Benju Matsutomo

Benju Matsutomo was a renowned samurai, head of the Matsutomo clan, and a daimyo of Aru Province in Wa in the late 1700s on the Wa Calendar.

Description
Described as a force of nature, Benju was a big man, with a broad build and great power, yet he was also as graceful as a dancer and could be just as silent. He had dark eyes and strong facial features. Though he normally spoke softly, when needed he took a commanding tone with ease. Aged in his late 60s by Wa Year 1775, he looked and acted like a man ten years younger.

Personality
In his youth, Benju was a bold and daring warrior, known for his bravery and taking risks. However, as he matured and settled into the role of daimyo, he grew more cautious and focused on his family's future and guaranteeing its security and stability. Deciding his ancestors' failures resulted from overambition, he resolved to be as quiet, safe, unobtrusive, and error-free as he could, hoping that if the Matsutomos could hold the daimyate for a few generations, they might achieve a better position.

Abilities
Benju enjoyed being outdoors and practicing falconry. He was also proficient in horsemanship, as well as calligraphy, poetry, heraldry, and the tea ceremony. As a warrior, he specialized in the katana.

He loved music and often tried to learn to play. Unfortunately, he was terrible in any instrument he picked up, which saddened him greatly.

However, his real talent lay in the theater, particularly in noh. Benju regularly held plays with his friend Yuji Takaesu to entertain family and other members of his household.

History
Perhaps spurred on by the Matsutomo clan's past failures, Benju rose swiftly through the ranks of the shogun's army and achieved great things. By the time he was thirty, the shogun's generals knew him well, and by the time he was forty, all knew he was meant for even higher office. In time, he became a general himself. At this time, he met Yuji Takaesu, who became his advisor, right-hand man, and fast friend. Benju became famous across Wa for his bravery and wisdom, as well as his prowess as a warrior.

Thus, in, shogun Matasuuri Nagahide returned the daimyate of Aru Province once again to the Matsutomos, appointing Benju as its daimyo. He governed well but as he grew older he worried about his family's future and grew cautious in his governance.

He remained in power through.

In that year, he hired an adventuring party to stop the killings of pilgrims going to the Shining Temple of Bishamon.

Relations
Benju's mother-in-law was Lady Satomi; the two of them despised each other.

Benju's eldest daughter married Buntaro Ostato, before she died in childbirth. Surprisingly, Benju liked his normally unlikable son-in-law.

Possessions
Benju had a katana and wakizashi that were rarely ever far from his hand. The katana was a quality weapon and the Matsutomo family heirloom. He only wore armor when needed for battle or protocol.