Mantis Clan (TCG)

The Mantis Clan was one of the most powerful Minor clan of the Emerald Empire, founded by Kaimetsu-Uo, a descendant of Osano-wo himself.

History

Conflict with Gaijin

In the fifth century a fleet from Pavarre arrived to Rokugan, hoped to conduct trade with the Emerald Empire. This created much political consternation as the leaders and courtiers of the clans debated how to react to the strangers. The Mantis were especially active in this debate, as they saw an opportunity to increase their own wealth and influence. Foreigners came to the Imperial City seeking an audience with Emperor Hantei Yugozohime: a trade guild that dealt in numerous lands, including the realm of the Myantu Alliance, Asturiam, even the Vyzantari Kingdom. To the court's surprise, she assented, allowing the traders to establish a post there. The Mantis Clan rose to prominence during this time, becoming a substantial sea power by trading with, and occasionally preying upon, foreign vessels in the waters near Rokugan and beyond. After two years of controversy, Yugozohime abruptly ended the open trade agreement with them and ordered to leave her lands immediately. The gaijin refused to accept her edict, making a terrific attack against the capital Otosan Uchi. This act bolstered the Rokugani, who managed to defeat and drive off the gaijin ships in the Battle of White Stag. Those who managed to flee to their ships were confronted by the massed fleets of the Crane and Mantis Clans.

Status

The Mantis consisted in large part of hardy sailors who have ventured onto the seas, reaching the Islands of Spice and Silk, the Ivory Kingdoms, and locales more distant still. They were regarded as simple pirates by other Clans, but in the 12th century the Mantis looked to elevate their status to Great Clan.

Details

Often dismissed as pirates and thieves, the Mantis controled lucrative trade routes thanks to their position on the Islands of Silk and Spice. Unusually, the Mantis had no family name, and instead carried the names of the ship or port on which they served. Keen to talk and keen to trade, Mantis villagers could be very welcoming, sharing seafood, foreign wine, and far-fetched tales of adventure with their guests. On the other hand, they were also quick to reach for their butterfly swords and defend themselves. The Mantis believed that everyone must prove themself—higher station of birth carried certain benefits, but comes with an expectation that an individual must achieve greater heights to match. Even the lowliest member of the clan could advance if they served exceptionally.

Mon

The mon of the Mantis Clan was of teal-green color.

Notable Holdings

Lands of the Mantis Clan

The Mantis Clan did not seek to rule the coastal islands that contain its major holdings or collect taxes from its peoples. It had shipyards and estates on some of the islands, and it operated several port cities of significant size that generated much of the clan's wealth, with which it payed its taxes to the Imperial Court.

• Broken Wave City
• City of Lightning
• Kinushima Port
• Kyūden Gotei
• Tempest Island
• Thunder Dragon Bay
• Tokigogachu

Schools

The following were the schools within the Mantis Clan:

• Storm Fleet Sailor (Bushi)
• Storm Fleet Tide Seer (Shugenja)

Mantis Clan Champion

The Mantis Clan Champion was the leader of the Mantis Clan. The following are the known Champions of the Mantis Clan:

Kaimetsu-Uo	? - ?
Yoritomo	? - Present

See also

• Mantis Clan/Meta
• The Families of the Fleet/Meta

References

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