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Taking inspiration from ancient Japan and royal families, The Dynasty is an Empire-themed pack set deep within the principals of Union, Peace and Prosperity. Ruled by the Fujiwara Family, wolves who enter this domain enter for a fresh start in life – whether it's to better themselves in some way or seek redemption for their past lives – and taking part of the rich culture and history that the Dynasty has been built on for centuries.

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Leadership: Izumi (Kōgō), Gekirin (Daikomon)
Colors: #8B54A9 & #92B3FF
Desired Territory: Queen's Rest (Westmoor Wakes)

About The Family

The Fujiwara Clan are an ancient Imperial family of Japanese-speaking wolves who all trace a common ancestor back to Ryu – the clan’s founding Emperor who’s said to have been the vessel of Ryūjin - god of the sea. The clan was primarily known for their Ecological Intelligence, Storytelling, and general Pacifism. They held great knowledge of the plants and animals that surrounded their homeland and a healthy curiosity for those that weren't.

The clan sought to take great care of the gardens and wisteria that decorated their lands, which was the reason as to why the territory was often surrounded by flourishing plant life and towering trees. They believed the forests of wisteria held the souls of those who have passed on, and regularly tended to them as a way of honoring the dead.

It appears to be a genetically dominant gene in the family to have monochromatic coloring like greys, blacks and whites. Although those within the bloodline can most certainly vary from this.

Core Values

I. Union; our differences are bound to draw us apart on our worst days, but as a pack against a world driven to tear us apart, we can only find strength as one.

II. Peace; as wolves, our instincts to draw blood before we think are undeniably strong, but true strength is only ever found in self control. We must not give in to needless violence and try to solve our problems with a level head and a light heart.

III. Prosperity; before all else, we must have pride and trust in the lands we call our home and the wolves we call our family. To keep the ways of the dynasty in your heart; whether you call it your home, or if you decide it is not. That is the only way the Dynasty will prosper.

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Culture, Religion, and Beliefs

Religion

The Fujiwara clan were largely polytheistic – carrying a belief in multiple Kami (gods) and the existence of Yōkai, which is a broad term that refers to a wide variety of ghosts, monsters, spirits and supernatural entities. Historically, the vast majority of the clan reserved their worship for the sea god Ryujin, as it is believed that he was the one who blessed the first emperor with land and the power to free his people from slavery. While it wasn’t (and still isn’t) an enforced religion and considered folklore more than anything, there are still members of the original clan who worship Ryujin and carry a healthy fear/curiosity for the existence of the spiritual realm beyond theirs.

Wisteria

The clan believed that the Fujiwara trees  ( or wisteria trees, in common tongue) acted as pathways for the souls of the dead to make passage towards the afterlife, in addition to protecting those who lived amongst them from evil spirits, entities, and demons. Since ancient times, they’ve symbolized immortality within the clan.

The Story Of Ryu Fujiwara

He was a man of no name.

None but a nameless slave working under a cruel lord. Working in order to keep his wife and son fed, and his fellow clans people safe from the poverty and famine that plagued their lands. Whereas the lord of the lands did not.

Many-a-times, the man foresaw a better future for both his people and his family under a new rule and a more fruitful land, though what was he other than a footstool to a lord? For he could not even look him in the eye, lest he wish to be slain for challenging his authority. An uprising was what he declared too many times before, only to receive little support out of fear that the lord's mercenaries would have them slain.

One night, the nameless man took it upon himself to try to steal from the palace during the dead of night, in hopes that his loot would feed his family that winter – yet the angry lord caught on to his treachery and followed him home. The mistake caused him to be ripped from his child and wife’s arms, being dragged by the scruff from his home and into whatever fate his master would decide of him. Yet the lord did not kill him outright. No, he dumped the weak, emaciated man’s body into the ocean for the sea monsters to take him.

Separated from loved ones, with nothing but a piece of driftwood to keep him afloat, the nameless man slowly began to accept his fate, his failures, and the aching death of hunger he’d condemned his family and people to by being caught. Yet on the edge of life itself, the sea around him began to rumble. Out from the blue waters of the barren sea came a powerful, serpentine body of scales that shadowed the airs around him and hissed with a monstrous ferocity. Eyeing the wolf that floated just above his palace.

“Who dares to enter my domain?”

Howled Ryūjin, dragon god of the sea.

And though the sight of the great sea deity made his own bones quake, the nameless man was desperate as his body withered away. He had nothing left to lose.

“Oh, great deity of the sea. Help my people, for I am unfit to do so....” croaked the nameless man

And Ryūjin’s rage only simmered on, because how dare a mere mortal give him orders?

The sea god could have eaten him right then and there – yet he could see the nameless man’s soul. It was pure. Rid of greed of his belongings. Many who encountered Ryūjin lusted after much more and even sought after his jewels. Yet the nameless man’s desires were as true as his heart. Yes – the deity could see that much. So with an intimidatingly toothy grin, the sea god let out a predatory laugh from the bowels of his lungs.

“Very well. I will grant you your wish, while you will make a fine vessel for me.”

And their bodies would merge.

The nameless man cried out in agony as he felt the vessel of his soul become occupied by another. The drift wood beneath his paws grew exponentially, and formed into an island that flooded with life and trees of pale lilac. He was no longer a man of no name, but Ryu – as he felt in his very soul. And Ryu would use this new found strength of his to return to the very cliffs he was thrown from – using the power vested upon him to slay the lord and his mercenaries, and guide his family and people back to the land.

A new era of peace and prosperity would reign under a new ruler, his wife, and his heir. On the island of flowering wisteria, a new Emperor was born.

Ryu Fujiwara; First ruler of the dynasty and vessel of Ryujin.

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Ranking System

"Monarchy"

Lead figureheads of the dynasty who are in charge of the pack and their wellbeing.

Ten’nō (天皇) - The Emperor of the Dynasty; a title either given by inheritance rights or through marriage with the Empress. Equal in power to their spouse, their word is law.

Kōgō (皇后) - The Empress of the Dynasty; a title either given by inheritance rights or through marriage with the Emperor. Equal in power to their spouse, their word is law.

Daikomon (大顧問) - The Grand Councilor. Second in command within the Dynasty/right hand of the emperor and empress. They aid in helping oversee the pack and are in charge in the absence of the Emperor and Empress.

"Imperial Family"

Members of the Fujiwara family or those who’ve married into the family. They play a role in representing the family during celebrations or pack gatherings and carry blood rights to the throne if something were to happen to the heir. Members can be married into the family.

Kōkei-sha (1) (後継) - The crowned heir to the throne after the death, disappearance, or retirement of the dynasty’s rulers. 1st in line for the throne. Usually reserved for a son or daughter of the Emperor and Empress, but can be taken by another family member if they fail to produce a child.

Ōji( ∞ ) (王子) - Prince; son of the lead pair

Hime ( ∞ ) (姫) - Princess; daughter of the lead pair

Joō (2) (女王) - King and/or Queen. Honorary title. 2nd in line for the throne

Kōshaku (2) (公爵) - Duke/Duchess; Honorary title. 3rd in line for the throne.

Shishaku (2) (子爵)  - Viscount/Viscountess; Honorary title. 4th in line for the throne

Hakushaku(2) (伯爵) -" Baron/Baroness; Honorary title. 5th in line for throne.

"Nobility"

Not belonging to direct Fujiwaraian descent, but are honored among the dynasty itself for their skill sets and achievements, and have thus achieved the title of nobles among the pack.

Kizoku ( ∞ ) (貴族) -  Lord/Lady; Honorary title.

Suke ( ∞ ) (助) - "Lady-in-Waitng" or "Gentleman-in-Waiting". Wolves that act as direct assistants and guides to the Emperor, Empress, Prince and Princesses. They are tasked mostly with teaching young heirs and guiding them to become royalty one day, along with guiding their assigned leader. Each is assigned one and usually sticks with them for life.

Kannushi (2) (神主) - The Pack's Priests/Priestess. They act as counselors, peacemakers, and spiritual leaders – In charge of keeping peace between members and aiding in pack conflicts. They are also in charge of lifting the spirits of others through difficult times and hosting ceremonies such as weddings, celebrations, ect.

Chiryōchō (2) (治療長) - The chief medic/doctor of the pack. Often called on by the imperial family to tend to births or other ailments.

Shuryōchō (2) (狩猟長) - Lead hunters. In charge of keeping track of food caches, locating new hunting locations, and keeping leadership up to date on any food shortages.

"Military"

The Sword and shield of the pack. The protect the Dynasty from threats and enforce law and order within their ranks.

Shōgun (将軍) - The war general. Leader of the military who trains those below him and prepares them for battle when necessary.

Samurai (武士) - Royal guard of Leadership and the Imperial family. Though in charge of protecting the pack like other warriors, they have proven themselves capable enough in the eyes of leadership to protect the family and thus kept closely towards the bloodline. Each family member is assigned a samurai.

Rōnin (浪人) - Voyaging soldiers. Spend the majority of their time scouting outside the pack in search of potential threats.

Ashigaru* (足軽) - Foot soldiers; warriors who make up the bulk of the Dynasty’s military, mostly those who are beginner mercenaries.

"Villagers"

These members are the heart and soul of the pack. Those of adult age have the choice to strive for a specific field to contribute towards the pack in their own way, becoming eligible for promotion in the future.

Ite* (射手)  - Hunters

Kankoshi* (看護師) - Medics

Saishū-sha*  (採集者)  - Herbalists

Shugi-sha* (主義者) - Spiritualists

Ensō-sha* (演奏者) - Entertainers

Seshin (精神)  - Trusted subordinates of the pack without

Jōchō (上長) - Elderly subordinates; 9+ years old

Tsubomi (蕾) - "Flower bud" - The pups/children of the pack. 0-11 months old and will be promoted to Seshin at the age of 1 year.

The Academy

For villagers who seek work and wish to hone their skills in a trade,  the academy is the place for them. Those working towards a trade are immediately placed in one of the three branches that represent the balance of the spirit: Heart, soul, tooth, and claw. Based on their chosen trade, they are regularly sent out on missions, made to participate in events, and given tasks to further hone their skills within the dynasty. They have the opportunity for rank promotion as they progress. Ranks with a star(*) next to them are members of the academy.

Ha To Tsume

To use one's might and strength in order to protect and provide for their pack. Members of this division work on their Hunter, Warrior, and Scouting skills.

Tamashī

To put one’s care into uplifting the souls which surround them and entertaining the idea of what lies beyond. Members of this division work on their Visionary and Entertainment skills.

Shinzō

To use one’s empathy and passion to care for the wolves and earth around them. Members of this division work on their Medic and Ecologist skills

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Traditions and Ceremonies

Shunbun: Spring Solstice (April)

Shunbun is a week-long celebration of the wisteria blossoms in full bloom, marking a season of renewal and prosperity within the dynasty. Wolves from within the clan and allied packs, decorate their pelts with wisteria petals, sing songs of their ancestors, and tell stories and tales of spirits and gods alike. A grand feast is held, too, where a variety of food and delicacies from different packs are shared while others become drunk on fermented berries and contagious laughter. On the final day, the celebration concludes with the release of wisteria flowers into the sea. A way of blessing those who came before and wishing prosperity upon those who participate.

Aki no Kari: The Autumal Hunt (November)

Aki no Kari was meant to celebrate the gathering of both the clan and it's neighboring packs in celebration of the year nearing its end. In preparation for winter, large groups of hunters from each pack were gathered to hunt as much prey and berries as possible to show their yield to the rulers. The group with the most would be known as the "Season's champions" for that year – and the week of hunting would end in a feast, with some left over that would hopefully supply them for the winter.

Ai no Matsuri: Festival of love (Febuary)

Taking place for 7 nights, Ai no Matsuri is a match-making event meant to celebrate love, fertility, and eternal bonds. Traditionally, a wolf will present a gift, trinket, or similar treasure to another of their choosing underneath a wisteria tree – either as a way to confess their affections to a loved one, or further show their affections towards their significant other. This happens during the day. By night, there is a celebration full of dancing, drinking (which is really just eating fermented fruits and berries because wolves can’t open a bottle of wine.), and enjoying the company of your hopefully new significant other.

Wedding Ceremony

Weddings are sacred ceremonies of the joining of two souls. Traditionally, the two would confess their vows in the presence of a Kannushi (Priest/Priestess) while family and loved ones joined them. They seal their bond with a kiss, and are showered with cheers, gifts, and prayers of a long, prosperous marriage and many, many children.

Crowning Ceremony

The crowning of the next Dynasty’s ruler is traditionally done upon the island’s shores – where the waves meet the land beneath the watchful gaze of sea deity Ryujin. The entire pack gathers to witness the crowning of their new leader and their spouse (If they have one). They stand face to face with the retired dynasty’s leader’s, pledging to continue upholding the values of the dynasty, protect the wolves who inhabit it, and bring honor to the family. In the close presence of the sea deity himself, the blood of the founding ruler lives on through his descendants.

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Laws  of The Land

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I. “Everyone carries an obligation.”

The dynasty is a community of wolves who rely on one another. Everyone must play their part and put in work during times of need, for that is the only way the dynasty will thrive.

II. “Take pride in your earned status, but do not abuse it.”

No one is to use their rank as a means to belittle and discriminate against those within the dynasty.

III. “Approach with neutrality, unless proven otherwise.”

Strangers appearing at the border are to be approached with respect, yet suspicion.

IV. “Do not draw the blood of thy neighbor.”
Members of the pack are to only draw blood towards the enemy. Murder and violence against a member of the dynasty, no matter their rank, is strictly forbidden.

V. “The word of the crown is final.”
The Emperor and Empress’s word is law. Members are free to express questions or concerns during pack meetings, but blatant disrespect and undermining of authority will be met with punishment.

VI. “Authority exists to serve, not rule.”
While the word of leadership is law, corruption of leadership is just as bad as tyranny, as it puts the citizens of the dynasty in grave danger. Those of higher rankings are expected to follow the law like everyone else.

VII. “Worse than violence”
Rape, Sexual assault, forced marraige, or anything in relation to it is considered just as grave a crime as murder. Those who commit such face grave punishment.

VIII. “Respect the land which you tread on.”
The overharvesting, wastefulness or destruction of resources will not be tolerated, as the land beneath us is sacred and should be treated as such.

IX. “Protect the beginning and end of a life.”

Expecting mothers, children, and the elderly represent the beginning and ending of life; they are the most vulnerable of the clan, and therefore are to be protected and treated with respect and dignity at all costs

X. “Blessing of the crowned.”

To ensure all resources remain in order within the dynasty, those who wish to conceive children are to receive the blessing of the monarchy first.

Sub Territories

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Botanic Shores

On the edge of the seaside where sand meets the forest's edge is a flourishing field of painted flowers and berry bushes. The meadow is fragrant with the sweet scents of flowers and small fruit -- a good spot to visit for relaxation, or to gather different seasonal herbs and plants. Just be mindful of the occasional thorn bush.

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The Crag

Not every shore is met with sand, as this one seems to zigzag across the edge with eroded rock mounds, sculpted by the water that had been crashing against it for years. Several ledges are lined amongst this rocky shore, making it the perfect destination for stargazing or simply observing the ocean.

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Ryūjin's Maw

Enter the edge of the Island's cavern system and you will enter the jaws of the dragon king himself. Ryūjin's maw is a cove-like area surrounded by large walls of rock that circle outwards, cupping a secret piece of sea-side like an open roof cave. Many crabs dwell amongst these usually hidden shores, so watch your step if you don't want to get pinched!

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Saltine Springs

Surrounded by rock, a pool of heated ocean water lies dormant near the coast. Wolves may often come here to bathe/groom or simply relax. Whether it be inside the pool, or the surrounding area where the steam comes out its surface -- a nice place to warm up.

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Mt. Shizu

In the middle of the dense forests lies an inactive volcano that hasn't erupted in centuries. The only sound released from its height is the sound of smoke that exits its summit -- forever may she stand in quietness, which is what her name entails. (Shizukesa/静けさ = Silent)

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Rolling Hills

Within the forest lies a large, open plain of rolling hills -- where pink wildflowers give color amongst the green, herds of wild cattle graze and burrowing mammals linger. The area is a hunting hotspot, though it is safer to hunt larger mammals in groups. Male cattle are equipped with large horns and can be quite protective/aggressive when threatened.

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Siren's Rock

Siren's Rock is a collection of tide pools that become visible only when the tide goes down, revealing an ecosystem of all sorts of colorful critters and creepy crawlies. When the tide goes up, however, the stars of the show are the rocks themselves, which go out into the ocean in strange bridge-like formations.

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Densite

Deep within the recesses of the clan's territory stands a great stone face, carved solidly against a steep bluff overlooking the distant shoreline. As the eye travels down, stone gives way to an empty hollow at its base, providing a large, protected den site for the collective wolves of the Fujiwara clan. The walls of this cavern are so thick, it is easily capable of withstanding even the fiercest storm.
(Description by Karle)

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Everviolet Garden

Not far from the dens, only a few minutes' walk, lay a vibrant, sprawling garden decorated in elegant purple wisteria and an abundant array of wildflowers. The air surrounding this place is laced with the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine and lavender, with even a large stone for sunning oneself, making it a pleasant haven for all to come and rest within its comforting embrace.

A small bed containing a variety of medicinal herbs is also within easy access, being clearly well-tended to by the healers of the Clan. (Description by Karle)

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Stonecrest Pathway

Leading from the shores and into the decorated forest is a long stone path that acts as the entry point for the Island. No one knows how this intricately carved path came to be made by nature (as believed), but it has become a helpful route to get from point A to point B through the vastness of Queen's Rest.

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Hafuji

Located in the very center of the territory, Hafuji (Mother Wisteria) is the largest and, assumed to be, the oldest growing wisteria tree in the forest. It is treated with sacrality and said to carry most of the souls of those who have perished within the lands of Queen's Rest. Some say that you can hear the voices of those spirits whisper amongst themselves when you pass by at night….

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Heaven's Reach

On the edge of the Island's cavern system lies an open-roof cave with an underground pool surrounded by solid rock walls – and along the curved path of stone sits a lone Cherry Blossom tree that's life is supported by the waters below, the sunshine above and the strip of earth it sits on. It is unknown how the seed of the blossoming tree came to be in such a place, but it brings a sense of peace and beauty in an otherwise empty cavern.

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Serenity Lake

In opposition to the purple trees that dominate the lands of Queen's Rest, we have a lake surrounded by a gorgeous field of wild Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). The lake seems to sand peacefully still and decorated by their fallen petals – granting it with the name of Serenity. The sweet smells and romantic scenery is a popular destination for couples looking to be alone with each other.

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Amethyst Springs

Amethyst Springs is a freshwater hot spring (in contrast to Saltine springs) that lies on the inner parts of the territory. It is surrounded by woodland vegetation and an array of hanging vines and flowers. Just behind the falls, you will find a hidden opening beside the rock bed that leads to yet another cave opening towards the Island's caverns.

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Koi Pond

Hidden in the more obscure parts of the Island is a pond of large, painted carp named "Koi". The fish within these waters are forbidden to eat as they are considered a sign of luck/good fortune.

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Clearwater Falls

Just near the base of Mount Shizu and among the thick foliage, you will hear the roaring of waters crashing against rock and find a hidden waterfall. Clearwater Falls is just that – surrounded by colorful wisteria its beauty just might lure you in, yet these fast-moving rapids are considered dangerous. It is advised to enjoy the view of the waterfall with great caution.

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Mystic Streams

Calm, murky waters akin to a marsh lie here. Mystic streams buzzes with many different wildlife such as mother ducks who guide a line of hatchlings through the waters, dragonflies and butterflies shifting through the air with life, and (unfortunately) mosquitoes. Blooming lilies and floating chucks of moss can also be seen floating through these not-so clear waters.

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