Of all the minor clans, the survival of the Badger into the 32nd century might be the most surprising. The Badger’s original role in the Empire -- guarding the northern passes through the mountains into what lay beyond -- was obviously incompatible with the new Empire of Emerald Stars. Their expertise in sumai wasn’t enough by itself to carry them (though it would serve them a bit as the finest competitors in what would become a second-tier intergalactic pro sports league). But the Badger’s independence was always protected by the Emperor, for a very clear reason: they guarded (and later carried with them) the Shrine of Ryoshun, the place where the body of the Lost 10th Kami fell.
Indeed, over the centuries, this became far more than simply the duty of guarding the Shrine; during the Crisis on Infinite Realms of the 24th century, Ryoshun sought samurai from across the Empire to repair the damage to the encroaching spirit realms. His choice to lead them was surprising: Ichiro Gozaru, the unassuming third son of the Ichiro family daimyo at the time. Gozaru’s heroism not only solved the crisis, but earned Ryoshun’s direct blessing, officially dubbing the Badger the Clan of Ryoshun (making them the only minor clan with a patron Great Kami). Though the Badger don’t have as clear a purpose as the Boar, the Silkworm, or even the Bee, their place in Imperial history is thus more assured than most Minor Clans, thanks to their association with the lost Kami.
Ichiro Family Bonus: +1 Strength