FrivYeti/KathedraStructure

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Major Political Forces In Kathedra

The Gens

In the heady days of the Shogunate, over 400 Gens (major noble families) spread across Creation, each tied to a line of Dragon-Blooded heroes. Most Gens live primarily in a single province, with some spread across two or even three. The vast majority of Dragon-Blooded belong to one of the Gens, although a decent number of Outcaste still exist. Kathedra Province has seven major Gens active within its borders, three of whom are also active in other Provinces. As with most provinces, it also has a handful of representatives of other Gens, either individuals who left the service of a previous daimyo elsewhere, or the descendants of the same. Each Gens favours an element, but these are only rough guidelines; as a rule, about two-fifths of the memebrs of a given Gens will belong to its element, with the other four elements outnumbering them collectively.

• Gens Amilis (Water) - The smallest of the local Gens, Amilis actually stretches westwards as well as having presence in Kathedra. They are typically in favour of the Shogun, and support initiatives that draw provinces closer together. They have particular influence with the Ministries, although they have presence in the other branches of Shogunate society.
• Gens Joshai (Fire) - Currently the most powerful Gens in the province, due to Daimyo Okiran being of this line, the Joshai are a primarily military family, who scorn the "softer" path of the Ministries. They have a strong political presence, and tend to be canny tacticians who believe in using all weapons to deal with their enemies; those who believe them to be dumb because of their military bent are often very surprised.
• Gens Kobata (Air) - Known for ruthlessness and secrecy, Gens Kobata can trace their lineage back to long before the Shogunate's rise, and claims to be one of the first to join the rebellion against the Solar Anathema. They are avid investigators of Anathema rumours, but some note that they seem to be the ones most likely to 'discover' First Age techniques shortly afterwards.
• Gens Khoris (Wood) - Ambitious and proud, Gens Khoris was once the primary daimyo's line in the province, and it is little secret that they wouldn't mind taking the position again. Their members spread through every Ministry and Military, with the Gens leaders refusing to request focus, instead simply working to push their members, Exalted or not, to rise as far and as fast as they can. For now, Khoris is in a rough alliance with Kobata politically, but they have yet to cross the line from politics to conspiracy - that anyone knows of.
• Gens Lamar (Air)
• Gens Shusei (Earth) - Another military house, Shusei has gained much of its power by being a firm supporter of Gens Joshai, supporting them against any political manueverings by the other Gens. Some consider them lapdogs; they consider their Gens to be one where loyalty and truth remain valued above all else. Gens Shusei is also a devout Gens, with the largest portion of Immaculate Exalts of any of the Gens of Kathedra.
• Gens Taparan (Fire)

Organization: The Ministries

The Sagacious Scholars of Mela

• Department of Education: This department focuses on all education practices, as well as managing the province's libraries and archives.
• Department of Enlightenment: This department handles all affairs related to enlightened mortals, including managing mortal access to martial arts and thaumaturgy. It is led by Chairman Lamar Kaga.
• Department of Forbidden Secrets: This department covers the proper storage, disposal, and access to ancient or dangerous knowledge or magic.
• Department of Mortal Magics: This department manages all forms of thamaturgical knowledge, although not licensing, to their frustration.
• Department of Sorcerous Affairs: This department covers all licensing, study, and spread of sorcery and Exalted magic.

The Steadfast Arbiters of Hesiesh

• Department Of Defense: This department handles local guardhouses, and protects the citizenry from criminals.
• Department Of Investigation: This department investigates crimes and gathers evidence, crossing the province as necessary.
• Department Of The Legislature: This department handles interpretation and changes of laws, due to changing circumstances or the daimyo's requests.
• Department Of The Magistracy: This department processes crimes, determines sentencing, and handles civil legal challenges.