Great Clan of the Crane Basin
The familial clan structure is the basis for the diversity of cultures and customs within the Crane Basin, the most prestigious of these clans are referred to as the Great Clans, an ever growing, and ever changing number of clans recognized with a greater deal of respect than the lesser clans, and whom have set standards and examples for the basin to follow. To hold the title of Great Clan comes at no small price and carries a great deal of weight within the Basin.
Qualifications
To be recognized as a Great Clan of the Basin, there is required three traditional and culturally important prerequisites:
First, the Clan must have a place to call their own. A territory within which the clan holds sway and power and is able to sustain itself, defend itself, and grow. This can be anything from a singular large building of prominence and its surrounding landscapes to a sprawling demi-empire or city-state with perhaps multiple settlements and small provincial towns to sustain a large population.
Secondly, the clan must hold at least one sacred treasure. These legendary items and artifacts come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Their true secrets and power known only to the clan which wields them, but are considered to be holy treasures of immense, awesome, and possible unimaginable power. To be in the presence of a sacred treasure, is to be in the presence of the clan's will and strength made manifest.
Thirdly, a clan must have a tremendous and legendary deed attributed to them. The Basin is a plae fully of legends and each of the clans and the peoples within them aspire to forge their own legends every season. The legends attributed to the Great Clans are the stuff of epic proportions, told around campfires and as bedtime stories to inspire the children. Coraboration is important and the more other clans recognize the measure of the task, quest, or deed attributed, the more respected the clan is as a whole, for the honor of each clan can be measured by the deeds of only a few.
Appointment
To be named a Great Clan of the Basin, a Clan need only complete the three requirements and then declare themselves a Great Clan. Seems quite simple, but as already discussed, to be recognized, all other Great Clans must acknowledge the claim made. There is no formal way of doing so, outside of processions, parades, and the summoning of delegations to summits of declaration. So long as other clans recognize the status of a Great Clan, the title holds firm.
Benefits
To hold the title of Great Clan of the Basin comes with a myriad of boons, so long as the clan is willing to endure and claim them. It is acknowledged that Great Clans can claim territory, but must be able to defend and hold it from invaders. They may make vassals of lesser clans, but must be sturdy enough not to be toppled by them. So long as the Great Clan has the bite to back up their bark, their boons and benefits are boundless.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The integrity and honor of someone's word is paramount to the establishment of the clans in their seats of power, as no formal organization exists to moderate the prestige of the clans within the Basin. It is most widely accepted that should any Great Clan go without one of their three requirements to be recognized as a Great Clan, they are removed from the recognition. Losing the place they call home, loosing their sacred treasure, their deed or legend being invalidated all will result in the stripping of the clan's status and the dishonor from that will follow the clan thereafter.
Cultural Significance
A Great Clan of the Basin is obligated to uphold the honor and prestige of their status at any and all times and provide for themselves and their people. No two Great Clans rules their holdings identically, but it is the means by which they hold them that is their concern. It is universally accepted that each and every clansmen of the Basin, not just those of the Great Clans carry with them the integrity and honor of their clan with them and it is their duty and obligation to uphold the values of their clan. If a clan abandons their own customs and traditions, they are neglecting their duties as a Great Clan.
Notable Holders
The Shisubeki
The Bale-Fire Clan
Status
Active
Form of Address
Great Clan
Alternative Naming
The Great Clans
Equates to
To be known as one of the Great Clans is to be recognized as one of the foremost prestigious and powerful clans within the Crane Basin. The influence akin to that of a king holding sway over a kingdom.
Source of Authority
Recognition of Merit
Related Locations
Related Organizations
