The Clans

There are Nine Clans of Diasminion, each with its own unique role in society, and with its own "Gift". These Gifts, or abilities, have origins in the distant  history of the Continent and its people. No one is quite sure of how a Clan passes its ability on to new generations, or why a member of one Clan cannot learn to use the Gift of another. Within any given Clan, individual talent in the use of the Gift varies. The following is an overview of the Clans and their societal roles.

The Upper Echelons

Empirian- 1st Order- The Rulers. Empirians control every aspect of the government, and hold positions ranging from Emperor to the lowliest of small-town magistrates. The Clan holds to its own standards of right and wrong. Perfection within their Code is of utmost importance. Without the proper looks, poise, etiquette, and family, an Empiriran may well find himself settling disputes over broken fences in some unknown cattle-town. As the ruling Clan and highest Order, Empirirans enjoy a lavish lifestyle. The Gift of this Clan is the ability to subvert others to their will. 

The Night's Herald- 2nd Order- the Clergy. Night's Herald hold all religious positions in Diasminion. Qian Ra has but one major religion, though practices may vary. It is their role as the "mouthpieces" of the gods that casts them in such high esteem. The Clan has no political or financial power. Night's Herald have but one major goal: to reach "Holy Death"- that is, to be admitted to Elysium upon the end of one's life, rather than be reborn. The Clan's ability is often referred to as "Soul Walking"- casting one's soul to another of the Nine Planes of Existence while the body remains behind.

GelbFaust- 3rd Order- the Money Makers. The GelbFaust are the businessmen, the managers, the stockbrokers and entrepreneurs. Everything from the most powerful multi-national corporations to the tiny corner store are owned and run by this Clan. Like the Empirians, they enjoy the finer things in life- all the comforts money can buy. However, unlike the First Order, there are some GelbFaust to be found among the financial middle-class. Of the Upper Clans, this is the least strict in matters of behavior, keeping to the idea: "All's fair in love and business". The Gift of this Clan is, put simply, Luck. With enough concentration, a GelbFaust can stack the odds in his or her favor.

The Middle Echelons

Angemal- 4th Order- the Military. Angemal are the most feared and distrusted among the Clans- and not without reason. Their long history of violence and unpredictability hasn't made them any friends among the others. This, however, doesn't seem to bother the 4th Order in the least. The Angemal follow a strict Code of Honor, applicable only to their Clan. They care little for the others, looking down upon them all as undisciplined and weak. In society, this Clan serves as the military, police force, the secret service and security. Some are hired assassins or mercenaries. The Gift of this Clan is Bloodlust- a frenzy which renders an Angemal nearly unstoppable.

Sabio- 5th Order- The Intelligencia. Clan Sabio are the scientists, mathematicians, and linguists of Diasminion. The Clan spends all of its energy on research- the pursuit of knowledge. They study both the physical and social sciences, looking to unlock truth and secrets. The Sabio are a loosely organized Clan; most of its members keep to themselves. Sabians tend to be proud of their intelligence, seeing other Clans as ignorant. Their Gift is the ability to calculate or take in information at a rapid rate.

Cordura- 6th Order- the Educators. The Cordura make up the entirety of Diasminion's teachers. They range from elementary school instructors all the way up to university professors. This Clan also instructs others in the use of the martial arts. All textbooks, articles, works of fiction, movies, music and TV programs are produced solely by this Clan. They also serve as artists when necessary. Art and music are not creative outlets for the people of Diasminion- rather, they are mass-produced forms of entertainment, or teaching tools. The Corduran Clan also has its own Code, like the Empirian and Angemal. Their Gift is a secret one- they are tapped into the energy of the world, and can manifest such energy as magic.

The Lower Echelons

Decameron- 7th Order- the Healers. The Decameron are a quiet and peaceful Clan, sworn to wander the continent healing the sick and wounded. They are deeply tied to nature- even those working in the city hospitals will retreat to the wilderness whenever they can. Due to their nature of servitude, they are looked upon the other Clans as "low". However, most Decameron care very little about this. Status means nothing to them; money and power unimportant. This Clan is able to communicate with the natural world- speaking to birds, trees, fish. The most gifted are even able to contact Elementals- beings from other Planes who occasionally visit Qian Ra.

Pantagruel- 8th Order- the Laborers. The Pantagruel are a Clan of workers. Famed for their massive size, they fill the positions of iron workers, warehouse employees, dockworkers, and a variety of other blue collar employment. Easily the least intelligent of the Clans, the Eight Order tends to be a rowdy, jovial bunch. Sadly, in recent years, drug use has become epidemic among its younger members. This Clan has the power to summon super-human strength.

Dauern- 9th Order- the Slaves. The Dauern live only to serve their masters in the ruling Clans. They perform only the most menial tasks- often dangerous or disgusting. Young women are required to work in the sex trade, stripping and bartending in brothels known as "Firehouses". When a Dauern has ceased to be useful, shows any anti-social traits, or becomes ill, he or she is "Taken"- removed from society for use in experiments, or as medical spare parts. This fact is not publicized, and the majority of Diasminion's citizens know nothing of the fate of the Ninth Order. While the Clan is rumored to have no Gift, they do, in fact, possess one. Theirs is a mental power- ability to move objects, read others thoughts, etc. Due to lack of general knowledge, and the inability to gather, the Clan has a very loose grasp of this talent.