. As such she has attempted to nationalize the city and has begun moving troops into it in order to hold it as the center of a new unified, Imperial Army.
This has predictably led to outrage from both the Crane and Lion clans. In expected fashion, a good compromise leaves everyone angry. As a result many have begun referring to it as the capital of the Shogunate due to the massive military build-up within the city.