Japanese Clans
Japanese clans — particularly during the Sengoku period (15th–16th century) — were powerful, semi-autonomous family-based organizations, often tied by blood, marriage, and vassalage. These clans served as the foundation of feudal Japan’s military, political, and social structure.
Clan Hierarchy (Simplified)
| Rank | Role/Equivalent in D&D |
|---|---|
| Emperor | doesn't do much but has a cool shirt |
| Shogun | Holds actual Military & political power |
| Daimyo | Clan lord / High noble / Warlord |
| Retainers (Samurai) | Noble warriors typically trained at birth to the day they die |
| Ashigaru | Foot soldiers / militia |
| Onna-Musha | Female warriors of noble blood |
| Monks/Ninja Allies | Advisors, spies, or assassins |
| Peasants and Artisans | Support class — economy and logistics |
| Merchants | known as parasites for profiting off others work |
| Outcasts | People who have undesirable jobs or are exhaled |
Notable Clans of the Sengoku Period
| Clan | Traits & Notables | D&D Flavor Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Oda | Ambitious conquerors, led by Oda Nobunaga | Warlord house with ruthless tactics (Fighter-heavy) |
| Takeda | Fierce cavalry, bushido masters, noble pride | Knightly order of mounted paladins and samurai |
| Tokugawa | Strategists, survivalists, eventually ruled Japan | Noble house of patient tacticians (Rogue/Noble mix) |
| Uesugi | Spiritual, powerful warriors under Kenshin | Paladin/Cleric-mixed war cult of justice |
| Hojo | Fortress builders, siege experts | Defense-oriented Dwarf-style hold clan |
| Mori | Naval power, pirate-hunters, western provinces | Sea-faring merchant-warlords (Swashbucklers!) |
| Shimazu | Isolated, resilient, and extremely disciplined | Remote clan of elite fighters with loyalty themes |
| Imagawa | Refined culture and governance, but overthrown | Aristocratic sorcerer-type nobles (but flawed) |
| Iga & Kōga | Ninja clans, espionage masters | Rogue/Monk guilds hidden in mountains |
| Asakura | Diplomatic and artistic, rivals of Nobunaga |
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