Uesugi Clan

The Devine North Vanguards

“We are the sword of justice and the voice of the gods. Let tyrants beware.”

• Alignment: Lawful Good (with a touch of Lawful Neutral in practice)
• Realm: Echigane Province (based on historical Echigo – mountainous, snowy, remote)
• Faction Symbol: A stylized wheel or lotus blossom (symbolizing enlightenment, karmic justice)
• Faction Motto: “To fight for righteousness, not ambition.”

The Land of Echigane (Uesugi Homeland)

• Geography: Mountainous and snow-covered for much of the year. Winters are harsh, This provides strong defensive positions and makes the Uesugi cavalry tactics even more impressive.
• Capital Fortress: Kasugayama Hold, a cliffside citadel with winding paths, hidden shrines, and spirit guardians.

Holy Sites:

• The Hall of Ten Thousand Lamps – A sanctuary temple filled with eternal candles honoring fallen warriors
• The Mirror Shrine – An oracle pool said to reflect one’s true self (used in coming-of-age rites and oaths of fealty)

Campaign Flavor

• Very Devote Buddhists
• NPCs from Uesugi lands are stoic, devout, and loyal.
• Local soldiers are expert mountain warriors and heavy cavalry trained from birth.
• Many temples and monasteries train both monks and paladins who serve as battle-priests.
• To lie, betray, or break oaths is to fall from the favor of the gods.

Military Forces

• Type: Devout, elite, but smaller than other clans; highly defensive and reactive
• Special Units:
• White Storm Cavalry – Heavy paladin-led shock troops
• Mountain Ascetics – Ranger/Monk scouts trained in silent movement and survival
• Spirit Heralds – Clerics who wield radiant magic and turn undead or demons

Tactics:

• Strong emphasis on righteous positioning and weather manipulation (divine prayers, rituals).
• Famous for their discipline — rarely break rank even when outnumbered.
• Will often allow invaders to wear themselves down before launching divine counter-attacks.

Faction Relationships in a Campaign

Adventure Hooks & Uses in Campaigns

• The Uesugi clan could hire the players as holy mercenaries to stop a tyrant or fight off invading demons.
• Players may be tasked with recovering lost relics from Bishamon’s temples.