Nobility in Oda
Keywords:
ODA-NOBLES
Noble Families
The Oda dynasty have always been among the great houses, although
usually not the largest or most powerful. During the First Empire,
the Oda constructed a mighty fortress in the mountains at the eastern
edge of their domain. This castle has been beseiged, rebuilt and
refurbished many times over the years, but survived as a bastion even
while the clan was repressed during the Akoki Shogunate. The clan was
almost exterminated during the childhood and early teens of Empress
Nobuyo, but she led them through a desperate war to final victory
over Shogun Akoki and his Kasimir allies.
The Akoki clan are unique in that, although they trace their blood
back to the First Emperor, vampirism lies in their inheritance. No
Akoki has ever worn the Sakura Crown, since this would be
sacreligious as well as possibly fatal for the bearer. But their
cruel cunning, especially that of the legendary dhampiel Prince
Akoki, has brought them the Shogunate, many times. The Prince ruled
for five centuries, surviving conspiracies by the other clans and
decimating their nobility each time he was opposed. He maintained
shrines to the leaders of Kasimir, Kedanna and Seir (and, rumours
say, to Kasim herself). His death left the clan ruined, sent his
surviving followers into exile. His successor, Lord Ashogi, prefers
hunting and riding to politics.
The Nrae are rich and peacable, preferring their full coffers and
safety to risking life and fortune for a hope of the crown.
Strangely, they have ruled the Empire many times, usually as the
puppet Emperor of an Akoki shogun. The cruel ways of the Akoki are
preferable to war, when families are broken and farms burned or
pillaged. Lord Kosura and Lady Misurei currently lead the clan and
their main concern is re-opening Enhart port for trade.
The Kusega are a secondary clan, occupying the southern part of the
Oda lands. Once much more powerful, they have never recovered from
the "war of flowers" against Prince Akoki. Lord Harumaki led a
passive revolt against the Shogun, backed by an unlikely alliance
including a group of Sages Council healers. The attempt on the Shogun
failed, but rather than flee or fight Harumaki travelled to the
Imperial court alone and barefoot. It is said that every step of his
path was covered with Sakura blossom, a display of sympathy for the
much-loved Lord. Rather than shed the blood of a saint, the Prince
had him strangled with a silken cord. His descendant, Lady Shosura,
lives humbly but scandalises the aristocracy by weaving silk with her
own hands.
The Tekhame are an extinct clan although once famed for learning and
patronage of the arts. Kri'Xina city, deep within Felinta forest, was
full of marvels, lit by magic and where every chore was carried out
by sorcerous subjects. Somehow, this all came to an end together with
the lives of the Lords and commoners.