Maruyama (Domain)

Maruyama is the most prosperous of the three main domains in the Western Country, and (along with Kumamoto) one of its' two main castle-towns. After the Kakizuki-Miboshi civil war, Emperor Yoshimori granted the domain to Lady Kuromori Hina for her loyalty, on the condition that it be inherited-- uniquely among the Three Countries-- through the female line. Hina later married her lover, the sorcerer-warrior Shikanoko, and the domain was passed to their daughters.

The borders of the domain are guarded by barriers and watchtowers. The city itself is built on a broad hill, with the castle at its' peak and the town descending the slopes around it; walls enclose the town around the base of the hill, although they are not particularly high or formidable. The local river feeds fishing canals that run through the city, and the castle is built around hot springs that fuel the bathhouse. Farm villages surround Maruyama, which are reasonably fertile since they are built on relatively flat and open land. Most of the crops were are rice, followed by soybeans and tea. Horses are also an important resource; along with the Otori, Maruyama is known for breeding some of the finest horses in the Three Countries. While their army is small (as they try to avoid conscripting farmers) they possess excellent cavalry.

Maruyama contains relatively few Tribe strongholds compared to other major cities in the Three Countries; most were originally Kuroda and Imai, plus one or two Muto and a single Kikuta house. Like most Tribe families in the cities, they ran businesses such as moneylending and wine and soybean-distilling. Most of these were uprooted or destroyed outright by Otori Takeo during his arrival in Maruyama when the Tribe members there refused to submit to his rule and ally with him; their businesses were handed over to enterprising peasant families. A tannery was also set up during his reign, which provided a shelter for outcasts.

The castle residence contains a small shrine, a beautiful garden and a magnificent tea-room.

Maruyama is currently ruled by Otori Shigeko; through her mother Shirakawa Kaede, she is descended from the Maruyama line. Her husband is Sugita Hiroshi, descended from the Maruyama's most longtime retainers, and they have two daughters.