This has created a deep sense of compassion from the Hinotori people, and in return they willingly open their hearts in the hope that others can learn from them and open their hearts in kind. They seek to find the best in people but are prepared when they find the worst.

Even with their great elemental power, Hinotori prefers to try and diffuse tension through diplomacy than violence which is likely where the assumption of pacifism originates. 

In their own words, the Hinotori are:

Compassionate, Loyal, Honourable, Tenacious, Transparent

Current Minor Clan: Kame Clan

With their symbol, the Tortoise, this clan of traders deals with far and distant nations, and they have adapted to strange and foreign customs.

Current Minor Families: Hebi Family (Snake)

Hinotori are respected as the premier magic using clan; eloquent and forthright, and constantly seeking enlightenment. The clan wear the colours of fire: incandescent yellows, dazzling oranges, and bright reds, with flashes of metallic gold and silver. They tend towards an apparent arrogance, and can be slightly removed. Their symbol is the phoenix.

• • Primary Element: Kū (Void)

  • Secondary Element: Pick one of Chi (Earth), Fū (Wind), Ka (Fire), or Sui (Water)

  • Unable to Cast: Kage (Shadow) magic

Clan Specialist: Hinotori Monk

The Hinotori train hermits and scholars who choose to seek mystical knowledge without the use of magic. They remove themselves from society and are revered as wise and insightful. They are considered to be ‘outside’ the hierarchy, and have a lasting Influence value of 0. Through the use of their specialist skill Enlightenment, they can impart wisdom to the people around them, helping any who heed their advice to reach their true potential, including themselves. They can be either a bushi specialist or courtier specialist.

Due to the close proximity to the Shadowlands, a lot of Kani territory is tainted. This means that no vegetation grows there and it is largely a barren wasteland. To keep the Kani fed and supplied, each of the clans pay tithe to keep them fighting.

Kani are sometimes criticised for their crass sense of humour, but for them such humour is key to holding onto their humanity and a way to cope with the struggle of the Shadowlands. Courage runs through their veins.

In their own words, the Kani describe themselves as: 

Stoic, Brazen, Loyal, Determined, Forthright

Current Minor Clan: Kamakiri Clan

Their symbol is the Mantis. There is currently little known about this clan within the player base.

Current Minor Families: Suzumebachi Family (Wasp)

The Kani defend Tokoro against the Penumbra, patrolling the Wall along its border. They are fierce and dogmatic, dutiful and proud, belligerent and brave. Kani clan colours consist of dark blue and grey with red and orange highlights. They tend towards a simple, militaristic appearance, and care little for the opinion of others. Their symbol is the crab.

• • Primary Element: Chi (Earth)

  • Secondary Element: Sui (Water)

  • Unable to Cast: Fū (Wind) magic

Clan Specialist: Kani Scout

The Kani train masters of hunting and tracking who lead sanctioned expeditions into the dangerous lands south of the Wall. Through the use of their specialist skill Hunting, they can learn detailed information about the local area and wildlife, and are masters of camouflage. They are bushi specialists.

Ryu shares a trait with the Sasori, that they are often a highly secretive clan who keep their cards close to their chests. However, unlike the Sasori, their desire for secrecy is for protection over their mystical knowledge. One must truly earn a Ryu’s trust, which can be difficult, but once you have earned it you have made a lifelong ally, and it is here that the Ryu’s tenet of sincerity truly shines. Some Ryu have earned the right to wear a mask in Sasori lands, something that must be attained through great deeds.

In their own words, the Ryu describes themselves as:

Mystical, Integrity, Secretive, Relaxed, Spiritual

Current Minor Clan: Tonbo Clan

Their symbol is the Dragonfly. There is currently little known about this clan within the player base.

Current Minor Families: N/A

Ryu are enigmatic and mysterious when keeping the secrets of Tokoro, inscrutable and wise when giving sage advice and making judicious decisions. They wear emerald and forest greens, with metallic elements in all colours; shiny copper, pewter, and glossy black. They tend towards a simplistic approach, valuing an ascetic lifestyle. Their symbol is the dragon.

• • Primary Element: Ka (Fire)

  • Secondary Element: Chi (Earth)

  • Unable to Cast: Sui (Water) magic

Clan Specialist: Ryu Tattooist

The Ryu train artists and philosophers who seek enlightenment through disciplined study and can enhance the abilities themselves or others by marking them with mystical inks. They remove themselves from society and are revered as wise and insightful. They are considered to be ‘outside’ the hierarchy, and have a lasting Influence value of 0. Through the use of their specialist skill Tattooing, they can give permanent mystical powers to the people around them, including themselves. They can be either a bushi specialist or courtier specialist.

Shugenja come in many forms in Sasori lands, but a line of forbidden magic was always hidden within - even from the rest of the clan. That secret has since been revealed to the world with the release of Shadow, the forgotten Sixth Ring. Now Sasori must take the forefront in mastering this power of the night and ensure it does not disrupt the balance.

Sasori are also known for their distinct masks, wearing them to veil their true intentions. Whilst anyone can wear a mask in the Empire, in Sasori lands it must be earned first.

In their own words, the Sasori are:

Merciless, Shrewd, Loyal, Devoted, Secretive

Current Minor Clan: Saru Clan

With their symbol, the Monkey, this minor clan celebrates vibrancy, humility, and humour, entirely inverse to the secretive and dutiful Sasori.

Current Minor Families: N/A

Shrewd and manipulative, Sasori are spies and negotiators, assassins and blackmailers. The clan wear predominantly black, with visceral internal colours of blood and flesh. They tend towards insular, secretive behaviour, and often wear masks. Their symbol is the scorpion.

• • Primary Element: Kage (Shadow)

  • Secondary Element: Fū (Wind)

  • Unable to Cast: Chi (Earth) magic

Clan Specialist: Sasori Shinobi

The Sasori train infiltrators and assassins capable of insinuating themselves seamlessly into any social or martial situation. Through the use of their specialist skill Assassination, they can quickly deal with enemies through stealth and alchemy. They can be either a bushi specialist or courtier specialist.

There is one school of Bushi that any enemy fears to face on the field. Devoted warriors in Shishi have learned to tap deep into their souls and are able to draw out a rage unseen across the Empire. Empowered by their rage, Berserkers feel no pain as they barrel into the enemy, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. 

However, their prowess is not simply in warfare. Shishi courtiers are shrewd politicians, with their tactical mindset they can conduct war games within the courts without the other clans even noticing.

In their own words, the Shishi are:

Honourable, Spiritual, Protectors, Boisterous, Fighters

Current Minor Clan: Tanuki Clan

Their symbol is the Badger. There is currently little known about this clan within the player base.

Current Minor Families: Shitora Family (Tiger)

Shishi are the military leaders of Tokoro, maintaining a vast standing army. They are argumentative and hot-headed, fiercely defensive and stoic. The clan wear opulent golds, yellows, and browns, with rich earth tones in reds and ochres. They tend towards rigid formality and traditional behaviour. Their symbol is the lion.

• • Primary Element: Sui (Water)

  • Secondary Element: Fū (Wind)

  • Unable to Cast: Ka (Fire) magic

Clan Specialist: Shishi Berserker

The Shishi train fearsome and unstoppable warriors who can summon the ageless anger of their ancestors to devastating, but exhausting, effect in combat. Through the use of their specialist skill Berserker they can enter a frenzy, granting them increased strength and making them able to punch through an enemy formation. They are bushi specialists.

However, there is a secret element to the Tsuru unknown to the other clans. Thanks to the Harriers, master spies who infiltrate and gather secrets from other clans, the Tsuru are well equipped with information required both in the courts and out in the field. This is the dirtier side to the gleaming outward appearance, but the Tsuru are incredibly aware that knowledge is power. 

As masters of the arts, many Tsuru are celebrated as poets and connoisseurs for fashion, often setting trends that ripple throughout the Empire. Their artistry is not limited to just art, however, and the quality of their blacksmithing is also heralded as a fine art.

In their own words, the Tsuru are:

Perfectionists, Traditional, Dignified, Noble, Professional

Current Minor Clan: Kitsune Clan

With their symbol, the Fox, this clan of scouts has a unique connection to nature and is at home amongst the woods.

Current Minor Families: N/A

Tsuru are the founders of the court system; they maintain the traditions of Tokoro and are traditional and conventional, meticulous and stoic. The clan wear the sky blue and white with bright silver accents. They tend towards a formal bearing, and are keepers of custom and reputation. Their symbol is the crane.

• • Primary Element: Fū (Wind)

  • Secondary Element: Ka (Fire)

  • Unable to Cast: Chi (Earth) magic

Clan Specialist: Tsuru Harriers

The Tsuru train honourable and thoughtful warriors who specialise in tactics. Through the use of their specialist skill Spy Master, they have access to information networks, giving them a greater insight into the forces of their opponents or allies. They are bushi specialists.