Each player plays as a samurai family. To differentiate between 氏 Uji (Clan) and 家 Ie (House, Family) used in the dynastic sense, the player-family is called a 族 Zoku (Family).
A 族 Zoku consists of a 族長 Family Head, Spouses, and Children. The 族長 Family Head is usually the player's main character, but the other family members are playable.
Each family member is created with a set of the 5 Virtues and Life Expectancy. Life Expectancy is rolled by 神様 Kamisama and kept hidden from players. Average Life Expectancy is 4〜5代. But being warriors, it might be lower, or if lucky, an individual might live to 9代.
Prowess and Renown start at zero, but for starting adults, add up total number of seasons based on age, and buy ranks in the weapons' Prowess of choice.
The Family Head must be named, but other members may be identified as their relation to the Head.
Branching
When the 族長 Family Head dies, the next in line starts a new 族 Zoku. Their siblings become retainers of the head until brothers start their own 枝族 Branch Family and sisters marry to other samurai, otherwise any could be sent to become servants or pass into obscurity. 枝族 Branch Families become minor families unless taken up by a new player.