Gozoku (TCG)

The Gozoku was originally a political alliance of the Scorpion, Crane, and Phoenix Clans. The triad essentially controlled the workings of the Empire.

Creation
During the late fourth century three samurai, the champions of Crane, Phoenix, and Scorpion Clans, conspired against the Emperor. Calling themselves the Gozoku, they banded together and kidnapped the Emperor's heir, forcing the Emperor to grant them certain political concessions. After the Emperor's death, the Gozoku prepared to install that heir on the Throne as their puppet emperor.

Gozoku Domination
During the time of the Gozoku, Otosan Uchi underwent a period of great growth. The Imperial City had mostly consisted of the Imperial Palace and various houses maintained for the courtiers of the clans and the commoners who served them. Gozoku officials arranged to have the city's harbor improved, and they extended the network of roads to the city. As a result, more samurai, craftspeople, and merchants traveled to the city.

Dawnfall
While the Emperor's sons had all been fostered to daimyō in the Crane, Phoenix, and Scorpion Clans to be raised to be subservient to the Gozoku, his youngest child, Yugozohime, had been raised by the Lion. She was taught on the arts of war and instilled in her a reverence for Bushidō and the honor of her Imperial ancestors. When the Emperor died, Yugozohime challenged her eldest brother to a duel, killed him, and claimed the Throne for herself. The Gozoku were completely unprepared for this turn of events, and the new Emperor quickly broke their hold on the Imperial government.