The Original Clan
Kazoku Kakushi (Ka-zoh-ku Ka-koo-she) Clan
Clan founder: Ayakashi
Current master: Yokai
Kazoku Kakushi (meaning “Hidden Family”) was formed centuries ago after Master Ayakashi discovered the mystical valley of Horai. He and his successors had complete control over the village, acting as both Daimyo and Master. For hundreds of years, this bloodline made all decisions regarding the directions and fate of Horai and the Hidden Force flower.
An event occurred, the details of which have been lost to time, that shook Master Yokai, Obake’s forebearer. This threw the vast Kazoku Kakushi into disarray. A coup was led by the Sabo Clan master, Nokizaru, to oust Yokai, which ultimately led to the assassination of the Aka Clan leader.
In the aftermath of Yokai’s death, all parties agreed to leave the hallowed temple and find a place within the valley away from one another, where all could continue to protect their sacred village from outside threats.
The Three Clans
Aka (Ah-Ka) Clan
Clan founder: Yokai
Current master: Master Obake
Aka was formed by Yokai’s loyalists following the Daimyo/Master’s death. An entire generation wore red in remembrance, calling themselves Aka (which means “red”) in his honor.
The clan rampantly abuses the flower for all its worth, yielding maximum results. Over time, because of this excessive use, their eyes turn red and their skin pale.
Aka members take the names of horrors and ghosts to instill fear and propagate the myth of their ties to the underworld and imbue larger than life ideas.
The Aka symbol is a stylized interpretation of the flower. The petals do not touch and are pointed in all directions without a central tether. Aka members generally interpret this as a representation of the individual strength of each member, but it is clear that Obake sees the symbol as something that underscores isolation of the individuals rather than the promotion of teamwork of his clan.
Sabo (Sah-Bow) Clan
Clan founder: Nokizaru
Current master: Master Shujin
Nokizaru’s followers named the clan Sabo (meaning “workers slowdown” and “passive work strike”) in honor of Nokizaru’s attempts for peaceful resolution. Nokizaru accepted this and the de facto role of Master. He was killed years later in a Jiangshi attack. Members take on names of true ninja terms to honor the direction Nokizaru had aimed the group.
The Sabo symbol is three Japanese symbols combined: the triskelion, the elemental chart, and the yin-yang. The first represents a series of threes in regards to humanity’s place in existence: Physical/Spiritual/Celestial, Mind/Body/Spirit, Past/Present/Future, and Creation/Preservation/Destruction. The Japanese Elements can be seen in the circles representing the solid elements (earth, wood, and metal); the arcs represent the fluid elements (air, water, and fire). The yin-yang is seen by the negative space representing the Void and the solid space as the material.
And what is gleaned from this? Sabo has many ways to define themselves, and many paths of discovery. Not one is the same as the next. All have a tendency to try to define themselves in loftier, transcendent ways, but in the end, they need each other to complete their symbol.
Seichi (Say-Chee) Clan
Clan founder: Seiza
Current master: Master Ne
Seichi (meaning “sanctuary”) was formed when the original singular clan, Kazoku Kakushi, began to fracture. The members of the clan began choosing sides as an internal battle was inevitable. It became evident that Nokizaru and Yokai’s respective followers were not going to find a peaceful resolution. Sensei Seiza’s family had a large manor away from the fighting and clan matters. During those tumultuous days, they offered sanctuary to anyone who chose to not participate in the brewing battle.
The Seichi Clan formed around those who took on names from the Japanese zodiac in Seiza’s honor. The clan still tends to stay neutral on most matters, acting as an intermediary for all in the community.
The Seichi symbol represents both a spoked wheel and the Japanese zodiac. The wheel turns and reaches out for everyone; all spokes lead to a central hub that directs the wheel’s movement.
Legends of the Hidden Force 