This has been recently exemplified by what has become known as the Three Man Alliance. Three of the Minor Clans, the Fox, Sparrow, and Wasp, have banded together to prevent and protect themselves from the whins of the Great Clans which surround them. Recently, they have gained notics by defeating the armies of one of the most experienced and talented genreals of the Scorpion, Bayushi Tomaru, as he broke Sparrow borders with his army. Hies defeat has caused ripples of concern throughout the Empire, as well as a gleam of insight and ambition in the eye of the mantis daimyo, Yoritomo...
The Minor Clans
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Minor Clans
This has been recently exemplified by what has become known as the Three Man Alliance. Three of the Minor Clans, the Fox, Sparrow, and Wasp, have banded together to prevent and protect themselves from the whins of the Great Clans which surround them. Recently, they have gained notics by defeating the armies of one of the most experienced and talented genreals of the Scorpion, Bayushi Tomaru, as he broke Sparrow borders with his army. Hies defeat has caused ripples of concern throughout the Empire, as well as a gleam of insight and ambition in the eye of the mantis daimyo, Yoritomo...
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Badger
Shortly after the Ki-Rin's exodus from the Empire a thousand years ago through the northern mountains, the more tactical-minded samurai of the day realized that a way out is also a way in. Here, in the barren unclaimed lands, the Emerald Empire was vulnerable to attack from gaijin beyond Rokugan's borders. Much discussion was made of this, and eventally a contest was held, the winner of which would be awarded the lands around the Ki-Rin's exodus and would be responsable for the defense of such.
The contest was decided to be a sumai (wrestling) contest, after the strength of the mountain which served as the staging grounds and prize of the samurai who bested his peers. After a gruelling week of competition, a Crab, Hida Ichiro, stood victorious. He was given the distinction of being the first daimyo of the Badger Clan, given a small contignent of solders to bolster the numbers of his immediate family, and was left alone to plan and execute the defense of this portion of Rokugan.
Today, the Badger are of little relevence to the rest of the Empire. They barely ever come down from their mountain strongholds and when they do it is obvious that having seperated themselves from the Empire in the execution of their duty have made them drol and rude guests. This meerly serves to make the Badger more insular, and the majority of Rokugan have even forgotten that they exist at all.
The Family
Ichiro: The samurai of this family are warlike, but not agressive, given their defensive philosophy. It is a grave insult to them to wander into their lands unnanounced, and any who cross their borders are attacked and destroyed, whether they come from the north or the south. Only those bearing the seal of the Emperor or the obvious pomp of the Great Clan courtiers are allowed to travel the lands to speak with the Badger daimyo unmolested.
The School
Ichiro Bushi: This School focuses on tenacity and sheer stubborness. The Ichiro may not strike first, but he will make certain that he strikes last. Like the Family itself, this School develops Strength above all other attributes, and they trust in it to overcome their foes.
The contest was decided to be a sumai (wrestling) contest, after the strength of the mountain which served as the staging grounds and prize of the samurai who bested his peers. After a gruelling week of competition, a Crab, Hida Ichiro, stood victorious. He was given the distinction of being the first daimyo of the Badger Clan, given a small contignent of solders to bolster the numbers of his immediate family, and was left alone to plan and execute the defense of this portion of Rokugan.
Today, the Badger are of little relevence to the rest of the Empire. They barely ever come down from their mountain strongholds and when they do it is obvious that having seperated themselves from the Empire in the execution of their duty have made them drol and rude guests. This meerly serves to make the Badger more insular, and the majority of Rokugan have even forgotten that they exist at all.
The Family
Ichiro: The samurai of this family are warlike, but not agressive, given their defensive philosophy. It is a grave insult to them to wander into their lands unnanounced, and any who cross their borders are attacked and destroyed, whether they come from the north or the south. Only those bearing the seal of the Emperor or the obvious pomp of the Great Clan courtiers are allowed to travel the lands to speak with the Badger daimyo unmolested.
The School
Ichiro Bushi: This School focuses on tenacity and sheer stubborness. The Ichiro may not strike first, but he will make certain that he strikes last. Like the Family itself, this School develops Strength above all other attributes, and they trust in it to overcome their foes.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Centipede
To the East of Tiken no Roka (Treacherous Pass) in the Mountains of Regret lies a small valley open to the sea. It was here that one of the many shugenja schools of the Isawa was located, fouded by a quiet daimyo of the Phoenix. When he died, he left no sons tto carry his name, but eleven daughters instead. These too left mostly female heris, so, in time, a de facto martriarchy developed.
Because of their isolated location, few other Clans interacted with them, and they were allowed to develop as they saw fit. What few visitors they did have were taken aback by the martiarchial family, and did not treat them with the respect their position demanded. This treatment further insulated them from the rest of the Empire, leaving only the Phoenix and the rare Mantis sailor to maintain regular relations with them.
This pattern would probably continue to this day, if not for Isawa Azami, then daimyo of the family. Azami had lost the harmony of her soul and climbed the highest mountain of the vale to meditate. After three days, she recieved a vision: it appeared that Lady Sun herself stepped down from the heavens and settled down next to the aged daimyo. "Mine is the only voice you shall hear," she said, "for my wisdom demands it."
It is said that soon after this conversation, Azami herself floated upwards tp the heavens and never came back. The Phoenix soon entered this metaphysical phenomenon, and (with their Crane allies) petitioned the Emperor to allow these nuns of Amaterasu to have their own lands, independant from all others, to contemplate and enjoy the blessings of Lady Sun. The Emperor approved, and the Centipede were born.
Today, as since Azami's meeting with Lady Sun, sreve as Her acolytes. They keep Her grounded in the Empire Her children have creted within the chaos of the cosmos. In return, She has gifted them with powerful magic and blessings. Though their Clan is small, they hold the blessings of the Sun Herself, as well as the Phoenix, who treat any military action against their little sisters as an act of hostility towards themselves, and act accordingly.
The Family
Moshi: One of the smallest families of any Clan, they serve as nuns to Lady Sun, singing her praises with the morning and lamenting her pain with the sunset. Little is known of them, as only the Phoenix curry permenant relationships with them.
The School
Moshi Shugenja: Quite possibly the most focused shugenja school in the Empire, the Moshi revel in Lady Sun's gifts. Their elemental focus lies in both Air and Fire, but they suffer for it by being weak in both Earth and Water.
Because of their isolated location, few other Clans interacted with them, and they were allowed to develop as they saw fit. What few visitors they did have were taken aback by the martiarchial family, and did not treat them with the respect their position demanded. This treatment further insulated them from the rest of the Empire, leaving only the Phoenix and the rare Mantis sailor to maintain regular relations with them.
This pattern would probably continue to this day, if not for Isawa Azami, then daimyo of the family. Azami had lost the harmony of her soul and climbed the highest mountain of the vale to meditate. After three days, she recieved a vision: it appeared that Lady Sun herself stepped down from the heavens and settled down next to the aged daimyo. "Mine is the only voice you shall hear," she said, "for my wisdom demands it."
It is said that soon after this conversation, Azami herself floated upwards tp the heavens and never came back. The Phoenix soon entered this metaphysical phenomenon, and (with their Crane allies) petitioned the Emperor to allow these nuns of Amaterasu to have their own lands, independant from all others, to contemplate and enjoy the blessings of Lady Sun. The Emperor approved, and the Centipede were born.
Today, as since Azami's meeting with Lady Sun, sreve as Her acolytes. They keep Her grounded in the Empire Her children have creted within the chaos of the cosmos. In return, She has gifted them with powerful magic and blessings. Though their Clan is small, they hold the blessings of the Sun Herself, as well as the Phoenix, who treat any military action against their little sisters as an act of hostility towards themselves, and act accordingly.
The Family
Moshi: One of the smallest families of any Clan, they serve as nuns to Lady Sun, singing her praises with the morning and lamenting her pain with the sunset. Little is known of them, as only the Phoenix curry permenant relationships with them.
The School
Moshi Shugenja: Quite possibly the most focused shugenja school in the Empire, the Moshi revel in Lady Sun's gifts. Their elemental focus lies in both Air and Fire, but they suffer for it by being weak in both Earth and Water.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Fox
When Shinjo left the Empire to explore beyond its borders, she would not force her followers to come with her. Those few who remained were given the duties to look after her estates and alnds so taht they would be prepared for her evental return. However, once Shinjo was gone, the Lion looked upon their fertile lands with a covetous eye, and attempted to lay claim to them for themselves and the Lion.
The last of the Ki-Rin fought bravely, but were utterly crushed by the superior Lion. No longer the keepers of Shinjo's lands and on the brink of destruction, the concerned Emperor relocated them to Kitsune Mori (Forest of the Fox) and gave them new responsabilities seperate from those Shijo gave them. in light of this, they were bestowed the title of the Fox Clan, the first of the Minor Clans in Rokugan. The Fox, for their part, have never forgiven the Lion for their actions, creating emnity between the two to this day, mostly played out in recent memory in the wars between the Fox and the Hare (who are allies with the Lion).
As suddenly as they dissappeared, the children of Shinjo returned. Taking back their stolen lands by sheer might and the political leverage of their newly aquired Crane allies, the now Unicorn invited their lost brothers to return to Shinjo's Clan. The Fox politely declined - they had spent too long being independant to bow their heads to another. The Unicorn accept this (grudgingly at times), and declared themselves the Fox's allies, a claim which they seem quite proud of. In the eyes of the Unicron, the Fox have served Lady Shinjo well in the years of their absence. However, even with the respect they hold ofr the Fox, they do not truly consider them equals.
The Family
The Kitsune: The Kitsune are among the most favored families in the Imperial Court (among the Minor Clans, at least). The Emperor is still bound by the oaths he gave to Shinjo before her departure, which included protecting those she left behind. This has given the Fox political leverage beyond those of their station, an advantage they seldom take advantage of but are nonetheless not afraid to use.
The School
Kitsune Shugenja: It is rumored that the Fox are more than mere inhabitants of Kitsune Mori; that their blood has mingled with the fox spirits that reside there. Regardless of these rumors, the Fox are a highly mystical Clan. Unsurprisingly, their elemental focus is the Earth, which they use to move about their tiny provence unseen and unheard.
The last of the Ki-Rin fought bravely, but were utterly crushed by the superior Lion. No longer the keepers of Shinjo's lands and on the brink of destruction, the concerned Emperor relocated them to Kitsune Mori (Forest of the Fox) and gave them new responsabilities seperate from those Shijo gave them. in light of this, they were bestowed the title of the Fox Clan, the first of the Minor Clans in Rokugan. The Fox, for their part, have never forgiven the Lion for their actions, creating emnity between the two to this day, mostly played out in recent memory in the wars between the Fox and the Hare (who are allies with the Lion).
As suddenly as they dissappeared, the children of Shinjo returned. Taking back their stolen lands by sheer might and the political leverage of their newly aquired Crane allies, the now Unicorn invited their lost brothers to return to Shinjo's Clan. The Fox politely declined - they had spent too long being independant to bow their heads to another. The Unicorn accept this (grudgingly at times), and declared themselves the Fox's allies, a claim which they seem quite proud of. In the eyes of the Unicron, the Fox have served Lady Shinjo well in the years of their absence. However, even with the respect they hold ofr the Fox, they do not truly consider them equals.
The Family
The Kitsune: The Kitsune are among the most favored families in the Imperial Court (among the Minor Clans, at least). The Emperor is still bound by the oaths he gave to Shinjo before her departure, which included protecting those she left behind. This has given the Fox political leverage beyond those of their station, an advantage they seldom take advantage of but are nonetheless not afraid to use.
The School
Kitsune Shugenja: It is rumored that the Fox are more than mere inhabitants of Kitsune Mori; that their blood has mingled with the fox spirits that reside there. Regardless of these rumors, the Fox are a highly mystical Clan. Unsurprisingly, their elemental focus is the Earth, which they use to move about their tiny provence unseen and unheard.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Dragonfly
Many years ago, Isawa Maroko was betrothed to Akodo Yakutsu. Maroko was young and idealistic, while Yakutsu was ambitious and brash. Prior to this indented marriage, Maroko was sent to the lands of the Dragon to study, and it was there that she met Mirumoto Asijin. Ashijin was without family, his wife died while giving birth to their first son, who died himself only days later. He begged his daimyo, MIrumoto Tomo, fitsr to be allowed to perform the three cuts and leter to be released from his responsabilities so he could shave his head and join a monastary. Both of his requests were denied - Tomo asserted that Ashijin had yet to fufill his destiny.
Ashijin found that the company of Maroko eased his pain while she found quiet strength in this man who faithfully served his Clan in the face of sorrow. The two eventually fell in love, and Ashijin decided that he could not bear the pain of losing love twice. Once more he petitioned his daimyo to commit seppuku, and was once more refused; Fate whispers in your ear. DO not ignore what it says," Tomo told him.
That night, Ashijin and Maroko made a marriage pact. They would be wed, with or without the blessings of their families. Surprisingly, both families assented to the couple's wishes. Unsurprisingly, this news infuriated Akodo Yakutsu.
At first, he petitioned both families for a redress, but was denied by both. Further angered, He mobilized an army to march on the lands the couple called their own, only to find himself surrounded by armies of shugenja dedicated to both the Dragon and the Phoenix. They would not allow Yakutsu to retreat until he swore to leave the couple and their lands in peace - now and forever more. This show of solidarity so impressed the Emperor that he not only blessed the couple, but awarded them the status of a minor clan as well.
Today, the Dragonfly enjoy the protection of the Dragon Clan, and some measure of the same from the Phoenix aswell. They repay the Dragon by acting as guardians of the mountain passes which lead further into their lands. No one is allowed past the Dragonfly without the permission of one of the Great Families of the Dragon.
The Family
Tonbo: Following the pacifistic ideals of the Isawa who helped found them, the Tonbo focus on being emissaries for the Dragon. They are taught from their first days to seek enlightenment from all around them. They study mostly in nature, learning not only how and when, but the most important question, why.
The School
Tonbo Shugenja: While Mirumoto Ashijin founded a bushi school aside this wife's shugenja school, it was disbanded in an attempt to further their pacifisctc ideals. Focusing on the element of Water, the Tonbo study the affects of change itself, applying those lessons to their personal philosophies.
Ashijin found that the company of Maroko eased his pain while she found quiet strength in this man who faithfully served his Clan in the face of sorrow. The two eventually fell in love, and Ashijin decided that he could not bear the pain of losing love twice. Once more he petitioned his daimyo to commit seppuku, and was once more refused; Fate whispers in your ear. DO not ignore what it says," Tomo told him.
That night, Ashijin and Maroko made a marriage pact. They would be wed, with or without the blessings of their families. Surprisingly, both families assented to the couple's wishes. Unsurprisingly, this news infuriated Akodo Yakutsu.
At first, he petitioned both families for a redress, but was denied by both. Further angered, He mobilized an army to march on the lands the couple called their own, only to find himself surrounded by armies of shugenja dedicated to both the Dragon and the Phoenix. They would not allow Yakutsu to retreat until he swore to leave the couple and their lands in peace - now and forever more. This show of solidarity so impressed the Emperor that he not only blessed the couple, but awarded them the status of a minor clan as well.
Today, the Dragonfly enjoy the protection of the Dragon Clan, and some measure of the same from the Phoenix aswell. They repay the Dragon by acting as guardians of the mountain passes which lead further into their lands. No one is allowed past the Dragonfly without the permission of one of the Great Families of the Dragon.
The Family
Tonbo: Following the pacifistic ideals of the Isawa who helped found them, the Tonbo focus on being emissaries for the Dragon. They are taught from their first days to seek enlightenment from all around them. They study mostly in nature, learning not only how and when, but the most important question, why.
The School
Tonbo Shugenja: While Mirumoto Ashijin founded a bushi school aside this wife's shugenja school, it was disbanded in an attempt to further their pacifisctc ideals. Focusing on the element of Water, the Tonbo study the affects of change itself, applying those lessons to their personal philosophies.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Falcon
Long ago, int he farming village of Tasogare Mura (Twilight Village), an Imperial entourage stopped for an evening's rest. During the night, 'ninja' attacked the Emperor's chief advisor and his guards. A local farmer came to the advisor's aid, saving his life but losing his own to the 'ninja's' poison. The advisor took the farmer's oldest son, Yotogi, back to Otosan Uchi with him to make his report to the Emperor. So impressed was he that Yotogi was made a samurai and granted the title rights to his village. Thus was the birth of the Falcon.
Enlisting the aid of Lion magistrates, Yotogi soon discovered the identity of the assassin - a maddened peasant possibly aided by dark magic. Calling upon the Kuni tsukai-sagasu, it was further discovered that neither the peasant or the land was Tainted by maho.
refusing to let the matter go unresolved, Yotogi sat withint he temple of Fukurokujin (the Fortune of Wisdom) and meditated. He beseeched his father's spirit to help guide him through the formation of his new Clan and to reveal the cause of his killer's madness. Seventy-three days passed during Yotogi's meditations, and the local magistrates worried that the young daimyo would abandon his place and join the monastary.
On the Dawn of the seventy-fourth day, Yotogi emerged from the temple wearing a simple kimono and carrying a naginata on his back. He took a wife and immediately retired to the small castle still being constructed on his land. It is said that at this moment, a bushi approached him and asked, "What did you learn?"
Yotogi replied, "There are not enough names."
The Family
The Falcon were not granted a family name by the Emperor, though each new daimyo of the Clan takes Yotogi's name as an honorary title. It is believed that the Falcon's ancestors walk more closely with them than most, and they now define themselves through their observations and knowledge of the yorei (ghosts).
The School
Falson Bushi
Through intensive meditation techniques, the Falcon have gained an almost supernatural awareness of their surroundings. Otherwise, they emulate the avian for which they are named with uncanny accruacy, striking with deadly speed.
Enlisting the aid of Lion magistrates, Yotogi soon discovered the identity of the assassin - a maddened peasant possibly aided by dark magic. Calling upon the Kuni tsukai-sagasu, it was further discovered that neither the peasant or the land was Tainted by maho.
refusing to let the matter go unresolved, Yotogi sat withint he temple of Fukurokujin (the Fortune of Wisdom) and meditated. He beseeched his father's spirit to help guide him through the formation of his new Clan and to reveal the cause of his killer's madness. Seventy-three days passed during Yotogi's meditations, and the local magistrates worried that the young daimyo would abandon his place and join the monastary.
On the Dawn of the seventy-fourth day, Yotogi emerged from the temple wearing a simple kimono and carrying a naginata on his back. He took a wife and immediately retired to the small castle still being constructed on his land. It is said that at this moment, a bushi approached him and asked, "What did you learn?"
Yotogi replied, "There are not enough names."
The Family
The Falcon were not granted a family name by the Emperor, though each new daimyo of the Clan takes Yotogi's name as an honorary title. It is believed that the Falcon's ancestors walk more closely with them than most, and they now define themselves through their observations and knowledge of the yorei (ghosts).
The School
Falson Bushi
Through intensive meditation techniques, the Falcon have gained an almost supernatural awareness of their surroundings. Otherwise, they emulate the avian for which they are named with uncanny accruacy, striking with deadly speed.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Hare
About three centuries ago, a ronin named Reichin lived in the city of Ryoko Owari. He was a gambler, a smuggler, a thief, and an information peddler. However, his charming, clever nature carried him through the day more often than his sword, and soon he was a valued member of the community, despite his low station and questionable activities.
This reputation served him well when one day, while gambling upriver with a gang of Mantis smugglers, he saw something on the horizon. Excusing himself from the game, he climbed a nearby tree and saw what was before him for what is was: a horde of men marching on the city, sun gleaming off of their porcelain masks. If anyone but Reichin were to report as he did what he had seen to the Scorpion Magistrates, they would have been laughed away. In this case, a scouting team was assembled and sent to investigate, and when they failed to return, the city mobilized for evacuation.
Over the next few months, Reichin found himself impressed into the Scorpion armies, fighting maho-tsukai, zombies, and other... things of darkness that could not be identified at the Battle of the Bloody Retreat. He took up the banner of a fallen general and led soldiers into combat at the Battle of Sleeping River. The former gambler and thief of minor notoriety became noted for his cunning and martial prowess. When the undead horde was in retreat and one of its leaders walled in Ryoko Owari, Reichin volunteered to root him out. For weeks he set fire to supplies and sew discontent among those living within the fallen city. When the armies of the Great Clans marched to battle, the enemy general fled in the face of annihilation.
Even so, the battle lasted seven days. Reichin made further distinction for himself by taking an arrow meant for the Emerald Champion, Doji Daisetsu. When the fighting was done and the Emperor heard tales of Reichin's bravery and selfless honor, he bestowed the name Usagi upon him and gave him a small parcel of land. Several ronin who had served beneath him swore fealty to his name, and the Hare were born.
Now, however, the glory which signified the Clan's creation is largely forgotten. Considered a backwater Clan at best, they are minor allies of the Lion and dismissed by all else. This serves the hare perfectly. The enemy at the Battle of Sleeping River was none other than Iuchiban himself, leading an army of Bloodspeakers. The general in Ryoko Owari was the infamous Jama Suru, who it is said still walks the Empire today through his foul blood magic. If one thing is known of these maho-tsukai, it is that their memories are long, and the seemingly insignificant role the Hare plays today may yet allow them to help destroy the cult forever.
The Family
Usagi: Fast and athletic as their name, the Usagi prize their athleticism above all other things. Secondly, however, is the dark knowledge they possess: the Hare have the largest collection of knowledge of the Bloodspeakers known in Rokugan. Even the Kuni defer to them on matters pertaining to the Cult.
The School
Usagi Bushi: While other Schools may focus on meditation or strength, the Usagi are noted for their speed. Their style incorporates leaping and hopping over terrain, making them nearly impossible to be hit. Also stressed beyond swiftness of body is swiftness of mind - one would be hard pressed to find bushi who react faster than a trained Hare.
This reputation served him well when one day, while gambling upriver with a gang of Mantis smugglers, he saw something on the horizon. Excusing himself from the game, he climbed a nearby tree and saw what was before him for what is was: a horde of men marching on the city, sun gleaming off of their porcelain masks. If anyone but Reichin were to report as he did what he had seen to the Scorpion Magistrates, they would have been laughed away. In this case, a scouting team was assembled and sent to investigate, and when they failed to return, the city mobilized for evacuation.
Over the next few months, Reichin found himself impressed into the Scorpion armies, fighting maho-tsukai, zombies, and other... things of darkness that could not be identified at the Battle of the Bloody Retreat. He took up the banner of a fallen general and led soldiers into combat at the Battle of Sleeping River. The former gambler and thief of minor notoriety became noted for his cunning and martial prowess. When the undead horde was in retreat and one of its leaders walled in Ryoko Owari, Reichin volunteered to root him out. For weeks he set fire to supplies and sew discontent among those living within the fallen city. When the armies of the Great Clans marched to battle, the enemy general fled in the face of annihilation.
Even so, the battle lasted seven days. Reichin made further distinction for himself by taking an arrow meant for the Emerald Champion, Doji Daisetsu. When the fighting was done and the Emperor heard tales of Reichin's bravery and selfless honor, he bestowed the name Usagi upon him and gave him a small parcel of land. Several ronin who had served beneath him swore fealty to his name, and the Hare were born.
Now, however, the glory which signified the Clan's creation is largely forgotten. Considered a backwater Clan at best, they are minor allies of the Lion and dismissed by all else. This serves the hare perfectly. The enemy at the Battle of Sleeping River was none other than Iuchiban himself, leading an army of Bloodspeakers. The general in Ryoko Owari was the infamous Jama Suru, who it is said still walks the Empire today through his foul blood magic. If one thing is known of these maho-tsukai, it is that their memories are long, and the seemingly insignificant role the Hare plays today may yet allow them to help destroy the cult forever.
The Family
Usagi: Fast and athletic as their name, the Usagi prize their athleticism above all other things. Secondly, however, is the dark knowledge they possess: the Hare have the largest collection of knowledge of the Bloodspeakers known in Rokugan. Even the Kuni defer to them on matters pertaining to the Cult.
The School
Usagi Bushi: While other Schools may focus on meditation or strength, the Usagi are noted for their speed. Their style incorporates leaping and hopping over terrain, making them nearly impossible to be hit. Also stressed beyond swiftness of body is swiftness of mind - one would be hard pressed to find bushi who react faster than a trained Hare.
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Kakita_Gokumoro
- Level 12
- Posts: 1016
The Sparrow
Few can imagine that a Minor Clan could emerge from the tongue of witless noble, but this exactly the case in the founding of the Sparrow.
While the First War (fought btween the Crab and Crane Clans) raged ever onward, Crane Champion Doji Mizobu was holding court in the residence of Doji Onegano. The Yasuki had recently thrown their lot in with the Crab, their southern-most provinces were reduced to ashes, and the war had nearly exhausted the Crane's economic resources. Frustrated, Mizobu asked whether or not the assembledge thought the Crane should maintain their shipping rights when Doji Suzume, the witless son of Onegano replied:
"Maybe the world would be a better place if the samurai gave their wealth to the peasants and allowed them to rule?"
Mizobu was incensed. The Yasuki had betrayed the Crane over his economic policies, and here was the son of his host mocking him in public! Talk of making peace with the Crab was halted (the reason for the court in the first place) and Mizobu left without a word, his offense apparant.
The other courtiers were in awe. Did Onegano have some clever scheme to unseat Mizobu, using his son as a pawn? Or perhaps he was merely more enlightened than the rest. In any case, Onegano denied both accusations, leading his allies to believe that he was modest and his enemies to believe that he was duplicious. Eventually, the question of Onegano became the topic of discussion over the entire Clan, leading to the formation of factions, severing the Clan from itself while the First War continued unabated.
Eventually, the Emperor himself ended the First War. As punishment, both Clans were ordered to surrender an equal portion of their lands to create a buffer zone between them. Of course, both Clans wasted little time in debating and surrendering the most inhospitable, unuseable land they could find. These were the lands gifted to Onegano, to, "assist him on his path to Enlightenment." He was also given a family name and a Minor Clan, "for the wisdom and strangth of honor." In the meantime, Onegano's former lands, plush and rich with good soil and trade routes, were appropriated by the Seppun family.
It is said that Onegano was made a Minor Clan daimyo to remove him from the court scene entirely, so that the Crane could focus on their duties to the Emperor. It is also said that many peasants approved of his "enlightenment", and were on the verge of revolting. By giving Onegano his own lands and acknowledging his hightened state of enlightenment, the Empire avoided another protracted conflict with the lower classes, who outnumber the samurai caste 100:1.
Regardless of the reason for his ascention, Onegano was furious. His lands and wealth were taken from him and he was made the lord of almost nothing. In a fit of disgust, Onegano retired to a monastary, leaving his seventeen year old son, Suzume, as daimyo of the newly formed Sparrow. It is from him that the Sparrow get their name and peculiar philosophy of humble poverty.
The Family
Suzume: As befits a Clan who lives on property which can barely be lived off of and refuses the trappings of wealth, the Suzume are excellent conversationalists. Combined with their natural good looks (which they still retain from their Doji forebearers) makes many mistake them for Crane, an illusion which is quickly shattered as soon as the topic of conversation turns to philosophy.
The School
Suzume Bushi: The Sparrow concept of nessecity and purity are the focuses of this School. They learn to turn their patience into defense and strengthen their Honor until it is as deadly as any weapon. In addition, the School teaches knowledge and history, as befits the Suzume's scholarly persuits.
While the First War (fought btween the Crab and Crane Clans) raged ever onward, Crane Champion Doji Mizobu was holding court in the residence of Doji Onegano. The Yasuki had recently thrown their lot in with the Crab, their southern-most provinces were reduced to ashes, and the war had nearly exhausted the Crane's economic resources. Frustrated, Mizobu asked whether or not the assembledge thought the Crane should maintain their shipping rights when Doji Suzume, the witless son of Onegano replied:
"Maybe the world would be a better place if the samurai gave their wealth to the peasants and allowed them to rule?"
Mizobu was incensed. The Yasuki had betrayed the Crane over his economic policies, and here was the son of his host mocking him in public! Talk of making peace with the Crab was halted (the reason for the court in the first place) and Mizobu left without a word, his offense apparant.
The other courtiers were in awe. Did Onegano have some clever scheme to unseat Mizobu, using his son as a pawn? Or perhaps he was merely more enlightened than the rest. In any case, Onegano denied both accusations, leading his allies to believe that he was modest and his enemies to believe that he was duplicious. Eventually, the question of Onegano became the topic of discussion over the entire Clan, leading to the formation of factions, severing the Clan from itself while the First War continued unabated.
Eventually, the Emperor himself ended the First War. As punishment, both Clans were ordered to surrender an equal portion of their lands to create a buffer zone between them. Of course, both Clans wasted little time in debating and surrendering the most inhospitable, unuseable land they could find. These were the lands gifted to Onegano, to, "assist him on his path to Enlightenment." He was also given a family name and a Minor Clan, "for the wisdom and strangth of honor." In the meantime, Onegano's former lands, plush and rich with good soil and trade routes, were appropriated by the Seppun family.
It is said that Onegano was made a Minor Clan daimyo to remove him from the court scene entirely, so that the Crane could focus on their duties to the Emperor. It is also said that many peasants approved of his "enlightenment", and were on the verge of revolting. By giving Onegano his own lands and acknowledging his hightened state of enlightenment, the Empire avoided another protracted conflict with the lower classes, who outnumber the samurai caste 100:1.
Regardless of the reason for his ascention, Onegano was furious. His lands and wealth were taken from him and he was made the lord of almost nothing. In a fit of disgust, Onegano retired to a monastary, leaving his seventeen year old son, Suzume, as daimyo of the newly formed Sparrow. It is from him that the Sparrow get their name and peculiar philosophy of humble poverty.
The Family
Suzume: As befits a Clan who lives on property which can barely be lived off of and refuses the trappings of wealth, the Suzume are excellent conversationalists. Combined with their natural good looks (which they still retain from their Doji forebearers) makes many mistake them for Crane, an illusion which is quickly shattered as soon as the topic of conversation turns to philosophy.
The School
Suzume Bushi: The Sparrow concept of nessecity and purity are the focuses of this School. They learn to turn their patience into defense and strengthen their Honor until it is as deadly as any weapon. In addition, the School teaches knowledge and history, as befits the Suzume's scholarly persuits.