Clans

Clan and Lineage
Tsolyánu is a stratified society which allows for little mixing between social classes. People from very different backgrounds would almost never become friends. Some walks of life, such as the army, do not segregate so rigidly. It would be possible for one young Heréksa (roughly "lieutenant")  to befriend an infantryman in his command. But while a degree of camaraderie with the ranks would be acceptable, ultimately the Heréksa is the one calling the shots. The situation requires the other to be subservient.

The vast majority of people in Tsolyánu, Mu’ugalavyá, and Yán Kór belong to a clan, whose rules govern social and economic life. Clans are organized relatively simple compared to the complexity of Temples and Government, you’re born a Clan-Brother or Clan-Sister. Only ambitious charismatic, competent leaders, with a lifetime of service to the clan may be chosen by the clan-house to become a Clan-Elder.

Being elected as a Clan-Elder commonly also means you are devoted to the temple of the clan. If your clan-house is in the far north of the empire (closer to Yán Kór), women are far more likely to being Clan-Elders, well men are more common in the south (not even senior Aridáni).

Traditions differ, but most clan-house councils are 5-20 Clan-Elders, depending on the size of the clan-house. They meet once a week to discuss things such as formulation of policies, the settlement of minor issues, allocate funds to projects and needs, etc. The council selects one member to serve as head of the clan-house. Clan-Elders and Clan-Heads server for five years. A Clan-Head represents his clan-house at regional and national meetings of the clan and to the councils in the Palace of the Realm, when needed. Some clans are powerful, others feeble and plebeian. Most clans boast several lineages, which vary in status.

People are bonded by belonging to the same clan. Regardless of lineage, members of a clan give mutual trust, aid and comradeship. Someone of low lineage are "poor country cousins" who must be appropriately courteous to their more prestigious urban relatives, but this relationship is sufficiently close to be tenable.

Clans are generally collections of families of a similar faith and trade. This varies from clan-to-clan, with the more powerful clans holding more strictly to their identities (the Golden Bough clan, for instance, is a conservative Stability clan, meaning its members are generally Hnálla, Thúmis or Avánthe worshippers of high status), while the lower clans are less rigid: the Black Mat clan which weaves sleeping mats, for instance. There are members of the Golden Bough clan who have gone on to worship The Lords of Change Chiténg or Hrihiyal, but they are definitely "black sheep" (or "black hma" as the case may be). The Black Mat clan has no time for such niceties: "Just weave yer accursed mat and shut up!"

Some clans are "religious clans" (Cloak of Azure Gems), while others are "professional clans" -- various mercantile clans pay only lip-service to a religious faith. And again, the richer you are, the better a show you have to put on. The poorer you are, the less anyone cares.

Tsolyánu has over 1500 recognized clans.

Being a member of a high clan is also hard, as you have social and political responsibilities which you must honor without becoming a social outcast (or worse). -[The Blue Room Vol3]

In more wealthy clanhouse the food and chores are done by slaves or hired servants. Some of the more penurious of one's clan-brothers and sisters may also be paid by the clan to oversee these tasks -- and to perform them, if need be. Younger brothers and sisters also may be required to labour in clan enterprises or do household tasks as a matter of discipline and training. Those who are elderly or indigent are also supported by the clan in return for a few hours of work: supervision, watching over flocks, pruning the gardens, etc. Labour for one's clan is not considered "lowly," as it seems to have been among the aristocracy of 19th Century Britain. Physical work is good for a child, the clan elders say, and responsibilities make good clansmen. Only in the very wealthy and anciently noble clans does one find slaves performing every task and serving every morsel of food, etc. Even so, these clans often put younger clans-brothers and sisters to work as discipline, training them in the crafts, arts, business, accountancy, sciences, etc. at the same time.

In poorer clans, and in the rural clan-house of the great clans, too, there is a general tradition of hard work for all members. Herding a chlén-beast is great therapy!

Cooks and other specialists may also be hired from outside, particularly when some elaborate production is desired. Fancy parties require the best food, entertainment, costumes, etc. that the clan can afford, and it is considered noble (and hence "good") to bring in these experts from outside: not only cooks and pastry-makers, but also vintners, perfumers, makers of fancy toiletries, mimes, singers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, athletes, gladiators, flower-arrangers, and a multitude of other trades and crafts are required -- and are lavishly laid on by the great clans. A Tsolyáni feast in the Clan of the Golden Bough in Béy Sü is a memorable event indeed!

-''Barker. The Blue Room Vol8#223.''

What Clans Want
Every clan wants prosperity and social success. Noble behavior by its members, business success, alliances forged with more powerful clans, and membership in important Imperial offices and local temples are all roads to power and inﬂuence. The greater the clan, the greater the status of its members, whatever their lineage.

It’s usually up to the individual to decide how best to gain glory and gold, but the higher the rise, the more likely it is that their clan-mates will have special requests for them. Some of which may seem impossible tasks.

Etiquette with Higher Clans
How does etiquette dictate that the members of Very High clans should deal with Tlakotani who are not Imperial heirs?

One can speak to these people informally. Once even speaks to princes and princesses with relatively informality -- when they are off-duty, as it were. Honorifics are still used in speech, but prostrating oneself before the glory of the Throne is not necessary. One is always respectful.

-''Barker. The Blue Room Vol9#241.''

Inter-Clan Marriages
Marriages tend to remain within the same or closely related clans, although LOTS of exceptions exist, particularly with second, third, etc. marriages that include one wealthy or higher clan mate who marries "down" into a lower clan/lineage in order to get a beautiful wife or a handsome husband. The clan and lineage of the child is usually that of the father, but if he is the "lesser" member of the union, he may get his wife to negotiate membership in her (higher) clan for the children. If the union is about equal, the couple may agree that a first child belongs to the husband's clan, a second to the wife's, etc. -- or ask an omen from the gods, roll a pair of dice, etc. Sometimes economic, familial, and other considerations come into play, too. ''-Barker. The Blue Room Vol5#129.''

Inter-Clan Social Mixes
The clan is what counts for "seating" at banquets, ceremonies, and any mixed-clan event. Within the clan, deference goes to higher versus lower lineages, then to age. Gender does not play much of a role.

''-Barker. The Blue Room Vol5#129.''

Joining a Clan
Foreigners can be offered membership into a clan, The person(s) would need to hold true to the clans values and interest, plus pay a handsome fee to join. 1000-6000 káitars for joining a Very Low or Low clan; 7000-12000 to join a Medium clan; 25000-45000 to join a High clan. To join a Very High Clan you would need the sponsorship of an Imperial Prince or Emperor. If you are a part of a clan and wish to advance yourself into a higher clan, you would need to pay substantially more (1.5-2 times more) as you also must compensate your current clan for leaving.

No proper high clan would consider taking a small clan into its membership -- its public reputation would collapse! No amount of money or private sleeping around could bring this about!

Lower clans may be given money, lands, a clanhouse of their own, etc. by a higher clan, but having a small low clan adopted into a higher clan is pretty remote. Individuals do get adopted, particularly if they do things that would gain the clan respect and reputation, but even taking in a lineage or family is pretty remote.

-Barker, The Blue Room Vol4.

Random Clan (Optional)
Due to the Tsolyáni tendency to not deal with folks with clan status much lower or much higher than their own, the Game Master should shift a Very High clansman to High and a Very Low to Low.

The CLANLESS - “Nakomé”
People without a clan are at the bottom of the heap in Tsolyáni society. Well off foreigners can receive a certain amount of respect, but foreigners and other clanless people are worth less than slaves and are treated accordingly.

Barbarians can eventually be accepted into the clans -- not Sea Blue or Golden Sunburst, perhaps, but good, sensible, respectable clans that will use the talents of these new members intelligently. "Outside blood" is thus not publicly valued, but privately it is seen as very useful. Most  of my players did manage to get into clans, some quite high. Public acts (serving the Imperium as a military officer, becoming a valued priest or scholar, making money in a good business, making lavish gifts to the clan, marrying one of the clan's offspring, making friends with important clansmen, etc. -- all are ways to get yourself into one of these "closed" societies.

-The Blue Room Vol3

IMPERIAL: The Tlakotani
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Tlakotáni

 * The clan of the Tsolyáni imperial family; some well-to-do farmers and middle-class urban merchants as well; found around Béy Sü, Hauma, and Usenánu. People are born into the Tlakotáni, you cannot bribe or even marry into the imperial clan. The glorious Empire of Tsolyánu has always been the rule of the Tlakotáni, who were often revered as God-Kings. Records and research into the Tlakotáni are deliberately obscured. In Avanthár, the great ‘Book of Deeds’ contains all the early facts, but no one is permitted to consult it. The Tlakotáni’s are very sly and secretive about their origins. Somewhere in the north, it is supposed, since the Petal Throne itself comes from Malchairan in N'lüss, according to legend. Not much more is known publicly, and asking to many questions aloud will gain you a trip to the Ultimate Labyrinth. Tlakotáni have a hooked-beak noses.
 * }

VERY HIGH
Very High clans tend to be high administrators, courtiers, Ritual Priests and make up the bulk of the officers and members of prestigious legions. It is very rare for members of these clans to be scholars and almost shameful to have anything but a noble profession. Your clan is envied and honored, even its least lineages have important roles and social functions. Some common professions are: High Circles in a Priesthood or Imperial Officials, Noble courtiers, City governors, Landowners, Generals and officers, Idle decadence, Bankers and Financiers. {|

Sea Blue

 * Descended from the nobility of the Bednálljan proud and arrogant even when poor; includes many members of various faiths and professions, although merchants, courtiers, bureaucrats, administrators, wealthy landholders, ect..High court etiquette. Found throughout the Imperium.

Golden Sunburst

 * Descendants of the nobility of the Engsvanyali Empire; aristocratic and exclusive; mostly devoted to Karakán, Chegárra, and Hnálla, with a sprinkling of other sects of Stability; most members are nobles, high bureaucrats, and military officers; found throughout the Imperium.

Vríddi

 * The original semi-autonomous rulers of Fasíltum; fierce and haughty; totally devoted to Vimúhla and Chiténg; almost entirely limited to Fasíltum, although a few clanhouse are found in the predominantly Vimúhla- worshipping cities of the west (e.g., Khirgár and Tumissa); not trusted by the Imperium because of separatist tendencies, some younger hotheads are languishing in prison. Vríddi have high cheekbones and hawk noses.

Might of Gánga

 * Derived from Engsvanyáli royalty; composed of priests, officials, and warriors of the sects of Avánthe, Belkhánu, Thúmis, Hnálla, and their Cohorts; largely limited to Thayúri Isle and the southern coastal cities of Tsolyánu; large clanhouse in Usenánu.

Íto

 * The ancient lords of the Dó Chakan Protectorates; worshipers of Sárku and his Cohort, Durritlámish; limited to the Dó Cháka’s but with clanhouse in the City of Sárku, Mekú, and Púrdimal; also looked upon as a source of trouble by the Imperium. Small but splendid clanhouse in Usenánu.

Golden Bough

 * Traceable to the Engsvanyáli governors of the south; eclectic with no particular religious or professional affiliations; contains many officials and military personnel; powerful all over the Imperium but with main centers in Jakálla, Thráya, and Jaikalór.

Sword of Fire

 * A small and very ancient clan descended from the Drágon Warriors; totally devoted to Vimúhla and Cohort; aloof and disinterested in politics; centered in Béy Sü but with clanhouse in Tumíssa, Khirgár, Chéne Hó, and a small clan house in ; this clan has many mercantile ventures in the west and in Mu’ugalavya, and its contacts in the latter country make it suspect in Imperial eyes.

Cloak of Azure Gems

 * Supposedly servitors of Ksárul at the Battle of Dormoron Plain but probably Bednálljan; followers of Ksárul and Hrü’ü, and their Cohorts; mostly priests and administrators; based in Mekú and Mrelú but with clanhouse in Sokátis, Béy Sü, and many more other cities.

Jade Diadem

 * Origins unknown; devotees of Dlamélish and her Cohort Hrihayál; largely city administrators and landed nobility, wealthy courtesans; found throughout the Empire..

Blade Raised High

 * Descended from the palace guard of the Engsvanyáli Priest Kings; devoted to Karakán and Chegárra; primarily soldiers, military administrators, etc; found throughout the Empire but centered in Katalál and Usenánu.
 * }

HIGH
High clans tend to be administrators, scholar-priests, and military personnel. All professions are practiced but many High clan people take Skilled and Noble professions over plebeian. Your clanmates staff much of the upper reaches of local government, and no one dares insult you. Some common professions are: Landowning, Important merchants, major officials, Priesthood, Scholars, Scribing, Physicians, Soldiering. {|

White Stone

 * An eclectic clan devoted to Avánthe, Dlamélish, and their Cohorts; many administrators and military personnel; found throughout the Empire but centered at Béy Sü and Sokátis.

White Crystal

 * An old and respectable clan; includes many high-medium level officials and bureaucrats as well as priests of several sects (but no specific  religious affiliation); largest clanhouse in Jakálla but widespread throughout the center of the Empire.

Red Sword, Red Sun, Red Mountain, Red Stone

 * These “Red” clans belong to the west and worship Vimúhla and Chiténg, Karakán and Chegárra and some other sects as well; includes warriors, priests of these deities, and medium-level officials; based around Tumíssa and Butrúsbut encountered everywhere, and also extends into Mu’ugalavya.

Purple Gem

 * Originally scribes and bookmakers in the Engsvanyali Empire; many medium- high-level court officials and government administrators in Avanthár are members; no religious affiliation; based at Avanthár but has clanhouse throughout the Empire.

High Pinnacle

 * Many medium-level military personnel and high- medium-level bureaucrats are members; no religious affiliation; based around Haumá, Mrelú, and Si’ís but has clanhouse throughout the west and center of the Empire.

Emerald Girdle

 * Mostly worshipers of Hnálla, Thúmis, and Avánthe and their Cohorts; many rural landowners belong to this clan; found throughout the Empire.

Great Stone

 * Originally a northern matrilineal clan based at Khirgár; many followers of Ksárul, Hrü'ǘ, and their Cohorts, but not exclusively so; members often involved in trade, shipping, caravans, and mercantile ventures, but also contains a number of priests, bureaucrats, and a few soldiers; found largely in the northwest of the Empire but has clanhouse elsewhere also. Caravans and shipping.

Domed Tomb

 * The ancient nobility of the City of Sárku and totally devoted to Sárku and Durritlámish; wealthy farmers, priests, administrators, and soldiers of the Worm Lord’s sect; mainly based in the Kraá Hills and around the City of Sárku but has clanhouse in Béy Sü, Púrdimal, Sokátis, etc.

Dark Fear, Dark Water, Dark Moon, and Dark Flame

 * These “Dark” clans are devoted to Hrü'ǘ, Ksárul, Sárku, and their Cohorts; many medium-level officials, priests, and soldiers; found in the midwest and the north.

Amber Cloak

 * Devoted to Belkhánu, Thúmis, and their Cohorts; composed of medium-level officials, priests, scholars, apothecaries, physicians, and professional people; found throughout the Empire.

Sweet Singers of Nakomé

 * Descended from an ancient hero who was given this strange (unpleasant) nickname; devoted to Vimúhla and Chiténg; members are agriculturists and soldiers in the Vimúhla-worshipping legions; fought around Fasíltum and the northeast of the empire.

Standing Stone

 * Composed of priests and officials, plus many middle-class  agriculturists; no religious affiliation; centered around Úrmish but has clanhouse in most major cities. Administering land and animal breeding.

Scarlet Sail

 * Ship-owners, marines, seafarers, and explorers; mostly devoted to Karakán and his Cohort, Chegárra; based in Penóm but with clanhouses in cities along sea coasts and up Missúma River to Béy Sü and Avanthár.

Rising Sun

 * Minor nobles and upper-class merchants of the eastern Empire; no religious affiliation; based in Jaikalór with large clanhouses at Sokátis, Thráya, Jakálla.

Joyous of Vrá

 * Descended from the old Vrayani nobility; mostly worshipers of Belkhánu, Thúmis, Hnálla, and Avánthe and their Cohorts; originally established on the island of Vra but now found throughout the Empire.

Iron Helm

 * The lords of Mekú are hereditary members of this clan, with rulers title being “Disposer of Mekú; devotees of Ksárul and Grugánu, although others are worshipers of the other Lords of Change.; widespread throughout the Empire.

Staff of Beneficence

 * Wealthy physicians and apothecaries devoted to Thúmis and his Cohort, Keténgku; found throughout the Empire.

Grey Cloak, Grey Wand

 * These two clans are composed of devotees of Thúmis and Keténgku with a scattering of members worshipping others of the Lords of Stability; most are wealthy upper and middle-class administrators, landholders, bureaucrats, merchants, etc.; based around Páya Gupá and Chéne Hó but with clanhouse in most of the large cities of the Empire.
 * }

MEDIUM
Medium clans are mid-level priests, bureaucrats, many scholar priests and professionals. A solid and honorable clan, of little importance to government but treated respectfully by the great. Common professions are: High quality and expensive crafts, Farming, Lesser civil officials, lower circle Priesthood, Scribing, Building, Sailing or fishing, Soldiering. {|

Green Bough

 * Prosperous agriculturists; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire but has its largest clanhouse at Katalál.

Blue Kirtle

 * Members are devoted to Avánthe and her Cohort, Dilinála; originally potters, winemakers, and builders but now includes medium-level priests and administrators as well; based at Béy Sü’ but has clanhouse throughout the Empire.

Black Stone

 * Composed of medium-level bureaucrats, scribes, professional people, and priests in the service of the Lords of Change; found throughout the Empire.

Green Malachite

 * A southern agricultural and maritime clan; includes farmers, sailors, fishermen, etc.; mostly devoted to the Lords of Stability; based on Penóm but has houses all along the southern coast and as far north as Usenánu on the Missúma River.

Red Sky and Red Star

 * Two more Vimúhla-worshipping western “Red” clans; agriculturists and breeders of Hmélu and Hmá but also some lower-level bureaucrats, soldiers, and priests; found throughout the western and central regions of the Empire.

Ripened Sheaf

 * A prosperous agriculturists’ and artisans’ clan; no religious affiliation; centers at Úrmish, Penóm, Katalál, and Jakálla with smaller clanhouse in almost every village in this area.

Green Kirtle

 * An offshoot of the Blue Kirtle clan which turned to the worship of Dlamélish and Hriháyal; variety of middle-class occupations; based in Béy Sü and the west but has clanhouse all across the Empire.

Golden Dawn, Golden Sphere, Golden Sheaf, Golden Sapphire

 * These “Golden” clans all follow the Lords of Stability and contain medium-level business people, soldiers, priests, agriculturists, etc.; found throughout the Empire.

Glory of the Worm

 * Mountain people from the City of Sárku and the Kraá Hills; devoted to Sárku and Durritlámish; medium-level agriculturists, growers of Dlel-fruit trees, and landowners; found largely in the northwest but has clanhouse in Béy Sü and  Jakálla.

Blue Shadow and Blue Stream

 * Rural agriculturists and landowners; devoted to Avánthe and Dilinála with a sprinkling of worshipers of others of the Lords of Stability; found throughout the Empire.

Black Pinnacle

 * Agriculturists, craftsmen, and artisans; no religious affiliation; based at Hekéllu in the far north-east but with clanhouse at Fasiltum, Sokátis, and Thráya.

Copper Door

 * Merchants and moneylenders; usually followers of Sárku but some are devotees of others of the Lords of Change; centered at Béy Sü and along the Mssúma River.

First Moon and Moon of Evening

 * These two clans contain merchants and artisans, plus a few bureaucrats and priests; no religious affiliation; largely southern clans with houses at Jakálla, Thráya, Jaikálor, and Penóm.

Golden Lintel

 * Comprised of moneylenders from Béy Sü’; no religious affiliation; clanhouse and members found in all of the cities of the Empire and abroad as well.

Silver Lightning, Silver Collar

 * These two clans contain many artists, jewelers, and workers in the ornamental crafts; mostly devoted to Avánthe and Hnálla and their Cohorts; found throughout the Empire.

Red Flower

 * An old Vrayani mercantile clan with sailing, shipping, and foreign trading interests; mostly devoted to Karakán and Chegárra but with followers other gods; centered on the island of Vrá but has clanhouse at Jakálla, Thráya, Penóm, and even at Béy Sü.

Scroll of Wisdom

 * Comprised of lawyers, jurists and scholars; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire.

Red Eye of Dawn

 * The best jewelers’ clan in the Empire; largely made up of worshipers of Avánthe and Dilinála in spite of the “red” of its name; centered in Béy Sü but has clanhouse in almost every major city.

Weeping Stone

 * Manufacturers of liquor and wines; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire.

Victorious Globe

 * Makers of paper, inks, paints, and scribal materials; mostly devotees of Thúmis, Hnálla, and their Cohorts; found in every major city of the Empire.

Standing Pinnacle

 * Originally from the tribal areas of the Kúrt Hills but now urbanized; dealers in woods and forest products; largely worshipers of Avánthe and Dilinála with a sprinkling of followers of most other faiths; centered at Haumá and Tsurú but has clanhouse throughout the western Empire.

Black Hood, Black Mountain, Black Monolith

 * These “Black” clans contain middle-class merchants, artisans, and laborers; most members follow Hrü'ǘ, Ksárul, Sárku, and their Cohorts; found throughout the Empire.

Blazoned Sail

 * Sea-captains, shippers, sailors, and maritime artisans; no religious affiliation; found in almost every city with access to the sea.

Broken Reed

 * A large clan of agriculturists, warriors, lower-class artisans, and a variety of other occupations; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire.

Broken Bough

 * Agriculturists; mostly worshipers of the Lords of Stability, although some devotees of Vimúhla and Chiténg are encountered around Fasiltum; based at Usenánu but with clanhouse throughout the center and eastern regions of the Empire.

Iron Fist and Iron Hand

 * These two clans contain mainly smiths and armorers; worshipers of Vimúhla, Karakán, and their Cohorts; originally western clans but now spread throughout the Empire.
 * }

LOW
Low clans are low officials, a few administrators, and many of the professionals within the empires. Your clan is humble but you do get treated respectfully by the great. Common professions are: Entertainment, Farming, Common craft, Minor tradesmen, Servants and minions, Tomb guarding, Sailing or fishing, Soldiering. {|

Open Sepulcher

 * Embalmers, tomb guards, and professional mourners; devoted to Belkhánu, Sárku, and their Cohorts; found all over the Empire..

Plume of White

 * Scribes, accountants, clerks, and administrators; mostly devoted to the Lords of Stability, although members of other sects are also found; centered at Jakálla but with clanhouse throughout the Empire.

Open Hand

 * Peasants, laborers, and tenant farmers; no religious affiliation; encountered throughout the rural areas of the Empire.

Ivory Staff

 * Peasants and laborers, Dlel-fruit and Mash- fruit pickers; largely devoted to the Lords of Stability, although members of other sects are occasionally found; a northern clan centered at Si’is and Khirgár with a few clanhouse in other major cities.

Green Forest and Green Reed

 * These two clans are comprised of peasants and rural craftsmen; mostly worshipers of Avánthe, Dlamélish, and their Cohorts; based at Sokatis but with clanhouse throughout the east and along the Missúma River.

High Tower

 * Chlén-raisers, tanners, and leather workers, plus a few officials and administrators; no religious affiliation; based at Usenánu but with clanhouse throughout the center of the Empire.

Green Stone, Green Emerald, and Green Opal

 * These “Green” clans are dyers, weavers, tailors, and a few priests and warriors; primarily worshipers of Dlamélish and Hriháyal; found throughout the center and eastern part of the Empire.

Flowering Life

 * Rope and net-makers, fishermen, and shellfish gatherers; the majority is devoted to Avánthe and Dilinála with a large percentage of worshipers of Hnálla and his Cohort, Drá; found all along the southern seacoast.

Eye of Flame

 * Originally barbers but now includes many low-level soldiers and hired bodyguards; worshipers of Vimúhla and Chiténg; based at Tumissa but with clan-houses throughout the west and north.

Deep Flowing Water

 * An old and respectable agricultural clan; largely devoted to Hrü'ǘ, Ksárul and their Cohorts;  based at Mrelú but with clanhouse at Púrdimal, Mekú, etc.

Flat Peak

 * Lower-class artisans, usually carpenters, bricklayers, masons, furniture-makers, etc.; no religious affiliation; encountered throughout the Empire.

Sapphire Bird

 * Peasants, Hmélu and Hmá raisers, herdsmen, and tanners; devoted to Avánthe, Dlamélish, and their Cohorts; centered at Thráya and found throughout the east and southeast and also across the border in Salarvyá.

Blue Water

 * Peasants, foresters, wood workers, pitch and tar makers, and fletchers; mostly worshipers of Hnálla and Avánthe, with a scattering of other faiths; centered at Jaikalór but now found throughout the eastern Empire.

Black Stone Tomb

 * Once the bodyguards of the Ito family of the Cháka’s, this clan  specializes in grave digging, embalming, and the guarding of tombs; devoted to Sárku and Durritlámish; based at Chéne Hó, Páya Gupá, and Tumíssa but with clanhouse at Mrélu, Mekú, Púrdimal and the City of Sárku.

Black Hand

 * Miners and glassblowers; devoted to Hrü'ǘ, Ksárul, Sárku, and their Cohorts; found throughout the north and west, this clan is responsible for the elegant purple glassware of Púrdimal.

Woven Whip

 * Leatherworkers and tanners; no religious affiliation; centered at Tsurú and Haumá with clanhouse throughout the center of the Empire.

Round Rock

 * Agriculturists, weavers, dyers, and cloth-makers; no strong religious affiliation, although many do worship Hnálla and Drá ; based along the Eqúnoyel River in the southeast with clanhouse throughout the eastern Empire.
 * }

VERY LOW
Very Low clan are servants, many Plebeian and some Skilled professionals. Most consider your clan fit only for menial labor and unpleasant duties. Some common professions are: Farming, Hauling and carting, Leathers and tanning, Slaving, Unskilled labor (cleaning, sweeping), cooks and kitcheners. {|

Woven Mat

 * Weavers, mat-makers, and builders of cheap furniture; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire.

Red Moon

 * Impoverished peasants, laborers, woodcutters, etc; mostly worshipers of Vimúhla and Chiténg; based at Béy Sü and encountered throughout the center of the  empire.

Scarlet Mantle

 * Professional servants and domestics; usually devoted to Karakán or Chegárra and claim to have once been a warrior clan; found throughout the Empire.

Arch of Heaven

 * Brewers of beer, distillers of the cheaper liquors, and vineyard workers; no religious affiliation; found throughout the Empire.

Nighted Tower

 * Tomb guards, makers of various chemicals and often accused of being tomb robbers; followers of all of the Lords of Change except for Vimúhla and his Cohort, Chiténg; based at Púrdimal but found throughout the northwest.

Bright Sword

 * Musicians, singers of epic poems, panderers, courtesans, and hostel-keepers; no religious affiliation; based at Jakálla but found all across the Empire.

Green Pyramid

 * Laborers, peasants, and poor urban merchants; usually devoted to Dlamélish and Hriháyal but with members of other sects as well; common throughout the Empire.

Flat Rock

 * Poor laborers and peasants; no religious affiliation; found throughout the western regions of the Empire.

Scarlet Planet of Knives

 * Butchers, hunters, and lower-class warriors; devoted to Karakán and Chegárra; based at Katalál but encountered in every major city.

Granite Lintel

 * Cooks, body-servants, and kitchen workers; devoted to Hnálla, Thúmis, Avánthe, and their Cohorts; based at Úrmish but found all across the Empire.

Black Earth

 * Peasants, artisans, fishermen, and swamp workers; followers of Hrü'ǘ and Wurú although other sects are found as well; based at Púrdimal but also numerous around Penóm.

Glass Spear

 * Potters, bricklayers, cement-workers, layers of mosaics, etc.; no religious affiliation; clanhouse exist all over the Empire.

Sinking Land

 * Peasants, producers of swamp products, and fishermen; devoted to Belkhánu and his Cohort, Qón; based in the waterlogged lowlands around Penóm but with clanhouse at Jakálla, Úrmish, Usenánu, and Katalál also.

Artificers of Iron

 * Village smiths, although some have become prosperous urban armorers and manufacturers of metal tools; worshipers of Vimúhla, Karakán, and their Cohorts; especially strong in Tumissa and Butrus but encountered all across the Empire.

Turning Wheel

 * Carters, sutlers, wheelwrights, and transporters of goods; no religious affiliation; encountered all over the Empire.

Standing Reed

 * Mostly N’lüss who settled long ago in the Empire; professional soldiers, gladiators, bodyguards, fletchers, and makers of leather armor; devoted to Vimúhla and Chiténg; based in the rural areas around Khirgár but with clanhouse throughout the Empire.

Collar of Bronze

 * Professional slavers, many of whom are wealthy but are without social prestige because of their work; no religious affiliation; small clanhouse exist in every major city.

Hand of Compassion

 * Professional prison guards and warders; devoted to Belkhánu and Qón; based at Jakálla but with representation in every large city and many towns.

Wicker Image

 * Latrine-cleaners, sewer workers, bathers of corpses, and house-sweepers; no religious affiliation, except that those who bathe corpses are likely to be followers of Belkhánu and Qón; clanhouse are found everywhere in the Empire.

Emerald Circlet

 * Panderers, prostitutes, dancers, jugglers, roadside entertainers, etc.; followers of Dlamélish and Hriháyal with a sprinkling of other faiths; often thought to be thieves and purveyors of poisons, aphrodisiacs, etc.; found all over the Empire.
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