Nagan Warlords

The emergence of the Nagan Warlords, commonly known as the Samurai Clans within the Nagan Empire's history, marks a transformative era that altered the Empire's fate and shaped its destiny. From marauding invaders to revered protectors, these clans underwent a profound shift, becoming the guardians and stewards of the Empire.

Origin and Transition

The early years of the Nagan Empire were marked by a precarious balance between vastness and vulnerability. The Empire, just beginning to establish its domain and flourishing, faced unforeseen perils along its eastern shores. Seafaring marauders from Kalamar descended upon the Empire's coastal villages, ravaging and pillaging without mercy. Their ruthless raids left a trail of destruction, marked by the captivity of many as slaves.

The Nagan Empire, rooted in its own time-honored battle customs, found itself woefully unprepared against the brutal tactics of the Kalamar invaders. Attempts to repel the invaders through conventional means failed repeatedly, showcasing the mismatch between the Empire's traditional strategies and the foreign adversaries' savagery.

In a daring and unprecedented move, the Emperor at the time, Dao Nagarax Min, flanked by two envoys, embarked on a diplomatic mission that would alter the Empire's fate. The audacious proposal was made to the six Kalamar warlords who had brought terror to the Empire's shores. It was a proposal of both gold and land, coupled with an invitation to lordship within the Empire's domains. The offer came with a singular condition: an end to their marauding activities and the establishment of their own domains to shield the Empire from future incursions.

This momentous proposition caught the attention of these warlords, presenting an opportunity unlike any they had encountered. Two warlords, Bjorne Jagard and Grim Yuri, recognized the possibilities this proposal held and promptly embraced the opportunity, shrewdly eliminating their rivals in a swift, decisive act. Together, they became the vanguard of a new era, transitioning from ruthless invaders to fearsome and revered protectors of the Nagan Empire. They were given traditional titles and names, Clan Yaggard and Clan Yurami were established.

The establishment of these Warlord Clans was more than a diplomatic triumph; it marked the birth of a new order within the Empire. The former aggressors changed into the most esteemed guardians, deeply entrenched in the Empire's legacy as they vowed to defend it against external threats. This transformation epitomized a pivotal moment in the Empire's history, showcasing resilience, adaptability, and the promise of unity amid diversity.

Evolution and Expansion

As the annals of time unfurled within the Nagan Empire, native humans carved their own destinies apart from the noble elves within the cities , forming Clans that etched their mark in the Empire's storied tapestry. Their endeavors, however, encountered a terrain as challenging as the diverse landscapes they inhabited - the territorial dynamics inherent to the already established Clans.

Among these indigenous Clans, Clan Takahide emerged as a living testament to endurance and resilience. Enduring myriad challenges spanning centuries, Clan Takahide symbolizes the unwavering spirit of perseverance within the Empire's tumultuous history. Their saga, marked by relentless trials and tribulations, stands as a testament to the strength forged through trials.  They managed to carve their own territories within the eastern peninsula of the Empire, they had a long territorial dispute with Clan Yaggard.

In contrast, the genesis of Clan Nagikata emerged from the ashes of internal discord within House Naganari, a testament to the Empire's intricate web of political complexities and internal strife. This split within the House's fold led to the emergence of a separate Clan, carrying forth its own legacy amid the shadows of familial conflict. They established their territorial claim in the southern peninsula and had a short territorial dispute with Clan Yaggard which ended peacefully.

Similarly, Clan Taoka's inception was steeped in the fires of the Empire's earliest conflicts over the island of Eros. Their origins rooted in the tumult of these initial battles demonstrate the Clan's resilience, born from the crucible of strife, echoing the Empire's turbulent journey in those formative years. Although their territorial claim encroached onto the territories of Clan Yurami, the two clans had formed a friendship through the war on Eros and were granted land for their service to the Empire. They now hold domain of the south west peninsula of the Empire.

The most recent addition to the tapestry of Clans, Clan Liadon, narrates a tale of divergence and ideological divide within House Liadon. The rift was carved when one of the young lords within the House veered toward allegiance with the Silver Dominion in the far east. This ideological schism led to the bold establishment of Clan Liadon, marking its inception as a faction diverging from the House's traditional path, seeking a new trajectory aligned with the Dominion's war efforts in the east. While the Nagan Empire is in no active war, members of Clan Liadon are traveling abroad to fight for the Silver Dominion in their conflict against the Khein Dynasty.

Each of these Clans, born from diverse circumstances, encapsulates a unique chapter in the Empire's narrative. Their distinct origins, shaped by trials, conflicts, and ideological divides, contribute to the multifaceted and intricate social fabric of the Nagan Empire.

Religious and Cultural Significance

While the noble Houses find solace and guidance in the reverence of one of the Five gods, the Clans paint a canvas of religious diversity, paying homage to all Five deities through a rich tapestry of rituals, prayers, and training.

For the Clans, their spiritual practices transcend the boundaries of singular devotion, embodying an all-encompassing reverence for the entire Imperial pantheon. Each day dawns with ceremonies devoted to different gods, invoking their blessings and guidance in the realms they preside over. From the tranquil whispers to the fiery chants, the Clans weave a symphony of devotion, each note an ode to the five divine entities that shape their existence.

This harmonious tribute isn't merely a ritualistic custom but a symbiotic relationship between the Clans and their divine patrons. Their devotion is interwoven with the very fabric of their existence, for it is believed that appeasing the gods ensures bountiful harvests, serene winters, and the gentle embrace of peaceful summers upon their territories. The Clans hold steadfast in their belief that maintaining equilibrium with the divine realm is imperative, as it directly influences the prosperity and tranquility within their lands.

However, this dedication to spiritual harmony does not veil the Clan's inherent preparedness for conflict and tumult. For them, a dual existence unfolds - a life entrenched in devotion and spiritual harmony, alongside the relentless vigilance and readiness for the unpredictable tides of war. This duality shapes their existence, forging a way of life where the quest for divine favor coexists with the unyielding preparedness for any potential conflict or upheaval that might disturb their lands.

Tradition and Initiation

Clan Life and Traditions

The Samurai Clans are deeply rooted in age-old traditions that govern every aspect of their lives. Their customs dictate not only their behavior but also their training, combat techniques, and even the honorable conduct in death. The path to becoming a Samurai is typically open to anyone willing to prove their mettle before a clan and its leader. While many clans welcome aspirants, they subject them to rigorous trials that challenge their skills and fortitude. While birth within a clan is the easiest path, it's not the only route. Rituals within the clans tend to be individualistic, with each Samurai observing their personal devotions, while communal ceremonies mark significant events and particular times.

Inclusion of Women

Being among the oldest clans, Clan Yaggard and Clan Yurami uphold an ancient tradition from their origins in Kalamar, where women enjoyed equal rights in combat, training, and battle participation. While other clans permit women, they impose harsher challenges and stringent requirements due to the prevailing Imperial traditions.

Clan Nagikata has become well known for having many female samurai among their ranks and families. 

Duel Traditions

Duels are a common spectacle among all clans, where the prowess of Samurai is put to the test. While the warriors themselves regard these duels with solemnity, local communities find fascination in these exhibitions of skill and valor. Feuds and disputes between clans are often resolved through duels, sometimes concluding tragically with a warrior's demise.

Becoming a Ronin (Exiled Samurai)

When a Samurai faces dishonor, betrayal, or fails to uphold the strict code of conduct set by their clan, they risk being cast out and labeled a Ronin, an exiled Samurai. The path to becoming a Ronin varies among clans but typically involves a trial, often a duel or a series of challenges, to determine the accused Samurai's guilt. If found guilty, they are stripped of their clan status, symbols, and privileges, and are exiled from the clan's lands and protection. Typically, Ronin carry the stigma of dishonor or failure, making reintegration into another Clan challenging.

Clan Liadon has earned an infamous reputation for embracing Ronin into their fold, swiftly bolstering their ranks. While this practice draws disdain from many other Clans, numerous Ronin embark on arduous journeys across the Empire, seeking out Clan Liadon in a fervent pursuit to reclaim their lost status as honorable Samurai. In contrast, Clan Taoka assigns quests to their exiled warriors, a path to redemption sought in the eyes of both the Clan and the gods.

The strict and unyielding nature of Clan Takahide is unmistakable—they sternly prohibit Ronin from traversing their territories, opting to either execute or forcibly expel these disgraced individuals. Clan Yaggard, known for their magnanimity, occasionally extends second chances to their exiled Samurai, resulting in few Ronin originating from their ranks. Conversely, Clan Yurami subjects their Ronin to the trials of the gods, cursing their path until redemption is granted. Should these warriors endure these grueling trials and return unscathed, the Clan offers a chance for a fresh start. Clan Nagikata, however, permanently exiles their Ronin, erasing any trace of their association with the Clan, as if they were mere figments of history.

The Ronin Life

As a Ronin, they lose the identity, support, and camaraderie associated with their former clan. They wander as masterless warriors, often seeking redemption, penance, or a new purpose. Ronin often take on mercenary work or become hired swords, navigating a solitary and arduous path, seeking a way to restore their honor or find a new sense of belonging.

Honorable Execution and Death of a Samurai

Honorable Execution

In cases where a Samurai faces a grievous dishonor or shame that cannot be redeemed, or when a severe crime is committed, the option of seppuku (ritual suicide) is offered. Seppuku is a highly ritualized act performed with a short blade called a tanto. It is a means for a Samurai to regain lost honor or atone for grave mistakes by taking their own life in a prescribed manner, usually under the guidance of a second Samurai.

Death of a Samurai

The death of a Samurai is a solemn event marked by rituals and ceremonies that vary among Clans. Funerary rites are conducted with great respect and adherence to tradition. The departed warrior's armor and personal effects may be put on display, signifying honor and valor in service. The funeral procession, prayers, and final rites are observed with reverence, often attended by fellow Samurai and the local community.

Clan Yaggard and Clan Yurami, renowned for their reverence for the departed, these clans conduct elaborate funeral ceremonies involving burning the deceased on a funeral pyre. The burning is seen as a solemn and honorable way to send off the departed Samurai, signifying the end of their mortal journey. Following the pyre ceremony, both clans commemorate the life and deeds of the fallen warrior, celebrating their achievements and paying tribute to their memory. Other clans might have distinct funeral rites; some may opt for burials with specific rituals, while others could practice cremation or have ceremonies that involve ceremonial offerings and prayers to honor the deceased's spirit.