The sons and daughters of Doji have taken to the stars, but not in the same numbers as their rivals. Of all the clans, the Crane probably retain the greatest influence on Rokugan Prime, staying close to the seat of power and letting other clans get the larger share of new land and new worlds while the Crane fill the void they are gradually leaving behind. It may, in fact, be more accurate to say Rokugan Prime is now a Crane world even more than an Imperial one. This is not to say they have not explored space at all; they simply have done so more carefully and to a much more modest extent. In modern times, the Crane Clan’s economy is second only to the vast wealth of the Mantis, but they maintain an iron superiority over the arts and entertainment. The best artists – be they more traditional sculptors and painters or practitioners of popular music – always seem to be Crane, and the ranks of the Emerald Dueling Association, the primary sports entertainment brand in the Empire, are dominated by the Kakita.
The Crane are also the primary clan to have developed a real tourism industry, a natural outgrowth of their splendid palaces and beautiful lands; they have seized some of the most beautiful (and safe) worlds in the galaxy, where they build extensive resorts. While more warlike clans like the Crab and the Lion still mock the Crane for their “softer” ways, the truth is everybody appreciates a beautiful sunset on a tropical beach, a concert from a popular band, or a delicious exotic drink. The Crane thus still command a lot of power – albeit of a subtler kind. Those who believe the Crane are truly weak can be in for a surprise, since the Daidoji still provide them with their military defenses and have become quite skilled in precision ship-to-ship boarding actions.
Though the Crane have several notable resort worlds, the jewel in their crown is Golden Mirror, the only habitable planet in a system they control entirely. The place is an almost perfectly idyllic version of Rokugan, devoid of large predators, storms, or other dangers. From large festive seaside resorts to bustling cities and “traditional” villages to explore, the entire planet is a giant attraction, and fuels the clan’s coffers with billions of koku. It is the center of the Empire’s often-strange mix of modern and ancient culture, where galaxy-wide broadcasts can gain a young pop star or a talented iaijutsu duelist equal fame and wealth. Since Golden Mirror is so vital to the Crane Clan’s fortunes, they make sure security is paramount, and a large part of their fleet is stationed around the planet to defend it from any threat of aggression.
The Crane also have never become lax at keeping an eye on their erstwhile friends, lest they one day become enemies: despite their limited number of planets relative to the Mantis and Lion, the clan always makes sure to send at least one person to represent them in every settlement of the galaxy, ensuring their network of influence remains far-reaching and a worthy rival to the Scorpion. A popular Rokugani expression is that every spaceport is guaranteed to have two things: a bar and a Doji who wants to buy you a drink in exchange for your friendship.
Families: Doji, Daidoji, Kakita, Asahina
Naval Philosophy: Other than perhaps the Dragon, the Crane
possess the weakest navy out of any Great Clan. Their ships aren’t particularly distinguished by their
speed, power, toughness, or any other substantive combat aspect. On the other hand, their crafts are by far
the most aesthetically pleasing of any clan – which, one supposes, is something.
Ship Bonus: Can never be affected by the Jam Communications
action. Gain +1k0 to any rolls made by the Captain.
New Family: Kujaku Family
Kujaku Family Bonus: +1 Reflexes
During the early days of space exploration, the Crane very quickly found their place: they would not attempt
to compete militarily with the Lion or Mantis, explore as far as the Unicorn, or master the secrets of
galactic magic like the Phoenix. Instead, they did what the Crane have done best: dominate the Imperial
court of homeworld and establish several resort worlds to benefit heavily from the new intergalactic tourist
trade. One of their signature attractions quickly became their extensive zoos -- but they were a clan of
artists, not animal handlers. Thus, the former Peacock Clan, who had once been split off from the Crane as
punishment for a minor insult, was reinvited to the clan of Doji. This suited the Kujaku just fine, as
they’d eternally longed for greater influence and resources than that afforded to them by being the
Emperor’s glorified birdkeepers.