Sakurajima Clan

The Sakurajima Clan is a spiritually focused clan based in Hanamizu, a coastal town, and the Sakurajima Springs (150 miles south of Kiyomura), a region of volcanic hot springs and lush groves in Ezogashima’s southern reaches. Devoted to Inari and Ryujin, they are renowned for their shugenja (Lizardfolk and Fire Genasi), who perform sea offerings and attempt to purify Ebon Scales. Their Aqua Sakura Raptors navigate coastal and volcanic terrain, aiding caravans and rituals at the Blossom Bridge and Hot Spring Shrine. Unlike the honor-bound Kiyomura Clan or the secretive Tsukishima Clan, the Sakurajima Clan is open to trade with the Ravus Empire, exchanging Aetheric Silk and Sakura Blossoms for wealth, which strains relations with the other clans and the Shogun’s Council. This openness makes them a target for the influence of foreign powers, as their spiritual focus is tested.

Resources

• Aqua Sakura Raptors (CR 3, swim speed 40 ft., water breathing): Used for coastal caravans, sea offerings, and navigating Lava Flows.
• Aetheric Silk: Ritual cords that grant +1 to spell save DCs, crafted by Fire Genasi.
• Sakura Blossoms: Used in sea offerings (a DC 12 Religion check grants advantage on Charisma checks for 24 hours).
• Ebon Scales: Guarded in the Volcanic Caves.

Cultural practices

The clan performs sea offerings at the Blossom Bridge, an immaculate bridge that spans a tidal lagoon, using Sakura Blossoms to honor Ryujin and purify rifts. Lizardfolk shugenja lead these rituals, while Fire Genasi craft talismans at the Hot Spring Shrine. Human samurai protect coastal trade routes, and kobolds maintain the hot springs’ guest services. The clan’s Fox Festival, held under Inari’s blessing, celebrates prosperity with dances and feasts, attracting Fairy traders. The Fox Festival is Hanamizu’s celebration of Minori Matsuri, held on the same day (Fifth Astral Moon, day 21), and the largest on the island.

Goals

Purify Ebon Scales to prevent Klythar’s return, maintain spiritual harmony, and expand coastal trade (including with Ravus). They balance devotion with economic ambition, risking Shogunate disapproval.

Leadership

The clan is led by Daimyo Yuki Mizuno (human male), a shugenja.

Faction interactions

• Kiyomura Clan: Tensions arise due to Sakurajima’s Ravus trade, which Kiyomura sees as disloyalty to the Shogunate. Disputes occur over resource allocation in Shinkyo.
• Tsukishima Clan: Distrusted for their openness to Ravus, viewed as compromising Kami purity. The Tsukishima Clan’s secrecy clashes with Sakurajima’s public rituals.
• Shogun’s Council: Nominally loyal but strained by their Ravus dealings. Shogun Amaya Takahiro pressures them to prioritize a unified front over trade with Ravus.
• Ravus Empire: Trades for Aetheric Silk and Sakura Blossoms, but Ravus exploits the partnership, leading to conflicts.

Locations

• Sakurajima Springs: The clan’s primary domain, centered around the Blossom Bridge, Hot Spring Shrine, Inari’s Grove, and Volcanic Caves, where they purify Scales.
• Hanamizu: Their coastal town, a hub for trade and the Fox Festival.
• Shinkyo: Sends envoys to the Shrine of Creation for unity rituals, often clashing with Kiyomura.