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Crab Clan

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Mon of the Crab Clan

The Crab Clan are the Defenders of the Empire. They spend their lives on the Carpenter Wall, watching the southwestern border of Rokugan for the next attack from the Shadowlands. The Crab was founded by the Kami Hida. Daily the Crab warriors give their lives on the Wall so the other clans may live in peace and security. The Crab value this duty above all, even honor. They may be gruff, unkempt and downright rude at times, but no one questions their strength or courage. [1]

Contents

[edit] Views on the Other Clans

[edit] Crane Clan

The Crab hate the Crane Clan almost as much as they hate the Shadowlands. They are everything the Crab despise - weak, elusive and they rely on commerce and politics to offset their cowardice. They have little to no military might, and yet own more land than any other clan. They do not defend themselves, but rather rely on the words of the Emperor or might of allies. Had it not been for the necessary war against the Shadowlands the Crab would most likely have launched an all out attack on the Crane centuries ago.

The Crane-Crab War was probably the worst encounter between the two clans, resulting in the break of the Yasuki family from the Crane. Because the Yasuki took up the position as the Crab's diplomats they were not allowed within the lands of the Crane, and the Black Crane Palace where the Yasuki would host visiting dignitaries was barred to Crane. To remedy these issues to an extent the Crab had a small number of Hida and Hiruma trained as courtiers specifically for negotiations with the Crane. The only exception to the hatred of the Crane is the Daidoji family, whom the Hida family in general have a very high regard for. [2][3]

Since the First Yasuki War, as the Crane-Crab War has come to be known, the two clans have fought once more over the family. First they fought the Second Yasuki War, which was brought to a peaceful resolution when Emerald Champion Yasuki Hachi swore fealty to both the Crab and Crane, uniting the family.[4]. The second, the Third Yasuki War, has come about since Hachi's death. The Crab received information indicating that Hachi was not in fact of the Yasuki line, and thus claimed that the family would be exclusively Crab.[5]

[edit] Dragon Clan

Few in Rokugan can understand the mysterious Dragon Clan, and the Crab are no exception. The Crab don't trust what they cannot understand, and the Crab are infuriated over the Tattooed Orders isolation from the outside world, labeling the Dragon as cowards. The other families of the Dragon are more respected. The Mirumoto family are respected for their military skills, and the Kitsuki magistrates for their honorable dealings with the rest of the Empire. While the Agasha were still a part of the Dragon they created a interesting relationship with the Kuni family despite the famous Agasha aloofness. The Kuni would frequently send oni ichor or goblin entrails to the Agasha for identification and inspection. [6]

[edit] Lion Clan

The Crab have a grudging respect for the Lion Clan. They don't care for the Lion as a rule, but cannot ignore their tactical prowess. The only problem the Crab really have with the Lion is their philosophy. The Lion boast of honor in defending the Emperor, but without achievements what are words? The Lion's rigid adherence to the abstract notions of honor often causes the Crab to merely see them as arrogant and posturing. [7]

[edit] Phoenix Clan

Ironically, it is the pacifistic Phoenix Clan that the Crab generated the most respect for. The two clans have never quarreled over land due to the distance between them, and their other interests are so different there have never been any conflict of interests. The Phoenix often speak their mind, and while the Crab ignore the cries for peace they still respect the openness of the Phoenix. The power of the magic the Phoenix have is never dismissed however, and the Kuni will never hesitate to go to the Isawa when they need help. [8]

[edit] Scorpion Clan

After the Crane, the Crab hate the Scorpion Clan the most. They are deceptive and tricky like the Crane, but unlike the Crane they have a wary respect of the Crab. The two have clashed before, and the Scorpion know it is not wise to anger the Crab. The Crab try to have as little to do with the Scorpion as possible, although this sometimes plays into the ploys of the Scorpion. [9]

The Crab and Scorpion recently clashed in the Crab-Scorpion War. A conflict begun when Bayushi Paneki began sending ninja to assassinate Kisada. The war was relatively tame, with Scorpion assassins killing several Crab gunsos and the Crab raiding some Scorpion villages. The war ended when Bayushi Paneki successfully convinced Kisada that any ninja sent against him were acting outside of Paneki's orders.[10]

[edit] Unicorn Clan

The Crab view the Unicorn Clan as kindred spirits in a way. They are much like the Crab in that their strange customs make them outsiders in Rokugan, and their martial prowess mark them as true warriors. Since the return of the Unicorn, the two have more or less been allies, and a particularly strong bond was forged between the Shinjo family and the Hiruma. [11]

[edit] Mantis Clan

Generally speaking, the Crab and the Mantis Clan get along quite well. The Mantis' strange customs (some of which are actually Crab customs as well) make them outsiders in Rokugan in the same way as the Crab and the Unicorn, and the Crab understand that while the martial prowess of the Mantis tends to be specialized for naval conflict, on the high seas they are powerful indeed. The Crab also get along well with them on a personal basis, as the Mantis are often just as willing to speak their minds as the Crab, and are flexible enough to be comfortable in virtually any situation. Moreover, the Mantis are of the blood of Hida, and while they do not stand on the Wall, the Crab do understand the purpose they serve in guarding Rokugan's ocean borders. Lastly, the Mantis have always been ready to lend their aid to the Crab when they've needed it. Despite their reputation as pirates and opportunists, the Crab remember well Kaimetsu-Uo and the Mantis' role in the apprehension of Osano-Wo's killer, and they have not forgotten the aid their Mantis brothers gave them freely at the Battle of the Cresting Wave.

[edit] Minor Clans

The Crab view most minor clans with a great degree of favor, respecting them for their relative strength compared to their size. The Crab also share borders with the Hare and Sparrow Clans, providing a sort of buffer between them and the Scorpion Clan. The nearby minor clan daimyo's are wise enough to not draw the wrath of the Crab, and view them rather as allies should the Crane or Scorpion turn against them. [12]

The Crab have originated more minor clans and ronin families than any other clan. The following are all clans and families with Crab ties:

[edit] Nezumi

Where as most Rokugani despise the Nezumi, the Crab recognized them as valuable assets in the fight against the Shadowlands. Their immunity to the Taint as well as intimate knowledge of areas of the Shadowlands meant that they were excellent scouts. The Hiruma Scouts frequently used ratlings as additional eyes and ears, all in exchange for cheap jewelry or food. The occasional betrayal of the Crab by a Ratling Tribe was taken very seriously, wiping out the tribe to make an example of them. [13]

[edit] Customs

Crab on the Wall

[edit] Retirement

Crab samurai hate to think that they will die, not on the Carpenter Wall, but of old age. To become a monk and sit idle and useless seeking Enlightenment, while others defend the Empire, would cause deep shame to any true Crab. This is why most elderly samurai instead take a position at a Crab bushi dojo, so that the young can gain by their experience. Only the infirmed or insane go to the monasteries. [14]

[edit] Superstitions

Most Crab superstitions stem from their proximity to the Shadowlands, and they usually have a grain of truth to them. [15] The Crab consider obsidian an extremely unlucky stone, for it is a perversion of pure jade. A person struck by lightening who survives is believed to be to be blessed by Osano-Wo, and can see the future. Many Crab farmers hang bowls of rice at the edge of their fields to keep goblins away (this is in fact quite effective as it attracts friendly Nezumi, who kill goblins). To embark on any important task while in a foul temper invites misfortune, fore it wastes anger that could otherwise be used to gain strength against one's enemies. The Toritaka family believe that a man with one eye is destined to bring troubled ghosts to rest.[citation needed]

[edit] Magic

The magic of the Crab Clan is usually more practical than that of other shugenja, and Crab are much more willing to share their knowledge with those outside the Clan.[16]

[edit] Current Events

The Crab Clan is currently coming to terms with the return to Ningen-do of Hida Kisada. The Great Bear, mortal again since his return through Oblivion's Gate, has not tried to reclaim his position as Crab Clan Champion, allowing Hida Kuon to remain in the position relatively undisturbed. Kisada has taken residence in Koten, where followers have begun to gather to seek the wisdom of the legendary figure, although the presence of the Great Bear has caused friction with the Scorpion Clan. Kisada was murdered at Koten in 1170, but the details surrounding his death are unknown.[17] The Crab have come into possession of the Tao of Fu Leng since the Battle of the Tomb. A new war is being waged between them and the Crane over the Yasuki family.

[edit] Details

[edit] Statistics

  • Capital: Kyuden Hida
  • Population: 4 610 000 (approx)
  • Military: 258 000 samurai
  • Imports: Jade, Rice
  • Exports: Iron, Tea, Raw Materials

[edit] Families

The following are the families of the Crab Clan:

[edit] Samurai

See Samurai of the Crab Clan for a listing of notable members of the clan, both current and historic. For the leaders of the clan, see also:

[edit] Palaces and Cities

[edit] Major Highways

[edit] Festivals

The following are some of the festivals celebrated by the Crab Clan that are not celebrated throughout the Empire:

[edit] Schools & Paths

[edit] Schools

The following are the basic Schools within the Crab Clan:

[edit] Paths

The following are the Paths within the Crab Clan:

[edit] References

  1. ↑ Legend of the Five Rings: Third Edition, page 6
  2. ↑ Way of the Crane, page 46
  3. ↑ Way of the Crab, pages 101-102
  4. ↑ http://www.lowfierce.com/kazenoshiro/5/h5e08p80.htm Shinsei's Last Hope, Part III
  5. ↑ http://www.l5r.com/story/family-troubles/ Family Troubles
  6. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 102
  7. ↑ Way of the Crab, pages 102-103
  8. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 103
  9. ↑ Way of the Crab, pages 103-104
  10. ↑ http://www.l5r.com/story/peace-at-the-point-of-a-sword/ Peace at the Point of a Sword
  11. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 104
  12. ↑ Way of the Crab, pages 104-105
  13. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 101
  14. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 53
  15. ↑ Legend of the Five Rings: Third Edition, page 40
  16. ↑ Way of the Crab, page 105
  17. ↑ http://www.l5r.com/story/scenes-from-the-empire-vi/ Scenes From the Empire VI
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