The settlement known as Toshi sano Kanemochi Kaeru is an independent ronin city. Legend claims it was founded by a mischievous spirit-frog from Chikushudo, but other historical sources claim it was built by the Lion Clan during the centuries that they ruled the lands of the departed Ki-Rin Clan.
The city lies just north of the Drowned Merchant River, in lands close to the territory of the Lion, Dragon, and the Unicorn but usually not claimed by any of them. Instead it is ruled by a ronin family calling themselves Kaeru. An Imperial Magistrate is assigned to uphold law and collect taxes, and the Kaeru create their own militia, a ronin band called the Machi-Kanshisha, to serve as yoriki for the magistrate. The city has earned a well-founded reputation for being open to any business possibility, including smuggled goods, dishonorable services, gaijin artifacts, and even drugs such as opium.
The river passage to Ryoko Owari is treacherous, traversing a narrow mountain pass. This makes it unsuitable for barges or other large ships. Consequently the small boats that service the route tend to trade in small, high value goods sufficient to make the journey profitable.
In addition to the three dominant clans, the Badger Clan maintain a dojo in the city, Fallen Mountain Dojo, that serves as a de facto embassy for those unwilling to make the long, harsh journey into their home mountains, as well as a hiring hall for Badger mercenaries.