In the lower places of the world, they are known as “Those Never Conquered”. The Ongoru call them “The Thorn in the Side”, while in the annals of history kept by the Kioku, they are named “Those with Two Eyes and Many”. From the insurmountable Takaikabe Mountains, the Ukigumo Clan earn their names and reputation with unyielding discipline. Combining marital excellence with spiritual devotion, they see themselves as the silent guardians of the land.
Since the first days of the clan, the practice of Takagari — falconry — has been central to their training, and the clan’s eyries are ever circled by birds on the wing. The bond between falconer and falcon is beyond the physical — a samurai’s winged companion is both an extension of their being and an expression of their spirit.
Most of the clan roosts deep within the Takaikabe Mountains, and will defend their holdfasts with vigilance. Outsiders are treated with suspicion, and anyone traveling unaccompanied will be challenged by the Talon – the clan’s elite sect of samurai. Yet, in the courts of Ikaiguchi, these same samurai are found across the lands. In the courts of daimyos, alongside hunters, scouts, and wayfinders, the Talon is valued for their expertise and their loyalty: above all else, they are ready to defend Ikaiguchi from any who threatens the current uneasy peace.
Philosophy and Hierachy
The practice of Takagari is held in high regard across Ikaiguchi. Once the sport of emperors, it is now the sole preserve of the Ukigumo Clan. At the Emperor’s decree, falcons and hawks are sacred, and it is forbidden for any to harm them. Any such animals that are found injured must be returned to an Ukigumo aerie at once, and the penalties for harming such birds are severe.
Every samurai of the clan is taught to raise their falcons from a chick. Throughout their training each is taught the practice of Takagari alongside the teachings of the blade. Their relationship with their birds will also dictate the fighting style a samurai will learn – the eagle, hawk or falcon.
Among the samurai of the Ukigumo, Arashi, Mistress of the Tempest, is offered particular reverence. She is the one god whose favor is sought by the Windcallers, who are able to harness the four winds and use their power for good or ill.
History and Background
The Ukigumo Clan began during the early days of the First Mitsuhide Period. Toko Mitsuhide was a devotee of Takagari, and as his reign began, he took steps to establish its practice within the imperial court. He sought the expertise of the Ukigumo family, minor nobles who held some land at the foot of the Takaikabe Mountains, renowned throughout Ikaiguchi for their skill at rearing and training birds of all kinds.
Emperor Toko invited members of the Ukigumo family to reside at his palace where they would be richly rewarded in return for imparting their knowledge. Soon they became invaluable to the emperor and his heirs and were a mainstay of the imperial court.
Such was their importance to the Mitsuhide dynasty, that the Ukigumo Clan rose in influence. Over the years their skills increased in demand as other prominent daimyos throughout the island desired to learn more about the Takagari and inveigle themselves within the imperial court. The future of the Ukigumo Clan looked bright – until the invasion of Jagun Khan.
When the War of Winter Blossoms broke out across Ikaiguchi, the Ukigumo Clan were forced to retreat back to their ancestral lands at the foot of the Takaikabe Mountains. As Jagun Khan tightened his fist on the island they sought sanctuary further north, living as outcasts and scrabbling to survive amidst the unforgiving peaks.
They might have perished but for the matriarch of the clan, Tsukiyama Ukigumo, who decided they should strike back from their mountain hideaway. She organized the clan into a fighting force, utilizing their skill at Takagari to scout out nearby lands before striking at the Ongoru in lightning raids. Jagun Khan tried many times to find this rebellious clan and bring them to heel but was unsuccessful.
So troublesome were the Ukigumo that eventually Jagun’s son launched a massive raid into the mountains. Even he could not defeat the clan, and was subjected to an embarrassing defeat at their hands.
When the war was finally over, the Ukigumo chose to remain in the mountain holdfasts they had established. So effective were their falcons, that they struck a deal with the new emperor to establish aeries throughout Ikaiguchi, so that their birds could remain ever watchful over his lands.
Locations
The Ukigumo thrive under the protection of the impassable Northern Takaikabe Mountains.
Their villages and towns are interconnected with miles of rope that act as ziplines, constantly ferrying goods and people between them.
Ukigumo eyries are dotted throughout Ikaiguchi, making them one of the most widespread and versatile clans.