Gifu
Gifu was declared center of the shogunal government in 1119. Located in Tairayama Province near the Moro Province border, Gifu occupies a naturally fortified position on lands traditionally controlled by the Hojo clan. It was selected as site of the bakufu because it was easy to defend, centrally located, and flanked the Imperial Post Road between the former and the current capitals, the cultural and commercial centers of Kozakura.
Gifu has grown up around Hojo Castle, the greatest stronghold of that clan. The castle is situated on rocky bluffs, with only steep switchback roads leading up to it. The city of Gifu surrounds Hojo Castle, and extends down the mountainous road below. The bakufu conducts its business in the upper city, while the lower city is given to craftsmen, common residences, and services for the Post Road traffic.
Once controlled strictly by the Hojo clan, the Takenaka Clan has come into power in this city. They are especially resented by local lords of Tairayama Province, since they benefit from revenues and allegiances that were once due only to the Hojo family.
Ninja of the Uji clan are based in this city. Also here is the Dark Cloud gang, an ambitious group of yakuza who occupy themselves with blackmail of government figures. Their head can be reached through discreet inquiries at the courier's office in Hojo Castle.
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