Aizuwakamatsu

Gate to the North

Known to be the be the fastest growing castle town in southern Mutsu, the Ashina Clan have long since grown prosperous and powerful through taxes levied on the neighboring villages through trade. These taxes have grown heavier in recent years, but in the time of plenty the protection offered by the samurai clan is well worth the price

The castle in question is located at the northwestern portion of the town, built into a flattened hill that overlooks the rest of the town. Aizuwakamatsu has the distinction of being the home of the current Ashina clan head, Ashina Moriakira. Moriakira's staunch traditionalism has lead the town through many hardships even in this age, affording the somewhat ill tempered man a level of respect despite the misgivings his clan has over his leadership.

Infrastructure

Aizuwakamatsu's title is not ill earned, as the city's advantageous position among the mountains of Otodake and Seaburi allow it to maintain well defended trade routes both north and south while naturally funneling trade through its well defended walls. In this gateway, however, not only do merchants ply the wares of north and central japan - there are local artisans hard at work.

Kazehiro Brewery

Headed by the venerable Kazehiro Yokado, the titular brewery is well known across the Aizu area for their Junmai sake. Said to be blessed by an ancient family elder turned kami, the process through which their Black Bear Sake is made is not very well guarded. Despite the fact that both the recipe and process are an ill kept secret, no competition has emerged to challenge their alcoholic authority in the region. Perhaps the legends are right and their sake carries the blessings of their ancestors with it.

Skylight Azure

Endorsed by the Ashina clan and even bearing one of the clan's colors in sky blue, Skylight Azure already stands head and shoulders above their competitors due to that very fact. The face of the tailoring house is one Akatsukari Nishi - a younger lady who has yet to find a husband's hand despite reaching nearly eighteen years of age. Headstrong and firehearted, she has forged a small empire of textiles for herself under the guiding hand of Ashina's head - the two can often be heard arguing in loud tones through the paper-thin walls of the establishment.

Important Figures

Ashina Moriakira
Sakato

---

Alternative Name(s)

Aizu-Wakamatsu

Type

Large town

Population

4,500

Owner/Ruler

Ashina Moriakira

Characters in Location

• Sakato