Tetsukiko

Kanji on the armband of Tetsukiko soldiers

The dominant supernatural faction operating within the Empire of Japan is the *Tetsukiko* (Iron Chrysanthemum). The Tetsukiko sprang out of a merger between the Japanese mages of the Saensaeng and the Zaibatsu, of the Elemental Dragons in the last half of the 19th century. It now controls a vast number of nodes and resources, in Japan as well as in Japanese controlled territories.

## Background

The resentment the Elemental Dragons bear towards their Western “friends” in the Technocratic Union runs deep. When it became clear that the Middle Kingdom had to either adapt or become a subsidiary of the West, the Japanese Dragons threw all their weight into what has gone down in history as the Meiji Restoration. Since then, the Dragons have helped push Japan from a local feudal state to an industrial superpower.

The *Tetsukiko* *Zenpan* (General of the Iron Chrysanthemum), Kishimoto Ryunosuke, has been the undisputed ruler of the Japanese Dragons since his *Shōgatsu* Coup of 1899. Following a purge of the "backwards-looking masters" of the Japanese Elemental Dragons, the various separate factions were reformed as one organization and renamed *Tetsukiko*.

With the rise in power of the Imperial Japanese Army following the Japanese victory over the Russian Empire in 1905, the martially oriented Iron Chrysanthemum cemented their hold on religion and science in the Empire of Japan. In the *Tetsukiko* vision of the future, there is no room for compromise. Anyone who stands in the way of Japanese Ascension, be they Asians or Westerners, are enemies of Japan. The only thing that matters is the Rising Sun. Since coming to power, the *Tetsukiko* have used its influence over the Japanese military to hunt down and destroy a great number of other supernaturals. Many more have been driven deep into hiding or forced to flee.

## Paradigm

The *Tetsukiko* combine elements from the Technocratic conventions of Iteration X and Void Engineers with Shinto beliefs and rituals. The major difference between the Iteration X and the *Tetsukiko* is that whereas the former may have mechanical implants to bring themselves closer to the Machine, the latter believes that society at its purest is the only real representation of the Machine, and that unquestioning obedience is the highest form of service.

They are involved in cutting edge technological and inhumane medical research, as well as mass surveillance and ideological programs. The casual observer may see several disparate paradigms at work, but the close integration with the Empire of Japan ties it all together.

Agents of the *Tetsukiko* may wear a 1000-Stitch Belt to protect them from bullets, have performed a cleansing ritual to shield them from mind control, have injected themselves with a cocktail of drugs to give them increased strength, carry a 300-year old sword used by their ancestors, and fire a Type 96 light machine gun from the hip. They may also be ruthless scientists conducting mass experiments on prisoners or attack pilots of fetish aircraft.

Common Foci: Technology, Science, Bureaucracy, Religion, Rituals, Intimidation, Meditation, Martial Arts, Weapons.

## Organization

### Gokudō

The lords of the criminal underworld in the Empire of Japan. They are modelled on the Syndicate as well as the Water Dragons. Almost all *yakuza* syndicates are controlled by the *Gokudō*.

Primary Sphere: Entropy.

### Kageshidan

Spies and assassins for the *Tetsukiko Zenpan*. Often referred to simply as ninjas.

Primary Sphere: Correspondence.

### Kenchikka

Wars are not won by manpower alone. The *Kenchikka* see to it that the *Tetsukiko* has the tools required for the job, be it by creating fetishes or forging *tamahagane*, the Magickal alloy used in several of the wonders deployed by the other divisions. Most Earth and Fire Dragons have ended up here.

Primary Spheres: Spirit and Matter.

### Tetsushidan

The Iron Guard are universally feared among the night-folk of Asia. Sometimes called the demon samurais, they act as bodyguards for *Tetsukiko* leaders as well as shock troops against particularly dangerous enemies.

Primary Sphere: Forces.

### Zaidan

These mages often operate alongside the Imperial Army and Navy, wearing uniforms with a *Tetsukiko* armband. This is what most people think of when they hear the name *Tetsukiko* and is by far the largest of the factions. Its members move openly within the ranks of both the civilian and military societies of Japan, in their army uniforms with the *Tetsukiko* armband. They have police authority over all branches of the armed services as well as civilians, and do not report to anyone except the *Tetsukiko Zenpan*. They draw heavily from the New World Order playbook.

Primary Sphere: Mind.

## Ranks

### Awakened Ranks/Kenshō

* **General/Tetsukiko Zenpan**: The undisputed leader of the *Tetsukiko*, Kishimoto Ryunosuke.
* **Lieutenant-General/Shogun**: There are five shoguns, each leading one of the five divisions.
* **Colonel/Superintendent/Daymio**: To reach this rank, the mage must be a Master of at least one Sphere and have made a real contribution to the Ascension Plan.
* **Major/ Chief Inspector/Oyabun**: These mages are at least Adepts in one Sphere and they have demonstrated blind obedience to the *Tetsukiko* *Zenpan*.
* **Captain/ Inspector/Wagashira**: The *Wagashira* must have reached Disciple level command of at least one Sphere and have a record of obedience to the *Tetsukiko*.
* **Lieutenant/Investigator/Kyodai**: To become one of the *Kyodai*, a mage be born to Japanese parents and they must swear an oath of obedience to the *Tetsukiko Zenpan*.

### Non-Awakened Ranks/Shatei

The *Tetsukiko* relies heavily on mortals to achieve the goals of the Ascension Plan. Most often, this involves mundane allies or organizations, such as government ministers or the army, but there are also a large number of Sleepers who directly serve the *Tetsukiko Zenpan*. These *Shatei* will wear the *Tetsukiko* uniform and have the rank of Sergeant or Corporal. These non-Awakened are among the most fiercely loyal of all the *Tetsukiko* members.