Unkei Clan

The sigil of the Unkei clan

> ***"Endure and overcome."***
>
>

> The motto of the Unkei Clan.
>
>

A newcomer that has entered the political playfield of the Akinian Empire. The Unkei clan has originated from the fall of the Hanta clan. However, rapid reforms and desire to establish themselves as a strong clan has eroded many connections between the two clans.

## Traits

### Pious

The Unkei Clan has adopted a pious stance to the Way of Fire, which has made them staunch supporters of some other clans that share their beliefs. While aligning with the rules of social etiquette, the Unkei are usually repulsed by heretical or heathens views.

### Enduring

The Unkei have been a mere footnote in the broader span of history, with many not knowing the Unkei's existence. Yet, the Unkei have managed to survive various dangers and learned from the mistakes of those who came before them.

Wind Nature Affinity

Many that hail from the Unkei clan has an affinity noticeably for Wind release. While there have been Unkei with affinities for different releases, wind still stays a dominant nature affinity within the clan.

## History

The Unkei clan has been a mere footnote in history. This largely thanks to their constant focus on surviving and inability to seize power for themselves. With the fall of the Hanta clan, the Unkei families have seen an opportunity. A risk one, but one that may very well shape the future of the clan to a brighter tomorrow.

### Before the Hanta

The history of the Unkei clan goes far back. Much before the Hanta laid claims to the land. And even before their wandering tribes invaded the grounds that the Unkei claimed to be theirs. The lack of technology to build complex and grand structures, forging steel weapons and armour as a firm understanding of the world made the Unkei simple people. Most of them were nothing more than farmers in small villages that bundled their strength together whenever the needed arisen - which suffices to say, wasn't a lot of times. But these were recorded, both on paper as passed on verbally, as peaceful and prosperous times. It was a simpler world and not much that threatened the existence of the Unkei clan and people.

That was until the arrival of the Hanta tribes. Whereas the Hanta considered themselves as the new owners of the land, the Unkei clan and people saw them as invaders. Attempting to drive the Hanta out didn't go well. Facing an enemy that had more martial prowess, the Unkei numerical superiority didn't aid them enough to secure a victory. Subjugated and weakened, it would be noted down in history that the Unkei clan and tribes joined the Hanta. But the embers of hatred still simmered as the Hanta consolidated their power in the region - only fueling the disdain of the Unkei people.

### The Hanta Reign

The reign of the Hanta clan saw to it that the Unkei clan almost vanished. While peace lasted between the Hanta and the Unkei, the latter never fully accepted the traditions and beliefs that the Hanta had. Staunch believers of the Way of Fire, the Unkei also refused to accept many of the Hanta traditions. Where many other clans would likely enforce more obedience into their subjects, the Hanta clan surprisingly didn't do much. Various historians, however, like to point out that the Unkei didn't pose much hostility and provided tributary as would be expected from a subject.

Eventually, there aren't many recordings that detail interaction between the Unkei and their Hanta superiours. It was leading to the belief that the Unkei clan prefered to remain away from the front of politics. Only several footnotes exist of Unkei warriors being deployed in the conflicts that the Hanta endured. Such as the vicious fighting against the Hon heathens and the heretical Tokugawa. These footnotes barely ever touch upon the martial prowess of the warriors that the Unkei clan delivered to the Hanta clan. But with the Unkei emerging as an independent clan, it has become clear that the Unkei aid wasn't done out of benevolence or loyalty. It was demanded by their Hanta masters, something that caused only more resentment among the Unkei clan. For none of these wars did the Unkei reap any rewards. Let alone gain any victory, due to the indecisive nature that the Hanta fielded during the Warring Clans era.

### The Unkei Plot

It isn't entirely clear when the Unkei clan plotted to overthrow their Hanta overlords. Some historians that have studied the various sources claim that the Unkei clan may have sought a chance since the day the Hanta ruled them. Others point out that the resentment ebbed away until the Hanta started to lose various wars during the Warring Clans era. Whatever the answer is, the Unkei clan eventually started to plan to become independent from their Hanta masters.

Upon the end of the Warring Clans Era, the Unkei clan noticeably started to consolidate more resources. Investing more in martial prowess and creating industry in their land, the Unkei clan saw itself transform from humble farmers into a small regional power. The usage of shrewd diplomacy and trickery kept the Hanta unaware of the true nature of these progressions. But with each exchange and day, the Unkei leadership saw themselves closer to the day that they would be able to challenge the Hanta.

The emergence of the Akinian Empire was such a time. The brief disturbance in the political playfield allowed the Unkei to further their plans at a faster pace. The turmoil that briefly took hold of the realm, with the instalment of the Homura dynasty, the Hanta clan was too distracted to be aware of what was happening in their lands. Gathering more allies from the region itself, the Unkei clan finally stepped into the treacherous phase of their plan: to uproot the Hanta control in their heartlands.

### The 'Day of Blood'

It isn't an easy matter; to oppose those with more wealth and a larger military. Treason is met with death and humility. But people can be pushed only so far. And with the Hanta clan becoming slowly decadent, the Unkei leadership saw their chance.

Already the various minor nobility present underneath the Hanta rule was set against their masters. Shrewd Unkei diplomats spread vicious rumours and slander. Arranged marriages saw alliances being formed between the Unkei clan and the other Hanta subjects. But what finally drove the Unkei clan to execute their plan was the aid of the Uchiha clan - who were convinced that the Unkei would be a better replacement of the Hanta clan. And that of the Tokugawa clan; which further supplemented the Ukei clan with required soldiers and materials.

Having gained allies, their Hanta masters having becoming fat and lazy, the Uchiha and Tokugawa clan support as well as having a more robust military - the Unkei clan was ready. They planned to strike fast and quickly. Ideally, the Hanta leadership would be overthrown in a single day. Waiting for the Hanta clan to become focused on the next Imperial gathering of clans, the Unkei clan and her allies moved into position.  Their manoeuvring was fooling the Hantagādo, the Hanta shinobi. Together with the aid of the mysterious Crimson Blades, from the Uchiha clan, the Unkei plot remained undetected until the last moment.

On the 19th of March, near the dawn of Spring, the Unkei plot went into motion. Steel was unsheathed and quick to plunge within the bodies of Hanta nobility. Various important Hanta was quickly assassinated or poisoned on the break of day. The skilled Hantagādo unit was betrayed from within - being infiltrated by the Crimson Blades of the Uchiha as various allies of the Unkei clan, preventing the interference of the Hantagādo with the Unkei plot. What further sealed the fate of the Hanta clan, was the aid from the Tokugawa clan. With the Tokugawa military moving into the Hanta heartlands, the Unkei and her allies managed to acquire total domination.

### Entering the Akinian Playfield

Treason is punishable by death. When the night started to dawn upon the world, on the 19th of March in the year of 477, the Unkei send forth emissaries. While the corpses of yesterday were gathered for a funeral pyre, the Unkei clan would provide a large amount of evidence to the Crown; proof of Hanta treason and deals with foreign powers. Together with more proof, such as the Tokugawa evidence of Hanta subterfuge as sabotage in their lands, the Unkei emissaries would bring the promise of their leader. That the Unkei clan and her people would serve the Empire as committing to the wishes of her Empress; or die trying.

## Traditions

The Unkei Clan and her people are typical Eastern Taika. They value tradition and honour to their own. Respect and social etiquette are essential factors, which are being imposed unto all Unkei; regardless of social rank - though a noticeable difference may occur, depending on the individual's wealth and upbringing.

### Day of Fire

On the 20th of March, the Unkei clan and people have various festivities spread through their lands. It is the day that Winter is being replaced by Spring. A transition that is most important for the Unkei - which is likely coupled together with their beliefs.

### Zabuton Throwing

Various dojos and arenas in which sumo wrestlers battle each other, there are so-called 'tatami sections'. These sections have a zubaton pillow seats, which provide a comfortable seat. It is customary to express one's frustration with the result of a sumo match by throwing the zubaton pillow.

### Mamemaki Bean Throwing

Setsubun is a holiday celebrated by the Unkei clan on the eve before summer. It is traditionally believed that the afterlife comes closer to the world of the living at that time. Allowing demons more likely to appear. On Setsubun, parents put on an oni mask and try to scare their children. In turn, the children throw roasted soybeans to scare the demons away.

### Sumo Salt

Sumo wrestles purify the ring when they enter by tossing blessed salt up in the air. Some wrestlers are particularly good at making a show of this; by tossing the salt dramatically towards the ceiling. This tradition is related to the ritual known with Fire priests purifying homes from invading demons with blessed salt.

### Towel on Head at Onsen

Onsen is one of Unkei people's favourite pastimes. According to local traditions, onsen waters must remain pure, and people thoroughly bathe before entering the water. Participants bring a small towel into the bath area for this purpose. The towel that has been used to wash shouldn't enter the bathwater. This is a predicament because there's often no place to put the towels. Thus over time, creating the tradition to place a folded towel on one's head.

### Lanterns of Fire

The Unkei link with the Way of Fire dates back untold centuries. Such as the Lanterns of Fire, which is a tradition that occurs around the eve of summer. It is the time of the year when it is believed that the spirits of loved ones return briefly to the world of the living.  As such, the ceremony is held on the dawn of evening or night - representing the journey of souls to the afterlife.

### Dondo Yaki

Dondo Yaki is the tradition of burning lucky items. This is often done during the Week of Fire, for the Unkei believe that it's bad form to throw lucky items away. Auspicious items are often sold at shrines or temples of Fire, where they are decorated with the zodiac of the current year. It is considered bad luck to hold on to those sold items after the year ends.

## Unkei Heartlands

The Unkei clan has managed to gain sway and right of rule on their current heartlands. This encompasses most of the former Hanta clanlands, save it for the ceded away city of Tori No Su. One of the first decrees, however, of the Unkei clan has been to give new names to the former Hanta governed sites. The Unkei explain that the decree was necessary to wash away the treason of the Hanta and allowing a fresh start, for those innocent and loyal to the Empire.

### Kenraoi

Kenraoi is the current capital from which the Unkei govern their lands. With installing new administrations and keeping close ties to their new subjects, the leading Unkei nobility have taken up residence in Kenraoi. While appearing benign towards the city's populace, the Unkei clan has started a campaign to 'cleanse' the town of heretical symbols and features - hoping to introduce a more hopeful future for its residents. Such as the wolves that were kept, when the city was still addressed by Urufuhausu.

### Takatori

The previous Hanta capital. Even though the Unkei clan has installed a new administration to oversee the city, it has become abundantly clear that the city is being reorganised. Various projects are being prepared to tear apart multiple buildings. Precious artefacts of the past are being sold and transported. Most of the revenue either vanishing in pockets to those loyal to the Unkei. But some of the revenue or artefacts being transported south to the Tokugawa clan or westwards, to the Uchiha clan. It is yet unclear what the Unkei clan plans to do with the previous Hanta capital.

## Military

The Unkei clan doesn't possess a large military. While a large number of their force is composed out of the ashigaru levies, a professional core of soldiers and shinobi exists.

### The Valiant Unkei Spears

The regular soldiers of the Unkei clan. Ashigaru levies form the majority; often farmers and peasants being organised into military units. Their equipment and training may be inferior to some other clan's troops; the Unkei levies are a hardy lot. A core of professionals do exist; often in the form of retinue that form the household guard and soldiers of the Unkei nobility. These professionals are often of samurai descent and uphold to strict rules of honour and tradition.

### The Crows of Yarakoshi

Not much is known about the Crows of Yarakoshi. It is highly unlikely that this shinobi-esque unit has existed for more than a century, due to the lack of resources or capability of the Unkei clan to field such a unit. The few that are aware of the Crows existence suspect that the Unkei likely started to train and organise it on the eve of their coup. With the aid of the Uchiha and Tokugawa during the coup, it may very well have taken some inspiration or even help of those two Great Clans.

## Relations

The Unkei clan has strong opinions, regarding many clans that exist or have existed throughout history. But even in spite of their opinions and pride, the Unkei clan are able to respect others - even if they may have heretical or heathenous beliefs.

* The Homura Dynasty

The Unkei clan have sworn fealty and loyalty to the Empire of Akino, to the Homura dynasty. But this newfound loyalty isn't without its problems. As a pious people, some of the Unkei clan worry that the Imperial crown may not be able to respect their traditions and beliefs properly. Withholding their opinion and striving to become loyal subjects, the Unkei clan has adopted a cautious stance towards the Homura dynasty.

* The Tamiyo Dynasty

Respecting the Tamiyo for their talents in the arts of diplomacy, the Unkei clan are most curious to interact with their brethren in faith.

* The Cho Clan

The Unkei Clan view the Cho with some disdain and fear. Becoming aware of the violence that the Cho used to expand as well how they treated those of the true faith, the Unkei clan have adopted a near hostile and wary stance to the Cho.

* The Hon Clan

The Unkei clan view the Hon with dread and anger. This may have to do with the fact that Hon steel once spilt Unkei blood. But it also very well may have to do with the fact that the Hons are considered barbaric heathens by most of the Unkei. An opinion that may not be shouted out in halls and exchanges - but is far from a secret.

* The Sarutobi Clan

The Sarutobi doesn't get better treatment than their heathenous Chonobi brethren. The Unkei clan even views the Sarutobi as a source of problems, due to the fact of various Sarutobi being in high command as well near the Empress.

* The Tokugawa Clan

The opinion on the Tokugawa is one of mixed feelings. The Unkei clan are keen to uphold some semblance of friendly interactions with the Tokugawa. But the fact that the Tokugawa are following a heretical religion has strained their relations from blossoming further. An established trade treaty has been signed between the Tokugawa and Unkei, not soon after the emergence of the later.

* The Uchiha Clan

The Unkei clan views the Uchiha as proper Taika. With the Uchiha also following the Way of Fire, the Unkei clan are most keen on upholding friendly relations with neighbouring the Great Clan.

* The Hyuuga Clan

A view of suspicion and wariness exists from the Unkei, regarding the Hyuuga. One might mistake the Unkei hesitance due to the Hyuuga's kekkei genkei. But it is actually due to the Hyuuga's heretical beliefs - according to the Unkei clan. What furthermore has somewhat strained Unkei-Hyuuga relations may have to do with the Hyuuga gaining control of former Hanta land.

* The Hyuzu Clan

Being a Chonobi clan, the Unkei clan don't have a high opinion of the Hyuzu clan. Even with their incredible forging of weapons, armour and tools, the Hyuzu are often met with a cold stance from the Unkei clan.

* The Natsui Dominion

The Natsui Dominion is considered a clan and place where the Unkei clan and her people can conduct their business in peace. Many of the Unkei are eager to start exchanges with the Natsui Dominion.

* The Yamanaka Clan

The Unkei Clan isn't keen on interacting with the Yakimara. Much less with the Yamanaka, for the various rumours that exist around the Yamanaka and their mind-readers are a source of worry; for the Unkei clan.

* The Nara Clan

While bright minds should receive respect, the Unkei clan are wary of the Nara. They find it troublesome that such brilliant minds may exist within the control of heathens. Much of the Unkei clan isn't keen on interacting with the Nara clan.