Koi-no-Ryokan

**Koi-no-Ryokan** is a clan currently located in the Cloudscrape Crags of the Southern Icefield. Founded from a single Fae's nest in the Starfall Isles, the clan has grown exponentially over the years and has traveled through nearly half of Sornieth as dictated by the founders' wanderlust.

Koi-no-Ryokan prides themselves on welcoming all who pass by and sheltering any in need of aid, free of charge, for as long as they will stay. Their name is a play on words: "koi no yokan" is an untranslatable phrase from an ancient language that suggests the feeling of looking at someone for the first time and knowing that the two of you were meant to be. A fitting name, as many love stories have bloomed just so beneath their roof. The clan's crown jewel is their inn and namesake, the Ryokan, a towering structure of wood and stone that has weathered four long journeys to varied climates and always has room for one more resident in its spiraling annexes. Guests who stay here often become clan members themselves, and their descendants are now the ones who keep the inn flourishing and the clan prosperous.

## History

### Origins (Arcane Flight)

Koi-no-Ryokan was founded by Eira, a Fae of unknown parentage whose egg had rolled from the edges of the Starwood Strand into the sharp rocks that line the southern coast of the Isles. After spending her youth studying healing magicks in the Oculus of the Eleven, Eira set out to establish a clinic where she could use what she had learned to treat what maladies she might find in the Isles. Her first attempt at a nest was destroyed when a badly wounded Guardian crash-landed into her tree in his flight from a horde of murderous Harpies; this Guardian, Tyr, became her first patient, her first friend, and eventually her lifelong mate.

## Lair

Koi-no-Ryokan's layout changes depending on the natural geography of their current habitat, but several main structures remain relatively unchanged throughout their moves. These structures have become the focal points of the clan; they are clustered together in the center courtyard, forming a triangle that some say mimics the relationship of the Three Factions (see "Factions" for more information).

## Factions

Koi-no-Ryokan prides itself on being united above all else; but even so, a natural hierarchy of bloodlines and alliances formed early on in the clan's development. While none of the factions hold ill will against any of their fellows, a certain amount of rivalry and selfishness was to be expected, especially in the early days. With this in mind, the designated leaders of the three factions formed a ruling **Council of the Three** to make all decisions for the clan's future by fair vote. This system continues to the present day, though by now the leadership has mostly passed down several generations from the original members of the Council.

### The Founders Line

Maestra Eira naturally led and represented the first faction, known to the others as the Line of the Founders. Ironically, though the name suggests an emphasis on bloodline, the members of this faction are the least likely to be related by blood and the most likely to have been adopted.

## Members

Below is a list of clan members whose stories are integral to the growth of Koi-no-Ryokan, or who just happen to have fascinating stories. The list is updated as frequently as we are able.