Crane Clan

[KitsuneWarlock]

<-The Crane Clan->

<-Clan's Overview->

Konai, symbol of respect(Rei) among the Kami, rules over the portion of land that covers the Eastern Shores of Saiken. His brethren, the ones that occupy these lands and make use of its wonders, are the member of the Crane Clan. A population that honors the teachings of its Kami through a variety of ways, ranging from the simple education that their children receive, to the way their Samurais act towards the others.

The Western border leads to the territory of the Bear Clan, while the Northern leads to the Ki-Ri Clan, with those two clans being the only ones that border the territory of the Clan on land. On the sea though, since its not as easy to establish frontiers, it's assumed that the Crane has a border with the Wolf Clan and its seven islands. Both nations have very advanced naval fleets and are well-versed in the ways of the sea.

Rei has deep roots in the people of the clan, and were it not for the castes, one could surely affirm that there's no better place to live, nor a warmer population throughout the whole Saiken;but that's not the only trait that Konai passed on to her children. Beauty, perfection, symmetry, all these things are related to the clan, and the way they deal with the most trivial situations on their daily-routine.

From the top of the hierarchy to the very bottom of it, all members of the Clan possess the same habit of always striving to make their tasks more graceful as well as more efficient. Our Courtiers strive to be smarter, quicker and ever so diligent in their dealing with all the spheres of power that exist in the Empire. Crane's artisans stand among the most skilled and well-spoken ones of all the Empire, creating beautiful pieces of art in every single field of expertise that they specialize in.

Bushi of Clan are often praised as technically perfect and a sight to behold. Developing a fighting style that relies in the striking down the enemy with as few strikes as possible, their fluid and connect way of fighting is something truly enjoyable to see. Every movement seems to have a purpose, an one can never spot unnecessary movements or on the stance of a Crane's Bushi. Needless to say that their trained in both the physical and mental aspect of battle, for one can only find peace inside the battlefield after achieving the same inside oneself.

Shugenjasthe Clan aren't the most powerful ones, but they surely stand among the most graceful and tuned with the Kami's needs from them all. Crane's Shugenjas have an affinity with the Wind element and specialize on spells based on said element; utilizing its soothing and healing ability, at the same pace that they reveal the versatility and destructive potential that the same possess.

This affinity was born surely from the heavy influence that the element has in the primary activity of the Clan; sailing. With the access to virtually the entire East coast of the Empire, the members didn't took long to take advantage of this and build a solid and well-organized structure of trade around such geographical blessing. Crane's Merchants are praised as one of the most keen and sharp ones, spreading their fame throughout the Empire as well as raising the Clan's influence on the Economic Scenario of the same. While most of the trading is made via the sea, this does not mean that 'all' of it goes through there, the borders with both the Bear Clan and the Ki-Ri Clan are usually taken by a crowd of merchants making their way in and out of the Clan's territory in search of a good deal on their products.

While the naval fleet of the Clan can not be compared to the one belonging to the Wolf Clan, the design and beauty of our ships is surely superior to any others known. Praising the teachings of Konai, Crane's ships are built not only to be functional, but also to deliver the Clan's morales to anyone that sets eyes on them, often standing out in any seas that they might sail. As expected, the personnel that compromises the Naval Force of the Clan is highly trained in various arts, blending with the magnanimous atmosphere that the ships create.

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<-The Crane Clan->

<-Clan Overview->



Perfection

Honor

Tradition

Focus

Respect

The goal of the Crane clan is both uniting and worldly: Perfection. Perfection of the world, of the self, and of their small place in the Saiken Empire. This small sliver of land does not boast a large army, but instead has strived for quality over quantity, shaping each individual for an elite, intelligent clan. With a formidable navy the Crane clan is also known for it's trade goods, shipping handmade luxuries across Saiken. This also helps sustain the clan's bulging economy. The culture of the Crane clan is a very crafted and aristocratic society, growing at an immense rate there are only a few very small villages left, cobbled cities dominating the planes of the Crane clan.

Contents:

<-Clan Geography->
<-Clan Families->
<-Overview of Culture->
<-Clan Techniques and Benefits->
<-Missions, Duties, and Plots->
<-Clan Member List->

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<-Clan Geography->



Cities and towns:

Capital City: Nori Containing one of the biggest ports in Saiken, the capital city is built amongst rivers and ocean. In fact, the best mode of transportation is a small paddle-boat or a slightly larger multi-person boat. Although there are a few city squares, where imports can be found, small shops and stores are the main attraction of this city. Housing some of the best artisans in Saiken you can find everything from master chefs, and famous artists, to writers and poets. Everyone but the tourists has a trade in this city. Located here too is the palace grounds for the Crane emperor and council. The grounds consist of wondrous gardens, arbors, and an extremely large lake, populated by some of the more rare catches of fish and other aquatic-bound creatures. The palace itself is not much to speak off, as the Crane ideals are perfection of the person. A two story abode with a large basement, the 'throne' is merely a rocking chair.

M1: Waza This rather old city is most known for it's fertile plains, capable of producing almost any crop you plant among it's rich soils. Miles and miles of farms and huts occupy this city. In the center of the city there lies a giant town square. Anything from dances, meetings or markets can be found here, and a small dock can be found next to a major river that runs into the great ocean. Along the main square you can find a few bars, hotels and a few scattered temples, tended by monks or Sohei.

M2: Fukyuu This major city is known for it's markets of rare and luxurious products, ranging from exotic fish markets to beaded, jeweled, and stylized clothing markets. Almost anyone can find work in this city, as there is a constant need for escorts, shipping, apprentices, and other well-paying jobs. Bulletin Boards of such jobs are located across most of the city squares and mansions will specifically seek out renowned individuals for more high-end missions (usually of total secrecy). Throughout night and day Fukyuu is always bustling. From the rowdy bars of Fukyuu's small, but populated dock, to the huge plazas of markets.

V1: Akiya A fishing village by nature, this small village is nestled among rolling valleys, enjoying the massive catch of rare and beautiful fish that flock to the reefs and fauna of Kappa's bay. Although currently there is only a small, diminishing, population inhabiting the bay at the moment, traffic in the area is large. Merchants and exporters constantly arrive and leave as they collect the goods from the fishers in the area. Even though it is easy to make a profit in Kappa, most of the next generation are moving to the larger cities, preferring the busy life enjoyed there, rather then a dull fisher's life in Kappa. However there are speculations the population's downfall will soon turn upwards and grow enormously. This makes this town in a small crisis, and currently hold the attention of the higher-ups of Crane.

V2: Mi This growing town is extremely hostile to the rest of Crane, but they still retain good relationships for trade purposes and simply because they, compared to the rest of the powerful clan, are barely a grain of sand in this fast growing clan. Almost tribal in appearance, Mi is hidden among the few mountains of the Crane clan, rising up into the sky like a private castle of nature. A dense forest guards the mountains further away from civilization but Mi still manages, and gets most of it's money from tourists and adventurers, wanting to experience the thrill and buzz of blizzards and raging storms. Occasionally the emperor sends scouts and spies to make sure the threat level remains low from Mi.

V3: Foyari The fastest growing town in the entirety of Crane (and possibly the entirety of Saiken as well), this city has it all. Lush, rich soil provides the ideal environment for almost any plant life, and rich forests contain thousands of species of animals. A few hot springs are located around the city, and in the winter when it snows you can see snow macaques lounging in them, along with any humans. Lots of Sakura trees line the serene streets of Foyari, it is the perfect paradise. Foyari is even sometimes nicknamed 'Sakura Paradise.' Other attractions include it's secluded tea rooms, linked to Foyari by cobbled paths through lush gardens, and it's rock gardens tended by wise men that can help with your any trouble.

Neighbors

Bear Clan:
The Crane clan holds little respect for the Bear clan, as they specialize in quantity over quality, the exact opposite of Crane values. This tense rivalry is sharp, but no violence has yet to unfold. The Crane clan has deemed it necessary to keep regular relations with the Bear mainly because of the connecting river that runs between the two clans, and leads to Crane's major trade city, which is not at all defended.

Wolf Clan:
An uneasy relationship of respect and distrust lies amongst the Wolf clan and the Crane clan. Both clans containing formidable navies, and both clans sometimes competing for export jobs, relationships can become easily strained, however they remain in good terms, and have some trading relations.

Ki-Rin Clan:
The main source of income for the Crane clan, besides for trade the Crane clan and the Ki-Rin clan tend to keep to their selves in terms of political warfare. The Crane clan considers it a great honor to be allowed a position next to the great emperor's state, although they often wonder why the Bear clan was offered such prestigious territory.

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<-Clan Families->

The Four Major Families

Political Power

Family: Zaihou (literally treasure)
Description: Controlling most of the markets of Crane, the courtiers of Zaihou contain an extreme amount of political power. Controlling import and export they often put out secretive missions for individuals to take up, that can include trade missions, alliances, exporting, importing and other more dangerous activities. Elitely trained monks and ninjas act as body guards and personal assistants, often keeping to shadows and moving around secretly to garner information for these political over minds. The main family grounds are situated in Fukyuu, where you can find temples where the monks live, and a few different palaces where the ninjas and courtiers call home.
Major classes: Courtiers, and Monks or Ninjas as their guards, as well as Merchants.
Benefits: Loads of money. Any member of this family can dish out checks worth loads of money, signing them off to father's, or grandfathers in the business. When it comes to money, the Zaihou can squeeze out of any gap with a few fist fulls of bribes!
Flaws: Slinky. Townfolk aren't to enthusiastic about an entire family monopolizing the markets, and their have been sightings of fights breaking out, or attempted assassinations, so the Zaihou must always be looking behind their backs, one of the many reasons that the courtiers usually bring along personal guards.

Air magic

Family: Kuuki no Senshi (literally Warrior of air)
Description: Introducing their selves simply as the warriors of air, over time this has became synonymous with the family name, and the actual name has been lost to history's cutting dagger. As the name suggests, this family delves into the study of air and all of it's wonders and magics. The training complex for the Kuuki no Senshi is located in Inari. It is surrounded by a low cobbled wall, and contains three large buildings, the living complex, the mess hall, and the school. The grounds are huge, and a large bath-house with a natural hot spring is located on the far east side. The facility is located a long ways away from Inari, but you can still go to town and come back within a day. This facility is where all budding Kuuki no Senshi are trained, and at a certain level they are sent out on missions until they are deemed worthy of independence, where upon they can go out freely from the facility, but of course, are always welcomed back with new teachings and wisdom.
Major classes: Air Shugenja, Air Onmyouji and specialized Gekkaishi Shaman, who are known to wield other-worldy air powers as well.
Benefits: Serenity. Meditation and mastery of an element gives the Kuuki no Senshi an ability to perceive things another could not. They can immediately tell if someone is hiding something, lieing, or even happy behind their tears. This applies non just to people, their perception can also help them whilst travelling through an unknown environment, or even attempting to communicate with other animals or spirits.
Flaws: Provoked. The Kuuki no Senshi are known to be extremely sensitive to their reputation, and are usually capable of getting fired-up very easily in order to protect their family's honor. This can range from harsh words, to excessive destruction and often times townsfolk will insult them just to see a reaction, so the Kuuki no Senshi's reputation is slightly mixed.

Iaijutsu

Family: Fukashigi (literally mystery/wonder)
Description: This primarily melee-trained family is renowned for their dueling skills. Many of these family members specialize in Iaijutsu, honing the art of the 'draw.' Not particularly based anywhere you can usually find the members of this family wandering Crane, looking for ways to truly become experts of their craft. They are up for any task you may lay in front of them, and will use all means to successfully and efficiently complete their missions. Not so feared politically this family is still respected because of it's massive power in combat. So no man questions their right to be a major family among the Crane.
Major classes: Samurai, Bushi, Sohei and Ninjas.
Benefits: Reputation. The Fukashigi have a grand reputation for carrying out their jobs and missions with the utmost efficiency, so the chances for a client to accept are extremely high for any member of this family. Any client would welcome the strength and dignified perseverance of this family.
Flaws: Wandering. The Fukashigi have no home, so no source of possible funds or income, as such they must rely on getting jobs, or even begging for their food and sustenance. It is even possible to see members of this family sleeping on the streets. Usually this is only true for the novices, because any job they take will provide little monetary benefit.

The Navy

Family: Kappa (literally Sea Demon)
Description: The ruling family of the navy, these individuals rule over many sub-families in an all encompassing structure. Masters of the sea, individuals of Kappa are known for their majestic boats, both fast and unstoppable. As much as they try to keep up a respectful front the navy definitely likes to party, and you can often time hear music and yelling late into the night at the main grounds of the Kappa family: the Nori port.
Major classes: Sailors. A few sailors are known for their skills as Bushi, Onmyouji and Shugenja, but they are rare.
Benefits: Born with the sea. Every child of Kappa are introduced to sea-faring at a young age, making them extremely familiar with all of the systems and machinery on any boat you throw at them. As such any member of this family can operate any vessel with ease, and is able to navigate more swiftly then other new sailors to said boat.
Government funded. Kappa will pay for any damages to property during a mission, and will even pay you for a failed mission (only 50% of the possible profit though). They make sure that this is a rule strictly followed to keep up their reputation as 'good to their members' so they can earn even more money from the main government.
Flaws: Land-lubbers. With the life of an adventurer on the ocean completely swallowing any member of Kappa, they usually have little to no knowledge of inland statistics and politics. Usually the only information they receive is from their teachers, and the guests and passengers on their boats.

Minor Families

There will be a submission form for these <3 [exactly the same as the above families o.o']

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<-Overview of Culture->

History
Konai, a revered and respected leader colonized this land, along with a large population behind her, each individual looking up to their symbol of perfection for their ideals. The first city to be established was actually Waza, even though it didn't become the capital. Spreading out onto the fertile lands of the Crane clan, the population quickly spiked with immigration booming from other clans, and even outsiders. Konai was welcome to all, as long as their ideals were synonymous with Crane. Eventually, as the need for transport started to rise, the great city Nori was constructed, with the finest architectures at hand, Nori is certainly something to behold. Konai quickly called it home, and since that time it has become the capitol of Crane. Realizing that that the clan would soon get out of hand for simply one person to control she set up the present government, and constructed the hut she calls the royal palace. Then, hand-raising a Sakura tree, she cut it down (and as the story goes, weeped at it's death) and built the throne: a rocking chair.
But, not all was to be pleasantries, criminals soon started to roam the streets, attempting to steal off of market squares or cheat people's well earned money. Konai had no choice but to deal with these traitors of the Crane's ideal personally, eventually she managed to exile a small population of these rebellious survivors into a secluded, almost unlivable zone: Mi. The day she brought them into the mountains it is recorded that she spoke to them with benevolence, saying she would continue to love them, like her own children, however before she can accept them back into the fold they must learn her virtue: respect.
The criminals knew that if they were to survive they must band together, so a small hut-filled village was created, and a tribe of sorts was established, each man and woman undertaking a new profession, whether it be carpenter, hunter or something else to sustain their small population. They learned how to live with nature, and came to respect the little they had. When Konai eventually made the dangerous trek back to Mi she celebrated their new ideal as one running parallel to the Crane's, and welcomed the town back into the fold. All the same she keeps an eye on this town, for even if their ideal runs parallel, the Mi still hold deep resentment for most of Crane, keeping their personal vendettas to the end.

Trade Goods

Rare Fish
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Artisans:
-Chefs-
-Glass Blowing-
-Needle-working-
-Pottery-
-Poets-
-Origami-
-Calligraphy-
-Sumi-e-
To be filled

Boats of Crane
Insert boat descriptions~layouts~etc.[will fill when the boat system is more defined! >: D]