1. The Yao Clan: The house of Yao is a large, prosperous clan boasting nearly 500,000 clansmen. They have long been amongst the greatest clans in Xing, and occupy vast amounts of land. Given the landscape of the country, much of this acreage is naturally heavily forested or mountainous, but they hold a great deal of fertile, cultivated land as well. Thus, are able to grow many crops, in addition to garnering resources from the other available terrains as well, such as precious metals and minerals. The Yaos are not only quite self-sustaining, but they contribute greatly to the economy and profit notably by result. However, given that they do have so much land to upkeep, and so many clansmen to sustain, they are not as wealthy as they outwardly appear.
As a very powerful clan that is quite rich in resources, the Yaos naturally draw a good bit of attention. They are regarded as strong, ambitious contenders in the playing field, and this wins them a wide variety of different receptions. They have many enemies, as well as many that wish to be held in good favor with them. There are also those who appreciate and seek to utilize all they contribute. Their most notable ally was once the Oshiro Clan, with whom they had long upheld good relations with, even to the point of sharing many lands and markets. However, after suffering controversy with their heir and chief, Coulomb Oshiro, who was eventually arrested and supposedly executed, their longstanding union was damaged. Presently, they have returned to peaceful terms, but they are not nearly so close as they once were.
Prior to Ling Yao becoming Emperor, they were on notably good terms with the Han Clan, a member of which assisted Ling, Lan Fan, and Fu in crossing the desert. Following Ling’s ascendance, he extended many land and market rights to them as a show of gratitude. He also established good relations with the previously reigning clan, the Szetos, who are quite powerful and notable in their own right. The Yaos have been primarily well received, with the exception of the Lok Clan, whose heir had been promised succession rights prior to Ling, and thus by extension all of their allies.
2. The Oshiro Clan: The Oshiro Clan is among the more large and well-off of Xing’s fifty clans, having a population of roughly 425,000 people, and a great many acres of lush farmland at its disposal. They have never been an overly clan ambitious in a traditional sense, and over the years have tended to turn out more scholars than fighters, having produced many of the finest alkahestrists in the country, as well as several of the greatest minds in all of Xing. They have always preferred to make their way in the world by aiding a handful of other powerful clans, namely the Yao Clan, with whom they share good relations, rather than participating in Xing’s many power struggles at the forefront. This approach has kept the Oshiro Clan safe, stable, secure, and out of harm’s way for many hundreds of years, whilst allowing them to maintain a great deal of political influence. Not only has it earned them the protection of several powerful clans, but also kept them from appearing as much of a threat, thus prompting little conflict with any clans that might otherwise oppose them.
3. The Lok Clan: The Lok Clan is a powerful, affluent, and vehement clan, with a population of some 640,000 clansmen. In past history, they have occupied the throne upon multiple occasions, and were the second clan ever to reign after the initial founding of the empire. As a clan known for their great power and aggression, they are highly controversial. Many fear them, many oppose them, and many desire to be allied with them. They possess a great deal of profitable land, and have long been strong opponents on the political field. Although they prosper notably from their resources, their strength and pride rests in their armies, which are amongst the most revered in Xing, and have been offered up in willing service to the throne for many decades in hopes of currying a trustworthy image and good favor. As a highly ambitious clan, they tend to select clans of lesser aspiration for allies. They were long frustrated by the Oshiro Clan’s adamant devotion to the Yaos, as they viewed them as a most desirable ally. Many decades ago, they won favor with the then reigning Szeto Clan after the northeastern country of Eligom invaded, and their forces defeated them almost single handedly, as they occupied the majority of the infiltrated land. Several months prior to Emperor Delun Szeto’s death, the Lok Clan’s heir, Zhao Lok, was announced as his successor to be.
However, following his death, they learned that the royal decree had been privately transferred to Ling Yao, shortly before the Emperor’s passing, an explanation for which was never given. They felt enraged and betrayed by this, and by result their longstanding good relations with the Szeto Clan crumbled. They remain strongly discontent with Yao Clan for ‘stealing’ their right and strongly desire to sabotage them and extract revenge. Although open rebellion has not sparked, there have been multiple vengeful outbursts since Ling Yao’s ascension, including public disputes, and minor attacks on Yao Clan land, Szeto Clan land, and the lands of some of their closest allies. The most common disturbances have been property damage and minor conflicts between individuals or small groups. Many of the attacks have been made undercover, but the shadow of open outburst is undeniably brewing. Given their selective tastes, the majority of their allies are not amongst the most powerful clans, but they have a good handful supporting their cause, for though they lost a fair few who feared conflict or favored the Yaos or Szetos, they also gained those who were against them.
4. The Szeto Clan: The Szeto Clan maintained rule over the country for three long reigns. They are a strong and ancient clan, amongst the first to be formed many centuries ago when Xing was still a savage country primarily occupied by various groups and nomadic tribes. They possess much prosperous and fertile land, and have access to resources that many clans do not, as they are one of the few who own land that reaches to the ocean. By result of this, much of their wealth comes from overseas trade, and they control this valuable economic element more so than any other clan does. They have a population of roughly 410,000, and are quite self-sustaining. In comparison to the previous two rulers that the Szeto Clan produced, who though rather strict and disciplinary were both regarded as wise and fair, the late Emperor Delun Szeto was not widely liked.
In contrast to his predecessors, Delun Szeto was governed by greed and selfishness, and greatly lacked their insight and wisdom. Thus, whereas he was not vigorously cruel, his rule was far less pleasant. He admired the strength and magnitude of the Lok Clan, and had long been friends with the chief of their clan, as the Szetos and Loks had maintained good relations for quite some time. Thus, he eventually selected their heir, Zhao Lok, as his successor. This was changed upon short notice when Ling Yao presented him with supposed immortality. Following his death and Ling Yao’s ascension to power, the Szeto Clan soon became enemies with the enraged Lok Clan and all of their close allies. They have, however, maintained and improved upon their relations with the now reigning Yaos.
5. The Mu Liu Clan: The house of Mu Liu is a large and thriving clan, with a population of roughly 435,000. They have long aspired to produce an heir that would come to sit upon the throne, but have in fact never been the reigning clan, despite having been among the more prosperous and powerful houses for quite some time. This has resulted in some frustration on their behalf, and makes them highly competitive. However, they are not widely viewed as a threat beyond their notable size and large amounts of owned land. The Mu Lius have never succeeded in making a respectable name for themselves, with no great accomplishments or feats to speak of. For despite their great aspirations, it is upon rare occasion that they actually initiate any conflicts or go to great extents in hopes of accomplishing their goal. Rather, they appear content to continue to grow wealthy upon their rich and fertile lands.
6. The Okamoto Clan: The Okamoto Clan has long been regarded as a force to be reckoned with. With a population of near 700,000 clansmen, they are the largest house in Xing. They flourish upon their vast and plentiful territories, and contribute greatly to the economy. As a past reigning clan, they have done quite well for themselves. The Okamotos are powerful and confident, ever seeking to improve their resources; a proactive stance that has won them a great many allies who seek to benefit from their gains. As one of the wealthiest clans in Xing, they were quite valued by the Szetos during their reign, and it was believed that the Okamoto Clan heir might be chosen as successor. However, he was assassinated before this could come to pass. They have a warring history with the neighboring Lok Clan, for as the two largest clans, they are in need of the most territory, and they often have border disputes.
7. The Fei Clan: For many centuries, the Fei Clan existed on a more neutral standing, but as long time allies with the Szeto Clan, they rose to power alongside them in the more recent decades. They were strong competitors in the most recent succession period, given these relations. However, their heir was assassinated. In the past, their lands were not of the highest quality, but they have developed as skilled traders and have long maintained wealth by playing the market system. During the reign of the Szetos, they were extended rights to better lands. As they were rather extensive, some of these were taken away upon the ascension of the Yao Clan, resulting in some displeasure on their part, both towards the Yaos and the Szetos. They have a population of roughly 343,000.
8. The Sui Clan: The Sui Clan was a hopeful contender in the most recent succession period, though they were on fairly neutral terms with the Szeto Clan. Although certainly not above assassinations and under the table schemes, the Suis are well known for attempting to curry favor via extravagant portrayals of respect, generosity, and entertainment during gatherings, festivals, and the like. They have many famous theatre groups, and quite frequently showered the Szeto Clan with exotic gifts and plentiful goods. Although they own a fairly good amount of land, much of it is forested, and as the removal of trees is strictly limited and at times forbidden in Xing, their farming territory is restricted. They are a large clan of nearly 468,000, and are known for making appeals for extended land rights. Upon Ling Yao’s ascension, some of these requests were granted, and by result has greatly solidified their loyalty to the reigning Yaos.
9. The Wing Clan: Alongside the Szetos, the Wing Clan was one of the first clans to ever be formed many centuries ago. In addition to this, they were the clan responsible for creating the first empire and uniting the clans. Although back in the day that earned them many enemies, they have since come to be revered as pioneers amongst the clans. Their first reign lasted for many emperors, and was only ended when they were brutally rebelled against and overthrown by the Lok Clan, who at the time were seen as saviors, for they broke the long, controlling cycle. This resulted in the Wing Clan being weak and disliked for a very long period of time. They made a slow return, and for many decades rode upon attempting to curry favor whilst appearing as neutral as possible. Presently, they have a population of 200,000, and although they were not particularly friendly with the Szetos, they have bettered their standing upon the ascension of the Yaos, with whom they were on fairly good terms with.
10. The Longwei Clan: The Longwei Clan was the house that reigned prior to the Szetos. Before their own ascension to the throne, the country was lead by the savage and rapacious rule of the Tao Clan. With the assistance of many clans, particularly the houses of Pei, Mendoza, Yao, and Szeto, they succeeded in overthrowing the Taos, and the Longwei Clan claimed the throne. Particularly given the cruelty of the Tao Clan, the Longweis were quite well received, and to this day they stand as one of the fairest leading houses in history. As both clans held favor with them, the Peis and Szetos became highly competitive throughout the Longwei Clan’s reign, each hoping to be chosen as successor. Upon selecting the Szeto Clan, their relations with the Pei Clan were understandably damaged. Given their good standing with the Szetos, the Longwei Clan remained quite well off throughout the reign of their ally, and are quite well established in their wealth and prosperity. They own much profitable land, and have a population of nearly 400,000. Â
11. The Zhen Clan: Many decades ago, the Zhen Clan invaded Yao Clan territory in hopes of expanding their own, but failed in the process. This resulted in much discontent between the two clans, and they were quite displeased when the Yaos were unexpectedly announced as the next reigning clan. They expected to be strongly disadvantaged by this, but Ling Yao was quite merciful in the scheme of things. Still, they have not forgotten their wounded pride, and are certainly far from holding or particularly desiring any favor with the crown. Although they were not on excellent terms with the Szetos, as a powerful house of some 510,000 clansmen, they did feel they at least had a chance of some gain during their reign. In light of the Yaos ascension, they have set their sights upon the aspiring Lok Clan, with whom they now share multiple common enemies.
12. The Khan Clan: The Khan Clan is among the larger and more prosperous houses, with around 312,000 clansmen and fairly extensive territory. They rose to power many centuries ago, during the reign of the Tao Clan, one of their closest allies. However, the Taos proved to be greedy and merciless, resulting in much discontent among the clans, and they were eventually dethroned. The Khan Clan would have been abolished alongside them, as one of their few remaining allies, and one of the few who benefited from their savage rule. In order to survive, they abandoned their allegiance to the Taos, and fully supported the rebelling clans, even claming that the Taos had forced them into servitude. Naturally, this treachery resulted in them becoming bitter enemies in the eyes of the Tao Clan.
13. The Han Clan: The Han Clan has existed on friendly terms with the Yaos for a good many years, and they have benefited in light of Ling Yao’s ascension to power. Although fairly well off, the Hans are not amongst the most powerful or noticeable clans, and though not without any ambition, they did not go to any strenuous lengths in hope of winning the throne. They live on fairly profitable lands, and have improved greatly after being extended further land rights. Their population consists of roughly 215,000 clansmen, and they now among the Yao Clans most dedicated allies. They have also long existed on friendly terms with the Oshiro Clan, and have never suffered from a great many enemies, given their more neutral standing.
14. The Pei Clan: The houses of Pei and Szeto competed very closely over succession rights many decades ago, back during the reign of the Longwei Clan. They made repeated efforts to sabotage one another in any way possible, and made multiple attempts to assassinate their respective heirs. Back in that day, the Pei Clan was a powerful house of nearly 475,000 clansmen, and controlled much profitable land. Following the ascension of the Szeto Clan, however, many of their land rights were taken away, and many of their people were taken as servants in the name of the Empire. They now strongly aspire to curry favor with the presently reigning Yao Clan and reclaim their previous standing. As the Yaos and Szetos are on fairly good terms, they know this will be no simple feat.
15. The Leng Clan: Located on the top northwestern side of Xing, the majority of the Leng Clan’s land is rough and mountainous. However, these ranges are fortunately rich in mining and minerals, and between this and their access to the seaports, they are quite wealthy. The Lengs are among the few clans that have easy access to the ocean, and they have a population of roughly 135,000. Due to their secluded location, they suffer from less thievery and border disputes than the majority of clans. They are not a particularly ambitious or generous clan, preferring to keep themselves in their profitable ways. In the past, they have been known for hoarding and concealing their income and resources, which has gotten them into trouble upon numerous occasions. Presently, however, they are gliding rather easily on neutrality, with both the Szetos and Yaos paying little mind to them. It is known that they have important connections with various countries through their sea-trade.
16. The Yunxu Clan: Located in the foothills of a section of the northern mountains, The Yunxu Clan is one of the few houses to more frequently suffer conflicts with the Leng Clan. They have long desired to occupy a portion of their profitable ranges, but as the Leng Clan’s location makes their defenses beyond easily managed, they have never been remotely successful. They aspire to one day become the reigning house, or at least curry enough favor with the crown to realize this smaller endeavor, but as a middle ground clan of average lands, wealth, and a population of 95,000, they are quite far from their goal.
17. The Mau Clan: For many decades, the Mau Clan existed with a very well off, yet neutral standing, always maintaining quite well, but never managing to be amongst the more noteworthy houses. They attempted to remedy this frustration by investing a large sum of their wealth and resources in the market, aiming especially to import many goods and then redistribute them, both raw and in various products and crafts. However, their investment proved more expensive than their profits could counter, and their resources soon began to suffer. Aware of their financial weakness, the Manalo Clan, with whom they had been allied with at the time, convinced one of their other allies, the Desai Clan, to attack and lay claim to a portion of their territory, under the agreement that they would share in the profits. The warring period was relatively brief, as the Mau Clan lacked sufficient funds to support it for very long, and they were soon forced to surrender. Thus, they were greatly diminished as a clan, losing both their wealth and much of their land. Although not weak, they have never regained their well off standing, and remain among the lesser clans. They never discovered that the Manalo Clan was behind the ploy, and as they were unwilling to lose their alliance and protection, they were unable to ever truly confront the Desai Clan, for fear of creating harmful turmoil. Presently, they lay relatively low, and have a population of roughly 80,000.
18. The Manalo Clan: In the early ages, the house of Manalo was powerful and prevalent, and they have long sought to regain that standing. However, as a smaller clan of only 88,000, they have suffered difficulties in being viewed as particularly worthy or noticeable. For though they are fairly well off, they have no great lands or wealth to speak of in compensation for their smaller population. The majority of the action they have taken has revolved around other lesser clans, and thus has yet to add up, though they remain dedicated to improving their status.
19. The Liu Rong Clan: The house of Liu Rong is a rather large clan for their standing, with a population of some 250,000. Their lands are not particularly vast or prosperous, and thus the majority of their funds are dedicated to maintaining their people. They have no great armies to speak of, and have seldom been known for managing political matters terribly well. Given their lack of appeal, land rights are rarely extended to them, and they have often been preyed upon when additional servants have been required elsewhere. Upon Ling Yao’s ascension to power, the few servants from their clan who remained in the palace than returning with the Szetos, were returned to them, and he granted them some additional territory beneath the agreement that a portion of the profits they made would be returned to the crown, and that a quantity of their men would be trained and sworn to the imperial army. This generosity was met with great delight, and the Lie Rong Clan is presently completely dedicated to the Empire.
20. The Yue Clan: The Yue Clan is a house deeply immersed in the ways of old, even more so than the majority of other clans. For many long decades, they have been dedicated to the Wing Clan, and strongly desire to see them one day returned to power. The Yue Clan is also among the most ancient houses, and was one of the few clans to support the initial concept of an empire. They reside in the northern sector of the country, and share much of their territory and resources with the Wing Clan. They have a population of roughly 100,000.
21. The Quan Clan: The house of Quan is a relatively affluent and stable clan, with a population of some 215,000 people. They once reigned as the imperial clan, but it was unusually brief. The first emperor they produced was an efficient and skilled leader, but he made the mistake of choosing his ill-suited son as his successor, rather than an heir from a closely allied clan. Only a short time into his rule, his son gave beneath the pressure and retired quite early, passing the rule onto another clan. This previously unheard of occurrence has sense been a mark of humiliation for the house of Quan, and they hope to remedy their image.
22. The Desai Clan: The Desai Clan is a house of medium status, and has long worked closely with the Manalo Clan. Together, they aspire to one day become clans of great wealth and power, but have never managed to reach far beyond their own caliber of clans, with allies such as the gullible Mau Clan. At times, turmoil has risen between the Manalos and the Desais by result of their lack of progress, but they have always made amends in due time. With roughly 90,000 clansmen, they are quite close in size to one another.
23. The Xiao Clan: The Xiao Clan is a large, well off clan of 425,000. In the past, they attempted to invade Oshiro Clan territory, believing they would be an easy target given their longstanding image of neutrality. They were immediately combated and brutally defeated by the Yao Clan, which created a great deal of friction between the two clans, as they felt that the Yaos had interfered without sufficient reason. Although they were not punished when Ling Yao ascended the throne, some of their land rights were transferred to other clans.
24. The Sueh Yen Clan: The Sueh Yen Clan is a house of a fairly middle ground standing, with a population of roughly 100,000. During the reign of the Longwei Clan, they were much a larger clan, and waged brutal war upon the Pei Clan, viewing them as powerful contenders of the time. They hoped not only to gain resources from their victory, but also to prove themselves as a capable and worthy candidate. They selected the Peis rather than the Mendozes or Szetos because though they held favor with the reigning Longweis, they were not so close with them as the other two were, and they did not seek to upset the crown. However, even with their larger numbers of the time, they were defeated and reduced to a much smaller, weaker standing.
25. The Chao Clan: The house of Chao has long been a great supporter of the Lok Clan. Although quite ambitious, they seek only to become a powerful and influential clan, and are quite content to support the Loks in their aspirations. They faired quite well during the reign of the Szeto Clan, as the Szetos and Loks have been on excellent terms since the northeastern invasion of Eligom. Prior to allying themselves with the Lok Clan, they had long sought to become the reigning clan themselves, but only suffered many decades of conflict and fluctuation. They are now a well off house of some 300,000, and were highly disappointed with the unexpected ascension of the Yao Clan.
26. The Zhou Clan: The Zhou Clan is a substantial clan of 250,000. They first gained power during the reign of the Tao Clan, having long assisted them in their battles against the Szeto Clan. At the time, they were quite large and owned much profitable land. As the Emperor of the Tao Clan grew gradually more vengeful and greedy, however, he began to mistreat even his allies, and the Zhou Clan soon felt their resources were being unfairly utilized. Thus, when the Longwei Clan, accompanied by many allies such as the Szetos, Mendozes, Yaos, and Peis, came to overthrow the house of Tao, the Zhou Clan abandoned the empire and willingly aided them. However, though this act saved them from being obliterated alongside the Taos, given their past history, they were not so easily forgiven as the Khan Clan. Particularly during the reign of the Szeto Clan, they did not fair terribly well.
27. The Ming Clan: The Ming Clan is an average house of 85,000 clansmen, and has maintained a relatively neutral standing for many years. They control a fairly large amount of territory, but as much of it is not particularly profitable, they are not commonly the targets of invasion or imperial interference. They were far more powerful in ancient times, but long ago fell in light of assertive and highly active clans such as the Loks and the Okamotos. They have been on friendly terms with the Yaos and the Oshiros for quite some time, however, and thus have some hope of gaining favor in the years to come, despite having little to offer.
28. The Liang Clan: The Liang Clan is a longstanding ally of the powerful and prosperous Okamoto Clan. They first came into noteworthy affluence during the reign of the Okamotos, and as the houses of Okamoto and Yao remain on fairly friendly terms, they have maintained quite well themselves. However, they have strongly opposed the Oshiro Clan since their heir and chief was revealed as a traitor, believing him to be responsible for the death of the Okamoto Clan’s heir. They have long encouraged the Okamoto Clan to wage war upon them, and this did result in some attacks during the final years of the reign of the Szeto Clan, which has now created a whole manner of conflict that the Yao Clan is presently attempting to curb. The house of Liang has a population of roughly 200,000.
29. The Mendoza Clan: The house of Mendoza is clan of great ambition. They rose to power as a close ally of the Longwei Clan, but the two had a falling out when the Szeto Clan was chosen as the next reigning house instead of them. Following this, they allied themselves with the Pei Clan, for though they had long existed as competitors, they now had a common enemy. Greatly impressed by the power and immensity of the Lok Clan, the Mendozas have continuously considered allying with them, but are wary, as the Loks are well known for crushing or rejecting those of equally great aspiration. In addition to this, the Pei Clan has selected the safer route of attempting to curry favor the Yaos. Presently, the two remain at a more neutral point, as both courses of action will extend well into the future. With a population of only 317,000, the Pei Clan is a good deal larger than they are, and they are reluctant to cast their allegiance aside.
30. The Tsai Clan: Although relatively stable in their situation, the Tsai Clan is among the lesser clans of Xing. Prior to the Tao Clan’s ascension to power, they had suffered conflict with them upon numerous occasions. Thus, when the Taos rose to power, they were among the first clans that they punished and overtook. Following the overthrow of the Tao Clan, few of their lands and resources were returned, and they have never fully recovered. They live on very average territory, and have a meager population of 35,000.
31. The Feng Clan: Once a very prosperous clan, the house of Feng fell from power during the reign of the Okamoto Clan. They had a long past history of conflict and treachery between them, and following the Okamoto Clan’s ascension, they were quite discontent. By result, though they did not actually act out against the crown, the Okamoto Clan had them framed as traitors relatively easily and then proceeded to abolish them. Their chief, previous heir, and many of their officials were executed for treason, many of their people and much of their wealth was claimed, and their original territories were restricted. They presently have a population of 40,000 clansmen.
32. The Suzuki Clan: The Suzuki Clan is a smaller house of 55,000, but they live upon fairly prosperous territory. Although on relatively neutral terms with the Yao Clan, they were quite pleased by their ascension to power, as they have long disliked the house of Lok, both by result of past conflicts and simply due to their overall aggressive image. Hypocritically enough, they actually seek to spark further discontent between the clans, hoping that the empire will wage war upon the Lok Clan and their allies.
33. The Lei Clan: The house of Lei is known for being deeply imbedded in religion, even more so then the majority of other clans. They devoted much of their land to holy sanctuaries, and are responsible for the creation of many great temples and shrines. Because of this, many houses fear to attack them, and throughout the country’s long history of various reigns, multiple of their priests have almost always been welcome within the capitol. By result of this image, they are a prosperous clan of some 375,000, and are highly wealthy.
34. The Sasaki Clan: The house of Sasaki has been gradually weakened over time by result of their long blood feud with the Wing Clan. They strongly opposed the creation of the empire, and allied themselves with the other rebel clans, all lead by the house of Shoi. Following their brutal defeat, they did not re-ally themselves with the Shoi Clan during their second revolutionary attempt many decades later. However, they never forgot their hatred for the Wing Clan and their close allies, and have continuously attempted to sabotage them. They were among the many avid supporters of the Lok Clan when they first overthrew the Wing Clan. However, the long decades of warfare on a whole has not treated them well. They presently live on average lands, and have a population of only 76,000. Although the Wing Clan has not pursued continuos conflict with them, they have suffered greatly at the hand of the Yue Clan, a close ally to the house of Wing.
35. The Tao Clan: The Tao Clan has a long past history of bloodshed with the Szeto Clan, primarily over their seaside territory. Many centuries ago, the house of Tao occupied a small section of it, but eventually lost it after numerous border conflicts. Many decades later, the Tao Clan ascended the throne, and they immediately reclaimed their territory, and then some. During those years, they were a powerful and thriving clan. However, their leader became overrun with greed and vengeance, and soon became notorious for seizing territory and brutally punishing those that they had suffered conflict with in the past. Inevitably, this lead to great discontent brewing amongst the other houses, and as they had failed to maintain enough allies, they were eventually rebelled against and overthrown, with the powerful Longwei Clan seizing control. The Tao Clan was disgraced and savaged, and had their territory greatly restricted, leading to famine and civil war within their house. Although they long to reclaim their once powerful image and extract vengeance upon those who wronged them, they have primarily been forced to lay quite low. One of their few notable allies, the Khan Clan, would have been devastated as well, but they were swift to abandon the house of Tao, and by result have maintained as a fairly powerful clan. For their treachery, the Tao Clan longs for revenge upon them even more so than upon the Szetos or Longweis. They presently have a population of roughly 55,000.
36. The Sakai Clan: The Sakai Clan was a hopeful contender in the most recent succession period. With average lands and a population of roughly 115,000, they were far from having particularly good odds, however. Over the years, they have attempted to improve their standing through invasion and assassination attempts, but this has primarily only served to weaken them in light of numerous defeats. Although not seen as particularly threatening, they are viewed as a troublesome and untrustworthy clan, much to their displeasure.
37. The Juo Clan: As neighboring clans, the house of Juo has suffered quite frequently from the persistent onslaught attempts of the Sakai Clan. Despite being a slightly smaller clan of 98,000, they have almost always defeated them, and by result have in fact gained some of their territory and clansmen as servants. They have great aspirations to improve their standing, and have chosen the more subtle approach of attempting to gain favor with the clans already well regarded by the throne. Not only do they hope to avoid making as many enemies, but feel this indirect approach might appear more believable and useful in the eyes of the reigning clan.
38. The Sha Clan: The Sha Clan is a smaller, but fairly wealthy and self-sufficient clan of 65,000 clansmen. They have never been particularly good at currying favor or making alliances, which has left them quite limited. They are too small in number to stand on their own, and though their lands are plentiful enough to offer good profit, they do not possess extensive territory. They have maintained quite well throughout the country’s brutal history, seldom suffering severe fluctuations.
39. The Matsuka Clan: Until quite recently, the Matsuka Clan was one of power and affluence, with a population of 300,000. In light of Ling Yao’s unexpected ascension to power, they responded quite poorly. Not only they were avid supporters of the Lok Clan, but the houses of Yao and Matsuka have also suffered numerous conflicts in the past, though none took place in the more recent years. They were quite unresponsive to the Yao Clan’s extension of mercy, and attempted to rally a rebellion, believing it to actually be quite plausible, given the immensity of the Lok Clan and all of their allies. Members of their clan were caught multiple times attempting to destroy Yao Clan land and property. However, the Lok Clan chose to stay out of the entire affair, and stated that they were loyal to the crown. Thus, the Matsuka Clan was left entirely defenseless, and without a way to withdraw their claims. Essentially, they forced the Yao Clan to punish them. The Matsuka Clan’s chief and many of its officials were executed for treason, and a good many others were punished. Their land and market rights were taken away, parts of their territory were taken for imperial usage, and they were required to compensate the crown with a hefty sum, in addition to some other things. However, the bulk of their population was not harmed or punished.
40. The Zamora Clan: Once a very prosperous, promising clan with a population of 311,000 clansmen, the house of Zamora sought to gain favor with the crown by showering the reigning clan with a whole manner of different gifts, from expertly trained soldiers to exotic imported goods. However, without the funds to support this method, they borrowed from neighboring clans beneath the assurance that they would be rewarded once the house of Zamora ascended the throne. Alas, their heir was not selected, and they were left with a broken word, and an immensity of debt. Thus, the Zamora Clan has greatly diminished, now enslaved to their many obligations. As this reflected quite poorly on their image, all of their previous land rights were taken away, and they were forced to offer up much of their original territory as well. They even went so far as to sell and gift many of their clansmen as servants.
41. The Ishida Clan: For many decades, the Ishida Clan was a poor, weak clan that lived beneath the thumb of the Lok Clan for an extensive period of time. They depended upon them for protection, and by result sacrificed their free will and the majority of their resources. During one of the Lok Clan’s many battles with the Okamoto Clan, they betrayed them and allied themselves with the Okamotos instead. However, it soon proved to be a poorly taken risk, for the Okamoto Clan feared the treachery would result in open war, and refused to protect the Ishida Clan. They were abolished almost to the point of extinction, having been a small clan of only 45,000 to begin with. The Lok Clan claimed the majority of those who weren’t killed as slaves. Following this devastation, the remaining people sacrificed much of their territory in hopes of avoiding further conflict. They have slowly recovered to a population of 4,000, but remain a very weak clan.
42. The Miao Clan: With a fairly promising population of 211,000, the house of Miao was a vehement competitor in the most recent succession period. Although their territory is not particularly vast, they are relatively wealthy and their lands are reasonably profitable. With no immediate connections to the throne, their primary method fell upon assassination. They were proficient enough to never be caught officially, but over time they stirred distrust and malcontent amidst the other clans, which eventually resulted in an under cover attack that claimed the life of their chief and the life of their heir. This not only sabotaged their chance, but also left them in extreme discord. A small bout of civil war even erupted within them.
43. The Raju Clan: The Raju Clan embodies a very typical situation for the average house of Xing. They have risen and fallen over time, and ever aspire to be greater than they are. Armed with a population of almost 110,000, they hoped to curry favor with the late Emperor Delun Szeto by proposing and pioneering an invasion to the east that would expand their country, but they were denied. They have rested at a weaker point since the reign of the Longwei Clan, with whom they had shared past conflicts with, and by result suffered during their time on the throne. Thus, they have been growing increasingly eager to improve their standing.
44. The Kuora Clan: Once a well off clan, the people of house Kuora were branded as traitors and cravens when they fled from an eastern invasion battle during the early period of the Szeto Clan’s reign. As punishment for their crimes, their lands were greatly restricted, many of their people were claimed as servants, they were required to pay a great sum to the crown, and many of their soldiers were executed for treason. They hoped to recover from this loss of face by allying themselves with the Lok Clan, as they had recently become enemies with the Szetos as well as the reigning Yaos, but the house of Lok refused to be associated with them. Bitter with insult, the Kuora Clan is presently seeking other ways to redeem themselves and return to power. Once a very large clan, they now have a meager population of 60,000.
45. The Sang Clan: The Sang Clan is the most recently formed clan of Xing, though still quite ancient in the scheme of history. They are a runoff from the Wing Clan that began as a group of people who fled from the capitol when their clan was overthrown. As this happened so early in the beginning of the country’s civilized history, they were able to do so fairly easily. However, the Wing Clan and their allies, such as the Yue Clan, have always shunned them. In addition to this, as they began as such a small group with no territory of their own, they have always struggled. Save for those mentioned above, however, they are viewed as relatively little threat, and therefore suffer little conflict. In hopes of avoiding confrontation, they have chosen to remain on lesser lands without quarrel, and presently have a population of only 3,000 some people. It was long a common belief that their sense of identity as a clan would be lacking, and this resulted in many clans attempting to absorb them, but none ever succeeded.
46. The Ryo Clan: For a long period of time, the house of Ryo maintained a fairly well off, middle ground standing amongst the other clans, and had great aspirations for the future. However, an impatient, arrogant chief came into power, and he foolishly rushed the plans of his forefathers and attempted to seize wealth and resources with unbridled force. In a short period of time, the Ryo Clan was crushed, not only by their neighboring clans, but also by the empire for causing such unruly discord. They presently live on limited territory, and have a population of roughly 25,000 clansmen.
47. The Cai En Clan: The Cai En Clan has never been a house of great power or profit. With a small population of 12,000 clansmen, their focus is primarily within maintaining themselves. They are known for being especially reclusive and primitive, and are highly territorial. They have been punished by the empire numerous times for failing to pay their taxes and for being reluctant to offer up any of their people in service to the crown. Despite their small size, they are extremely resilient and skilled warriors, and upon multiple occasions have defended themselves from the invasions of clans much larger than themselves.
48. The Shoi Clan: Many centuries ago, the house of Shoi was a powerful and influential clan. Upon the creation of the empire, they were already quite large in population and had many resources at their disposal. Prior to the clans being united, they had a past history of bloodshed and conflict with the first reigning clan, the house of Wing. They rallied many of the other opposing or reluctant clans to their cause, and attempted to thwart the plan. This resulted in much warfare and causality, but in the end, they were defeated and the empire was formed. Naturally, this left the Shoi Clan as well as many of their allies extremely weak and depleted. Although there were some clans who continued to support them, many felt that they had failed them and abandoned the cause. However, despite their painstakingly slow recovery, they never relinquished their desire for revenge. If anything, it only grew. Many decades later, they once again attempted to overthrow the empire, but it was a foolish attempt fueled by wounded pride, for they had not near the strength that they had once possessed, and the empire was in a far less vulnerable state. They were once again completely abolished. Presently, they are a clan of 6,000, and have been reduced to living upon lesser lands.
49. The Bohai Clan: Once a great and prosperous house, the Bohai Clan fell from grace many centuries ago. They were once allied with the Lok Clan, and they worked together beneath the understanding that the Lok Clan would protect and provide for them in exchange for their support. However, when the heir of the Lok Clan became the Emperor of that time, they left behind their devoted ally in favor of wealthier and more beneficial allies, feeling confident that the Bohai Clan would continue to serve their new Emperor without complaint. Furious, they acted out in an impulsive assassination attempt against the Emperor, believing that as they were so close, they might actually have a chance in succeeding, but they did not. They were branded as traitors against the crown, and the Lok Clan all but completely devastated them. They feared no repercussion, as they had many powerful allies, and the Bohai Clan lost the majority of their own upon becoming enemies to the throne.
To those on the outside, it very much appeared that the Bohais had acted out against the very clan that had long protected them, when they were in fact that ones who had been betrayed. Still, the Lok Clan stripped them of the majority of their land and resources, claimed their servants and soldiers to be used in service of the Empire, and revoked all of their market rights. In addition to this, they slaughtered countless of their clansmen beneath the guise of dealing with treacherous resistance members. Although they have slowly crawled back from being nearly obliterated, the Bohai Clan has never even begun to truly recover. Between being branded as traitors, losing all of their profitable resources, and the Lok Clan ever remaining a prosperous and influential power, they have never managed to regain any noticeable rights or favor. They are now house of little more than a 1,000 clansmen, and scrape by on meager, limited territory.
50. The Chang Clan: The Chang Clan is among the smallest and weakest of Xing’s fifty clans, having a population of roughly 350 people, many of whom are women and children with little to nothing to contribute to the long-term survival of the clan. Despite possessing a relatively large amount of land, the Chang Clan is in constant danger of succumbing to sickness and starvation, as most of the territory possessed by its people is mountainous, uninhabitable, and unsuitable to raise crops or livestock upon. There has never been a time when the Chang Clan has not struggled to keep on its feet. In fact, many of Xing’s other clans don’t even consider the Changs to be enough of a threat to go out of their way to cause them harm. Naturally, because of this, the Changs are very proud, and unwilling to accept the help of neighboring clans upon the rare occasion that it is offered to them.
Prior to Ling Yao’s ascension to the Imperial Throne, there were many within the Chang Clan who had seriously contemplated the prospect of folding, by way of marrying off their respective princess, May Chang, to a man from one of the other, more powerful clans. This prospect, of course, was forcibly opposed by many within the Chang Clan, for while it would ensure the survival of their people, it would also mean the ultimate decimation of the Chang Clan, as its own entity. Likewise, when Ling Yao first offered to grant the Chang Clan sanctuary, there was much debate among Chang clansmen as to whether or not they should accept the newly appointed Emperor’s generosity. There were many, of course, who were too proud to even consider the possibility, but starvation and sickness had been wracking the clan and its people worse than ever before during the past several months, and had claimed the lives of many Chang clansmen. Because of this, those who opposed the idea were swiftly overruled, and the Chang Clan’s lands and resources were expanded, courtesy of Ling Yao. Without his help, it would very likely have been only a matter of time before the Chang Clan and all of its people had perished, entirely.
