The Scorpion Clan

The Scorpion Clan

Clan Champion: Bayushi.
Clan Colours: Crimson red, black.
Main worship: The Minor Fortunes.
Virtue: Sincerity.
Allies: Phoenix, Crab.
Rivals: Crane, Owl.

In another Rokugan, Bayushi would have taken up the mantle as the dramatic villain of the other clans at Hantei’s behest. Togashi however made no such demand of his younger sibling, and let the Princess of Secrets find her own path in this new life. Always drawn to the shadows and secrets, Bayushi did not find it difficult to garner allies, friends, and followers, as she went on to create a wide network of informants across the land. While the masked Kami does use this network for the political benefits of the Scorpion, Bayushi’s attention is on the secrets of the Empire overall - which also includes its nonhuman inhabitants as she is aware that there are supposedly many secret settlements hidden away in corners still undiscovered by humanity. The Scorpion have already earned a reputation for being the ones who deal in secrets and information, giving many an impression that Bayushi is trying to lead her followers toward a more courtly trend, while in truth that is merely a facade for the truth that many Scorpion are adventurers and to put it more bluntly - thieves of nonhuman treasures.
The Princess of Secrets, as Bayushi is often called, has not been an easy person to impress and has let very few people get close to her. Where her siblings drew loyal followers early on, it wouldn’t be until five years ago that she took in the mysterious person known as Shosuro into her personal circle, and announced them to be the head of the Shosuro Family with her blessings. While Shosuro does not have many followers yet, those who do train with them have become some of the best specialists that the Scorpion have, capable of venturing into the most dangerous locations where nonhumans are said to dwell and move in and out unnoticed, finding lost treasures to bring back. Some of these treasures end up being traded to the other clans quietly, as Bayushi knows both the Owl and the Phoenix have an interest in such for different reasons. The majority ends up within the Scorpion Clan without the knowledge of the other clans, as the Scorpion ponder on how to unlock some of the powerful secrets the nonhumans might have, or to simply keep it out of the hands of these creatures that could possibly be a danger to the Empire or its people.
This activity does put the Scorpion at odds with the Owl, though so far they are mostly avoiding their scrutiny and suspicion, as any artefacts traded to the Owl are all “reclaimed from the Shinomen Forest” which borders on much of the Scorpion clan’s territory. If the Owl were to realise what the Scorpion were up to, it could drive a potential wedge between the two clans and sour the relations between the two brothers. On the other hand, the Phoenix don’t have an Imperial order to handle the nonhumans and are mostly seeking knowledge out of an interest to do apply it for a greater good, so the Scorpion are fine with passing on some of the artefacts to them that might be better handled by scholars… but aren’t too powerful or important. This is, in large part, a show of favouritism from Bayushi to her twin-brother Shiba, and in some part it is Bayushi keeping things a touch dramatic between Hantei and Shiba. In the end, Bayushi does relish in causing some minor drama as long as it won’t hurt Togashi’s Empire. That kind of behaviour does not earn Bayushi any points with Doji however, and the Crane overall feel that the Scorpion are too inappropriate and not contributing to creating harmony. Bayushi was always the more mischievous of the twins, and all the Kami.
The Scorpion are one of the smallest clans currently, as Bayushi is demanding of those who join her clan, and not many have been too keen on joining the side of the mysterious Kami. Reputation has it that many of those recruited into the Scorpion were people cast out from their tribes for various crimes and wrongdoings - which is mostly true. Bayushi saw the potential in recruiting those who were not easily dissuaded by expectations from others, and those who could meet his steep requirements of utter loyalty to her were brought into the fold. Some who joined the Scorpion this way began a trend of wearing masks so as to not be easily recognised by those who knew them before, but this trend was quickly picked up by those who would infiltrate hidden lairs of various creatures and nonhumans in an effort to avoid being identified by those they’re stealing from, as many believe that if a spirit doesn’t know who you are or know your face, they cannot curse you or easily seek vengeance upon you.
Currently the Scorpion are in a good spot. Apart from some minor problems with the Crane and Owl, they have a strong bond with both the Crab and the Phoenix, and Bayushi overall is good at adapting to her other siblings as needed. The Scorpion don’t have the bountiful lands of the Crane and Ki-Rin, but they’re doing rather well overall by their trade of reclaimed artefacts and dealing with information and secrets. There is always someone willing to pay to know something they didn’t know.

The Bayushi Family

Daimyo: Bayushi, The Princess of Secrets.
Mon: A scorpion with a raised pincer against a backdrop of waves.

An androgynous beauty of elegant features, Bayushi the Princess of Secrets is someone who lives up to her moniker. Ever since the tournament at Seppun Hill, she is always wearing a mask of sorts, often changing between designs and appearances, making many wonder what the lady of the Scorpion could be hiding other than her alluring and mysterious beauty. While many consider her twin Shiba to be a scholarly man, Bayushi is believed by many to be her brother’s rival in terms of intellect and wit. And is certainly unmatched in cunning, as she has manoeuvred her very small following of loyal folks to become a political group almost on par with Doji’s Crane, without drawing as much ire and rivalry as the other clans seem to have done, while also having strong friendships with the wise Phoenix as well as the more brutish and pragmatic Crab. One could say that the Scorpion have made friends with those who can best cover their weaknesses.

Bayushi, like many of her siblings, is a very demanding leader of her people. Similarly to Doji, she has high requirements of those she considers worthy to swear fealty to her, but where Doji looks for excellence, Bayushi looks for qualities of loyalty. She is also not above giving opportunities to those who were once shunned by their communities as punishment for a crime or misdeed, something which has tarnished some of the Scorpion’s reputation on the whole as there is always someone to remember the sins of others. Bayushi on the other hand has found value in these misfits, as many who have been cast off by others are desperate once more to find safety and stability in life, and have embraced the Princess of Secrets’ offer of undying loyalty in exchange for her protection. Ignoring the bad reputation it might give them, the loyal followers of Bayushi have become a close-knit group, wary of those outside the Scorpion. Under Bayushi’s guidance, they learn to become clever warriors, valuing cunning over brute force, and not shying away from more underhanded tactics.
While the Scorpion remain the smallest of the clans, Bayushi is fiercely protective of her people, and all the long-term plans she is cultivating is to improve the lives of her followers. She sees Togashi’s hands-off approach as ruler to be the will of the Heavens that each of the Kami have something of value to bring to humanity, and that the division of the clans is as the Heavens intend to create some dynamics within its idea of order.

The Shosuro Family

Daimyo: Shosuro, The Ever-Changing Shadow.
Mon: An intricate web of endlessly intertwining ivy.

Considered a mystery even among the Scorpion, little is known about Shosuro’s origins or their actual identity as they seem to always appear covered in veils and loose clothing that gives little indication of their gender or true appearance. Though it is known that Bayushi trusts Shosuro with absolute certainty and is the only one of her followers to be given the prestigious honour of leading their own group within the clan, so the Scorpion extend the same faith and trust in Shosuro as granted by Bayushi. The followers of Shosuro are a small group within an already small clan, but they are known to be skilled specialists when it comes to travelling into dangerous territories. While the Bayushi are clearly better warriors in a fight, the followers of Shosuro learn to move unnoticed and are the best in the clan when it comes to procuring treasures and artefacts from the lairs of spirits and nonhumans.

Appearing as a gaunt and veiled figure, Shosuro first appeared by Bayushi’s side more than ten years after the Tournament of the Kami, and seemed to have impressed the Princess of Secrets extensively. Rumour has it that Shosuro is so skilled at subterfuge and deceit that they even manage to trick Bayushi, which is close to the truth. Known only to Bayushi, Shiba, Shosuro, and possibly the Emperor Togashi as well, Shosuro seems to possess nearly supernatural capability in changing their appearance to look like almost any person of their choosing, and they in fact did use this ability to get close to Bayushi and nearly strike her before he noticed. Bayushi was so impressed by this, she offered Shosuro fealty in her clan, and eventually the duty of gathering their own followers within the Scorpion. Some whispered rumours indicate that the two might even be lovers, but with such secretive people it is hard to tell if it is the truth or not.
As a leader though, Shosuro is not much of a sociable person, and those few who swear fealty directly to them have a frustrating time studying under them as much of it is done through trial and error over and over again rather than actual instructions or lessons being taught. This does teach the followers of Shosuro to learn to adapt quickly, in both social settings as well as more dangerous ones.

Culture

The Scorpion are perhaps the least spiritual among the clans so far, as they put more faith in their lady and the people in their group than in the whims of spirits and Fortunes. Prayers are offered to avoid causing offense to them, but not much time is spent in spiritual contemplation or supplication. That does not mean that they aren't superstitious though, as they take bad omens and portents quite seriously, and those who tempt fate by diving into nonhuman ruins often carry charms against bad luck. Many in the clan come from rough backgrounds and know there isn't often much mercy to be found in prayer, and it has shaped a lot of the common ideology within the clan. Masks have become a strong fashion with the Scorpion; some wear them to emulate Bayushi or Shosuro, some wear them to not be recognised from their past lives prior to joining the Scorpion, and some wear them to avoid being identified by the nonhumans and spirits they might anger by taking their treasures. Most common are simple cloth or wooden masks with painted motifs, though it is becoming increasingly fashionable to find new and creative shapes, colours, and materials to express their personality.

Public Agenda

Most don't think the smallest clan have much of an agenda, but more insightful minds are wise to see that Bayushi isn't someone to not have any sort of plan or agenda. The clan so far seems to be focusing on establishing trade with a point of using the rivers rather than horses like the Ki-Rin. In addition they are specialising their crops to provide useful and rare medicinal plants that are hard to come by for the rest of the Empire.

Assets

The riverways of their territory is so far a valuable asset for them to offer trade and transport in a different way from the Ki-Rin. Their lands are not as fertile as those of the Ki-Rin or Crane, but on the other hand are able to provide another sort of variety than those two. Medicinal plants, particularly poppies, grow more easily in their climate, which has set the Scorpion up as a solid provider for medicine in the Empire.

Religion

Being among the least pious of the clans, the Scorpion place more emphasis on placating the Fortunes and minor kami just enough to stay in their good graces and avoiding angering them. The Minor Fortunes are the most relevant in day-to-day life, and are the ones given offerings and prayers at family shrines or any public place of worship. Much to the dismay of Shiba and Doji, Bayushi has not given much thought to erecting temples for worship apart from one dedicated to the Sun and Moon after being guilted by her twin brother to at least build one temple. 
The Scorpion instead care more about charms and wards against bad luck than the Heavenly forces, and the ones created by the Seppun of the Owl Clan are in high demand. Few Scorpion leave home or go about important duties without at least one good luck charm upon their person, and if their venture was a success the charm is burned, its task of warding of bad luck and bringing good luck completed. This burning is most often done in the home, or at a shrine or temple if one is nearby. It is considered bad luck to hold on to a charm that has completed its task.

"In the shadows you find secrets"

Founding Date

Year 6 of the Isawa Calendar

Major Exports

The main export from the Scorpion is medicine and other rare herbs, but they also export other small things like textiles, pottery, and arts. Luxury goods from the Scorpion is often considered more reasonable and affordable than those from the Crane, though are not as popular or famous.

Major Imports

Being a small clan, the Scorpion are dependant on imports from other clans for almost everything, with the exception of food as they produce enough for themselves with a comfortable surplus for rainy days. From the Crab they import iron and weapons, luxury goods from the Crane, tea and sake from the Owl along with charms, and paper from the Phoenix.