Lesser Clan of the Crane Basin
A Lesser clan of the Basin has not yet completed the tasks nessecary to be recognized as a Great clan, or they have and fallen from grace due to some circumstances. In short, the lesser clans of the Basin are all clans who are not recognized as Great Clans. They may be on the precipice of recognition, or content to abide in their own ways, absent the constant politicking and intrigue of the Basin's geopolitical position.
Responsibilities
A Lesser Clan's responsibilities are to their people and the continued upkeep of their way of life within the Basin. If a clan is a vassal of another, then they would have adopted some manner of obligation to serve their superior clan, but the clan's survival is of the utmost importance. The life of the clan depends on the clans ability to live comfortably, or at least functionally, as well as conduct themselves honorably in the eys of their peer clans. The game of political maneuvering surrounding honor and customs is paramount within the Basin, not just for the Lesser Clans.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Perhaps a fate on dubious renown, to be dismissed as a Lesser Clan of the Basin could mean a number of things. The first would be to have been exiled from the Basin entirely for some crime prosecuted against all peoples of the Basin, the great Spirits, or the Basin itself. The second would be the diminishment of the clans populace for one reason or another. This is truly a tragedy as sickness, conflict, or some other reason would lead to the recognized extinction of not just a lesser clan but a clan of the Basin.
Cultural Significance
As stated above, the Lesser Clans are all clans of the Basin not recognized as Greater. The Basin is a vast expanse of a continent with an equally vsst roster of peoples and cultures wrapped up within the high ring-like mountains and dense jungles. To be known as a Lesser Clan is no true insult, as it means the clan yet lacks one or more of the key three trappings that would identify them and exalt them into the Great Clan status.
A clan may not have a place to call their own. The clan may be nomadic and never has set roots down anywhere, therefore they wander. For those clans that do so, for many it is apart of there culture to do so and have no real aspiration to settle down and abandon that way of life. Others may have been uprooted from their homes and are being housed within the territory of another clan. Or the clan could struggle to secure their borders and not even bother, it varies from clan to clan.
A clan may not have a sacred treasure. Many clans aspire to carry one of these treasures with them, but they are incredibly difficult to craft and take time. For some clans, this is a constant goal sought out year after year, for others, they care little or see little need in carrying one for whatever reason.
A clan may not have a legend to their names. Legends in the Basin are apart of the everyday life and some clans are so small they have yet to break through the most well renowned tales so that theirs can be heard. Other clans just wish to remain quiet, observing a quaint and secluded lifestyle away from all other legends, content in their serenity.
Some clans may simply refuse the recognition. This is fairly uncommon, but it does happen from time to time. Most notably, the Wukong Clan meet the requirements to be recognized as a Great Clan, many times over in some regards, but the Wukong peoples constantly rebuke the accolades saying on many occasions that they need no title to be great.
No matter how many of the requirements a clan has or has not attained, to be known as a Lesser Clan is comfortably to be recognized as a clan of the Basin. The traditions and customs shared amongst the people of the Basin still rest on the shoulders of even the smallest of the many clans and the potential to grow in prestige and recognition always looms on the horizon.
Type
Nobility, Household
Form of Address
Lesser Clan
Alternative Naming
The Lesser Clans
Equates to
The Lesser Clans of the Crane Basin encompasses all clans of the Basin not recognized as a Great Clan of the Basin. These clans range in size as do the Great Clans, but observe a noticeably more diminished influence and hold within the Basin' complex politics. They can be taken on as vassal clans of the Greater Clans, awarding them some heightened prestige, as well as protection, but they hold little power outside their own clans' perveiw.
Source of Authority
Recognized Autonomy
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
